The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling

061 The Mount Rushmore of Animals in Wrestling

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 18:30:50 +0000

This week on The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling, we went full Steve Irwin (too soon?) Marlon Perkins (too late?) National Geographic (too litigious?) wildlife documentary.

From psychologically weaponized reptiles to beloved avian sidekicks, we built our definitive Mount Rushmore of actual non-human animals in wrestling history.

No Road Warrior Animal. No Dave "The Animal" Bautista. Not even Mr. Iguana.

Just real animals, real chaos, and real human emotion. About animals. Come sink your teeth into this episode!

SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS

Bobby Heenan's wildlife rant

Boogeyman’s scariest moments: WWE Top 10, Oct. 24, 2021 - YouTube

WWE Hall of Fame: Koko B. Ware

Frankie's FindAGrave

Koko B. Ware on Frankie's death

Jake the Snake Roberts and Damien

Jake The Snake Roberts on the Many Different Versions of Damien

Earthquake squashes Damien

Jake Roberts on Earthquake crushing Damien!

All of Eric's links on Matilda:

DEBUT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCAXFUIQcNo

HEENAN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtwrFx1OWQE

DOGNAP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfrkEBewv94

PLEA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HOnkI1Q9wU

UPDATE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lOqef0ekUc

UPDATE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-zrQTt_dfk

PROMO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XT_npqvWXc

PRESS CONF: https://youtu.be/HG75o0NZLgc?si=9_vQsJYjO1v72eh9&t=259

UECKER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP-zbOU7Erg

PROMO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdeDQqnSE9c

DOLL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkpugDOKc9c

A special feature on rats

* A gorilla and a weasel talking about rats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPlQebt9HAw

* Jim Cornette and Percy Pringle talking about rats at the Sportatorium: https://youtu.be/LMXTkDdjwig?si=mGV8oD5EEkDZrn1j&t=1545 (end at “ready to see rasslin’”)

WEBSITE, SOCIAL MEDIA & EMAIL

Website: https://themountrushmoreofwrestling.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/123rushmore

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/123rushmore

X: https://x.com/123rushmore

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@123Rushmore

Email: 123@themountrushmoreofwrestling.com

060 The Mount Rushmore of Wrestlers in Movies

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 05:45:43 +0000

When pro wrestling and Hollywood collide, the results can be… ugly. But when it works, it creates iconic characters, endlessly quotable lines, and moments that live forever in pop culture.

In this episode of The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling, Eric and Nate debate the four greatest movie performances by professional wrestlers—not just cameos, but roles that worked, mattered, and didn’t embarrass the business.

They also welcome Chris Owens, the foremost Andre the Giant historian, for an all-time deep dive into The Princess Bride, Andre’s physical limitations, and why Fezzik might be the most important crossover role a wrestler has ever had.

Do YOU have time to bleed? Of course not! But do you have time to listen? We certainly hope so.

The Big Debates

What separates a great wrestler in a movie from a great movie performance?
Do cameos count—or should they be disqualified entirely?
Which performances helped wrestling… and which hurt it?

As always, the arguments are passionate, informed, and very loud.

059 The Mount Rushmore of John Cena (Part 2)

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:00:56 +0000

The Doctors of Podanomics are back to wrap up their convo on the Mount Rushmore of John Cena! What match did Eric try sneaking up the side of his mountain? How did Nate take the news? Which of Cena's possibly greatest all-time opponents gets a nod, and which match does Eric think is Cena's greatest of all time? You can't see us, but you can hear us, so listen up, fools!

BOB COOK GOFUNDME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-cooker-bob-cook-recover

SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS

FULL MATCH: Randy Orton vs. John Cena | WWE Title WWE Iron Man Match: Bragging Rights 2009

058 The Mount Rushmore of John Cena (Part One)

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 20:30:49 +0000

His time is up, but our time is NOW! Time, that is, for Nate and Eric to discuss the Mount Rushmore of John Cena. Over his 23-year WWE career, yes, he's had his ups and downs in the ring--and with the crowd--but the ups were HUGE, and we're here to discuss them. Which matches were not just high quality, but high drama, high stakes, high crowd involvement, and probably even surprised us in some way? These are the matches that might make the cynical fan think, "I didn't know he had it in him!" Well guess what: He did, and we can see them. This is a two-parter leading up to John Cena's last match vs. GUNTHER at Saturday Night's Main Event on Dec. 13; enjoy this episode and keep an eye out for part two.

***

BOB COOK GOFUNDME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-cooker-bob-cook-recover

***

SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS:

CM Punk - WWE Raw 06-27-11 Epic Promo Pipebomb

The Rock and John Cena agree to meet at WrestleMania 28: WWE Raw

"F You Cena, You Can't Wrestle, Boo Yay Boo Yay": https://www.peacocktv.com/watch/playback/vod/GMO_00000000375171_01/65b3abd2-ea3b-3119-a358-7c145de2260a

057 The Mount Rushmore of Tag Team Matches

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 10:00:41 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving! Your two favorite turkeys talk about the most amazing two on two matches--some might call tag team matches--in pro wrestling history. The context, the drama, the players, the historical significance, the matches we still talk about today because they're the standard bearers of the sub-genre of tag team wrestling within the genre-genre of professional wrestling. For whom would you need to overseas to watch their best matches? Or have ordered a low-buyrate pay-per-view? Or been alive 70-plus years ago? Or been a smelly ROH fan 18 years ago? (Hey, we were both that.) Tag, you're in--listen and find out!

SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS:

From the New York Times itself: https://www.nytimes.com/1957/11/20/archives/wrestling-ends-in-riot-at-garden-2-policemen-hurt-as-fans-storm.html

Future friend of the show Javier Ojst writes this: https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/1957-msg-riot/

Toshiaki Kawada & Akira Taue (THE HOLY DEMON ARMY) vs. Mitsuharu Misawa & Kenta Kobashi (June 9, 1995): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2OLvGT5ROU

El Hijo del Santo & Octagon vs. Eddy Guerrero & Love Machine Art Barr: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=603U_62GeSg

No Mercy 2002: Tag Team Championship Promo - YouTube

FULL MATCH: Briscoes vs Kevin Steen & El Generico LADDER WAR! 9/15/2007 ROH Man UP | Hidden Classics

Manami Toyota & Toshiyo Yamada vs. Mayumi Ozaki & Dynamite Kansai 2/3 Falls Match (AJW 11/26/92) match

056 The Mount Rushmore of Referees

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:00:45 +0000

(Don't forget to rate and review our show, wherever you get our show!)

Ah, the pro wrestling referee. Often vilified, rarely vindicated, frequently blamed for not catching the heel wrestlers cheat... but in reality, the unsung heroes--the heartbeat--of professional wrestling. If it weren't for the referee, how would wrestlers know to throw an opponent out of the ring and mug for the hard camera right before a commercial break? Who would throw up the "X" when a wrestler breaks his ankle? Even more, who would ask a wrestler if they want to submit, count them out of the ring, disqualify them for breaking the rules, or count a wrestler's shoulders to the mat--1, 2, 3? Referees play an important role in the drama of a wrestling match. But who were the best of the best? Which referees were trusted with the money-drawing main events? Who were on our television sets for years if not decades due to their skills? Who created their own memorable moments or trademarks? (Or who infringed on trademarks and sold knockoff T-shirts in the parking lot?) Nate and Eric count down their Mount Rushmores of Referees... make a clean break and listen!

***

SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS:

When Earl Hebner Fought Back!

The Rock & Earl Hebner Vs DX Part 1 - SMACKDOWN!

Tony Schiavone accuses Referee Nick Patrick of being in the NWO! 1996 (WCW)

Nick Patrick On Being The nWo Heel Referee

The greatest run in WrestleMania history

Charles Robinson: WWE's GOAT Referee On Brutal Bumps, His Viral Ramp Run, Iconic Matches, John Cena

Red Shoe Unno Diaries

Jim Cornette on Tommy Young: https://youtu.be/vtVG7ulUMdo?si=Sookunvxvopy6JE-&t=95

Arn Anderson on Tommy Young: https://youtu.be/NBT57Kv_uBk?si=OQjXcpZiAwky2vgi&t=31

Ric Flair on Tommy Young: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DwKVUmO6Tw

Shawn Michaels paying tribute to Earl Hebner: https://youtu.be/TTArBJAVZog?si=sELvKXvw5F5uqYQl&t=230

Bret Hart on Earl… oops! https://youtu.be/U9ob-BZnhBQ?si=sSpJI4lEvsGam8XB&t=4309

Steve Austin on if Earl Hebner should go into the Hall of Fame: https://youtu.be/JiUTwJP-7mE?si=u28X9gNg_cyALs2F&t=19

055 The Mount Rushmore of Scariest Wrestlers

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 09:00:03 +0000

Hello, boys and ghouls! (Not sure any ghouls listen to this show.) It's Halloween, so Eric tricked Nate into giving you listeners this treat: It's the Mount Rushmore of Scariest Wrestlers! But as psychotic, blood-thirsty, and stark-raving mad as these wrestlers were, our guests this week are anything but:

Barbara Goodish, none other than the wife of Bruiser Brody, joins us to talk about her beloved husband.
Brian R. Solomon, author of "Blood and Fire," talks about that book's subject matter, The Sheik.
Evan Ginzburg, associate producer of "The Wrestler" and "350 Days," joins us to reminisce about Ox Baker.
Tony Richards, all-around historian and host of the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel, talks "The Madman from the Sudan," Abdullah the Butcher.

If Nate and Eric didn't already scare you out of your pants, these guests will. Tuuuuuuune iiiinnnnnn.... if you dare!!!!!!!!!!! Muahahahahahaha!!!!

SHOW NOTES:

"Brody" by Barbara Goodish: https://amzn.to/3LCLy1h

"Blood and Fire" by Brian R. Solomon: https://amzn.to/4nz8z2F

"Irresistible Force" by Brian R. Solomon: https://amzn.to/43MT5km

"Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets" by Evan Ginzburg: https://amzn.to/3LemZI0

Tony Richards' Substack - "Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel" - https://tonyrichards4.substack.com/

Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyRichards

054 The Mount Rushmore of Road Trip Buddies

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:30:27 +0000

Before first-class flights, before tour buses, and before chartered planes, professional wrestlers spent hours and hours traveling miles and miles on the road. What would it have been like to be a passenger in those cars? Listening to guys rebook the territory... passing them cans of beer... getting pulled over and the boys being recognized by the cops who suddenly mark out and want to get pictures with their favorite wrestlers... who would make the best road trip buddies in pro wrestling? Nate and Eric discuss, so let us take the wheel while you listen in!

Order "Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon" by Brian R. Solomon: https://amzn.to/3WT8fAI

SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS

Steve Austin Shoots on Dallas Page - YouTube

The Very Best Of Bobby The Brain Heeenan Wrestling Commentary Gold #WWF #WCW

Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov host a tea party with Sheamus in England: Raw, Nov. 8, 2010

Santino Marella On Mispronouncing Names, Stone Cold, The Cobra, Comedy Wrestling, TNA

Sting joins the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2016: Raw, January 11, 2016

Jim Cornette at Dairy Queen: https://youtu.be/qVZAa1kxngw?si=Hk_voOzuFN4DIChg&t=80

Cornette and Percy Pringle 1: https://youtu.be/o7Cg1N4AMFw?si=V8FYlpHwyAtbPn9b&t=223

Cornette and Percy Pringle 2: https://youtu.be/kzMe_6UUod8?si=2-4iGKZn5mtULP0S&t=267

JBL tells road stories about him and Ron Simmons: https://youtu.be/R__wy1Z2IF0?si=htCK_CELlBhZj9bu&t=30

Brian R. Solomon Talks "Irresistible Force," Gorilla Monsoon

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 09:00:32 +0000

In this episode of The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling, Eric and Nate welcome author and wrestling historian Brian R. Solomon—former WWF Magazine and WWE.com writer, current journalist, and host of Shut Up and Wrestle. Brian joins the show to discuss his new book, Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon, a definitive look at one of wrestling’s most respected figures inside and outside the ring.

From Gorilla’s unexpected path from the squared circle to the commentary booth, to the stunning revelation that he was once earmarked to take over the WWF from Vince McMahon Sr., Brian shares his deep research, interviews, and personal insights into what made Gorilla Monsoon both a giant in stature and a giant in legacy.

The conversation explores:

Brian’s lifelong love of writing and wrestling
How WrestleMania III sparked his fandom
The lost archives of 1960s wrestling footage and how historians preserve the past
What might have happened if Gorilla had inherited the company
The making of Irresistible Force and the surprising “gorilla-isms” appendix fans demanded

Brian also opens up about what didn’t make the book—including Gorilla’s old-school values and a telling story from a party at Hulk Hogan’s house.

Listen for: Brian's Mount Rushmore of wrestling play-by-play announcers, the secret side of Gorilla Monsoon, and the enduring art of telling wrestling’s greatest stories.

Get Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4oeNhIs

Follow Brian R. Solomon:

🎧 Shut Up and Wrestle podcast — wherever you get your podcasts
💬 Twitter / Instagram: @BrianRSolomon
💻 Patreon: patreon.com/shutupandwrestle

053 The Mount Rushmore of Play-by-Play Announcers

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:00:25 +0000

Pro wrestling’s play-by-play announcers have shaped how we remember the biggest matches and wildest moments, turning our absurd fascination into lasting memories. From thunderous calls to smooth credibility to down-home honesty, these voices were the soundtrack of wrestling history.

On this episode of The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling, Eric and Nate ask: Who belongs on the ultimate monument of play-by-play announcers? Which voices defined eras, elevated stars, and connected fans to the action like no one else? And which near-misses and honorable mentions sparked the fiercest debate? Listen in!

SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS

Jim Ross' Greatest Calls: "Shaking Hands With Satan Himself!"

Jim Ross Being A National Treasure For 25 Minutes Straight

Heenan Tributes Monsoon

Gorilla Monsoon & Bobby Heenan: Laughing Compilation

Lance Russell Tribute 1926-2017

Gordon Solie: WWE Hall of Fame Video Package [Class of 2008]

Ric Flair on Solie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOz2Q9f8r1w

Kevin Sullivan on Solie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FsrGELy9AM

Best of Lance Russell Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTS3JDUwzD0&list=PLrceIZkpzcEtdd-LRQj_NyQV_dGG0a4G5

Jim Cornette and Jerry Lawler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWfwiiQ7eNw

Tons of Joey Styles links:

Shane Douglas: https://youtu.be/6cyPCx80e98?si=7tEyXIo9u-IaW5wf&t=87 to 4:55, kinda long

RVD: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qZPhkPeXm5U

Stevie Richards: https://youtu.be/lKsXHPJI1E4?si=RVN2QEoN-gXa6QGe&t=11

Jim Ross: https://youtu.be/i-yTV81EfOM?si=jlkxVjM5S57G91DR&t=103 to 2:12

"One Night Stand" intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deqJCOsqjqU

052 The Mount Rushmore of Underutilized Wrestlers

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 09:00:08 +0000

IMPORTANT NOTE: In this episode, I (Eric) was struggling to think of another way of saying a wrestler was being held down in terms of booking, and, like an idiot, I made a “put a knee on his neck” reference. I swear there was something else on my mind, but I couldn’t think of it, like a body part on another body part. And in my haste and confusion, I said it again. And as I was saying it, I felt 10 times stupider. I really do apologize for making that reference. I think the real-life scenario was absolutely awful, and I’m dumb for using it as an analogy for anything, let alone on this show.

Isn't it frustrating to see a pro wrestler on your screen who you know has the whole package: they can wrestle, they can talk, they don't look like a schlub, and they clearly want to grab that brass ring... but the front office keeps yoinking it away. When the gap between ability and booking is too hard to overcome, you've got an underutilized wrestler, and that's what Nate and Eric discuss in this episode. Who are the shoulda woulda couldas of pro wrestling--the ones who were around but not used as well or as much as they should have been? Who had more than just potential but *proof* that they could go, but they weren't allowed? Listen in and find out!

SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS

Larry Zbyszko on Lord Steven Regal in WCW

Arn Anderson On Why William Regal Ranks In His Top Ten

RVD on Bam Bam Bigelow

The perfect Mr. Perfect Tribute Video

Jim Cornette on If The Great Muta Could Have Been A Babyface World Champion

Shane Douglas on Why Great Muta is so Respected

051 The Mount Rushmore of Our Personal Interactions

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 09:00:03 +0000

When you're a huge, dorky, nerdy wrestling fan like Nate and Eric, you often end up where the wrestlers are. In this episode, the guys remember their favorite interactions with professional wrestlers over the years. At the arenas, conventions, halls of fame, airports, parking lots... even over the phone? Listen in for some incredible, ridiculous brushes with pro wrestling greatness.

ALSO:

"The Tecmo Bowl" documentary lawsuit has been dropped, and the trailer is back up and live on YouTube! Watch Nate superkick a steel chair into Eric's face, among other Tecmo footage, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAaVt4Waceo

SHOW NOTES:

Bruiser Brody vs Bulldog Bob Brown Feud. 1986

IPW - Woodward Academy Highlights - Nov 15, 2014

Eric's "artistic success and financial failure" only show he's ever promoted: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-HMdFFqQAw&list=PLidcTPhAYcQuyKTEyW4yQZMp_fXQwu8c3&pp=gAQB

The Mount Rushmore of Our Summer Vacations

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 09:00:55 +0000

We're back! We're here, we're finally not too tired to record, and we're chatting about what we did during our eight-or-so-week hiatus this summer. What kept Nate and Eric busy? Who reached out wondering if we were OK? And what's coming in the near (and a little farther out) future with the boys and the show? Stay tuned!

SHOW NOTES

Public Access Wrestling, our basement wrestling league from high school: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCqAUynM2is

"The Tecmo Bowl" documentary IMDB listing: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15366926/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1

Eric's silly commercial for his copywriting book: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ericdnelsonin_what-did-i-do-oh-yeah-i-wrote-a-book-activity-7357026928911900672-K6iH?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAPx49cBslTS-ggU2qoPdbIifARrs6eZFGY

Tragos/Thesz Hall of Fame: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeTragosLouTheszProWrestlingHallOfFame/

050 The Mount Rushmore of Pyro

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 09:00:58 +0000

Get ready for a blazing conversation as this week's episode sparks an explosive debate: Who belongs on the Mount Rushmore of Pyro in pro wrestling? From fireballs to fireworks, we’re breaking down the entrances that lit up arenas—and left lasting impressions. We’re talking fiery finishes, iconic eruptions, and the flames that fueled larger-than-life characters. Whether you're into hellfire, spark curtains, or smoke-breathing spectacles, this one brings the heat. Tune in for bold picks, hot takes, and maybe a few sick burns along the way.

SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS

Baptista: https://youtu.be/fWaCzY5xf8A?si=aWA3O7twdB_jm33k&t=242

A fan sneaks backstage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeTMkRKqmkw

Duane Gill "Gillberg" entrance on RAW 1/11/1999 - YouTube

That's gotta be... that's gotta be KANE! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASmdxXaOzd4

Kane New entrance 2012 - YouTube

Kane's Pyro Scared Coach Out Of His Chair YouTube

The Brood's Gothic Entrance

The Brood Entrance Was DANGEROUS

Gangrel Explains The Brood’s EPIC Entrance

Bill Goldberg's Greatest entrance - YouTube

Batista's Epic Entrance on RAW (Oct. 6, 2008) - YouTube

Edge returns at the Royal Rumble 2020: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrLt2KGRMPs

Edge uses all the pyro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GFVJHCF0UQ

Edge's WrestleMania 24 entrance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRDZCg69lj8

Booker T's best entrance (of thousands): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuSMA0fxVNw

049 The Mount Rushmore of the King of the Ring

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 09:00:25 +0000

Not all heroes wear capes, not all kings wear crowns—and in pro wrestling, some don’t even want them. This week, Eric and Nate climb the royal mountain to name their Mount Rushmore of the King of the Ring. Who used the tournament to launch a legendary career? Who embraced the gimmick and ruled with an iron fist? And who just beat a few guys and vanished into the midcard wilderness? We’re breaking down which winners truly wore the crown—and which ones just kept the cape warm.

We’re talking tournament performances, character transformations, long-term booking impact, and that promo that changed wrestling forever. All hail the kings—just maybe not Mabel. (R.I.P.)

Got your own picks? Hit us up and let us know who you’d crown.

SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS

Owen Hart makes history: King of the Ring 1994 - YouTube
The reign of King Booker: WWE Playlist
King Booker Was Hilariously Entertaining - YouTube
Who remembers KING BOOKAAAAHHH? https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BLOiRBQIplo
Is King Booker the greatest king ever? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIGyYwLzjks
Bret Hart vs. Bam Bam Bigelow: King of the Ring 1993 - YouTube
Remind me, what did Austin 3:16 say? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjWPoQWdmjg

048 The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling Father Figures

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 09:00:46 +0000

In honor of Father's Day, Nate Merz takes the reins and dedicates an episode to the hardest working guys in the profession, Wrestling Father Figures. Who gave their "kids" the best opportunities? The most daddy issues? And whose legacy still lives on even after a ladder match for custody of a child and the identity of the real father is still up in the air? Forget Maury Povich, because Nate Merz is about to show you who's your daddy--give it a listen!

SHOW NOTES

Cricket Sounds - Crickets Chirping at Night - Nature Sounds for Sleep & Relaxation - 11 Hours

Shrek (2001) - I’m All Alone

“IM YOUR PAPI”! #wwe #reymysterio #eddieguerrero #youtubeshorts #dominikmysterio #smackdown

Dominik Mysterio wishes he was Eddie Guerrero's son

Is Eddie Guerrero Dominik Mysterio’s Real Father?

Kane & Paul Bearer Take A DNA Test Is He The Biological Father Of Kane? 5/18/98

Mr.McMahon’s Illegitimate Son Is Revealed (Shocking) RAW Sep 10,2007

The day Finlay tried to sell Hornswoggle in the Philippines.

Torrie Wilson On The Al Wilson Storyline

Ladies and gentlemen: Al Wilson!!! (AKA "LOOK AT AL! LOOK AT DAWN!")

SmackDown!: Al Wilson's Funeral - 2003

047 The Mount Rushmore of Amateurs Who Turned Pro

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Some of the most accomplished amateur wrestlers of all time never step into the pro wrestling ring. Some do, and it's not pretty. Some of the highest achieving professional wrestlers would be tied into knots by a state high school amateur champ. So when a successful amateur wrestler transitions to pro wrestling and finds success there, too, it's special. Nate and Eric discuss the best of those success stories: Whose move to the pros seemed seamless? Whose amateur stardom grew tenfold through pro wrestling? Who supplemented medals and trophies with championship belts and the greenbacks, the moolah, the money that comes with them?

And check this out: None other than Mr. Gerald Brisco joins the guys to discuss what he looks for while scouting amateurs that will benefit them in the pros, why he feels he and his brother, Jack, did so well in the squared circle, and he even gives his Mount Rushmore of Amateurs Who Turned Pro! While Mr. Brisco is on the line, he gives his top four reasons for attending the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in Waterloo, Iowa, and he shares some fun stories and episodes from his podcast, "Stories With Brisco and Bradshaw." You won't find many more educated opinions on the topic than Mr. Gerald Brisco himself!

National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Waterloo: https://nwhof.org/national-wrestling-hall-of-fame-dan-gable-museum/pro_wrestling/awards/George_Tragos_and_Lou_Thesz_Professional_Wrestling_Inductee

George Tragos/Lou Thesz Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeTragosLouTheszProWrestlingHallOfFame

Stories With Brisco and Bradshaw (on Apple Podcasts): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-with-brisco-and-bradshaw/id1557108431

LINKS AND SPOILERS:

Bruce Prichard on Jack Brisco: https://youtu.be/eQd9xNkV1q4?si=syj-JVRcWshY0hAv&t=55

Jim Ross on Jack Brisco: https://youtu.be/Bd10E2biZsc?si=84GEShu_956t90Ee&t=170

Dr. Mike Lano on Jack Brisco: https://youtu.be/vkAhXGFVPQw?si=hVCPK_bfU_Ipyz0C&t=509

Dave Meltzer's Jack Brisco obituary: https://www.f4wonline.com/news/other-wrestling/dave-meltzer-life-and-times-jack-brisco-320661/

Kurt Angle on pro wrestling clicking: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cf3RfwAjjSg

Kurt Angle on giving AND taking in the ring: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JYqwCvNsXkA

Undertaker on Kurt Angle: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zzoYJQz_BhQ

Stone Cold Steve Austin on Kurt Angle: https://youtu.be/cDsqSHq4oUg?si=u8QgZnSOBA-jgtaZ&t=4543

Kurt Angle Gets Mad At The Stone Cold Steve Austin What Chant Stop It Im A Olympic Gold Medalist

Paul Heyman presents a Brock Lesnar career retrospective: Raw, Feb. 18, 2019

Insane Bob Backlund Promo

046 The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling Academics

Thu, 29 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

It's the end of the school year! Besides burgers and bonfires, graduation parties and gift cards, there's no better way to celebrate than debating and deciding the Mount Rushmore of Wrestling Academics! Which teachers, professors, doctors, and geniuses made the cut? And why? Why on Earth did wrestling promoters keep putting these "go away heat" characters on serviceable wrestlers and let their careers fester and tank? Or were they really smarter than we all thought, because we're still talking about them today? Get smart and find out!

Portland Wrestling: 100 Years of Excellence with Matthew Merz

Thu, 22 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

You read that right: There's another Merz out there who loves professional wrestling! Matthew Merz (no relation) is a historian in the Portland wrestling scene, and he stopped by to talk to Nate Merz (still no relation) and Eric Nelson (never was a relation, as far as we know, dun dun DUNNNN) about his upcoming documentary, "Portland Wrestling: 100 Years of Excellence." They chat about what's really the century-plus history of wrestling in that area, the names that came through the territory, and what legacy the group left behind (and the chances of a resurrection?). Plus, Matthew, who knows more about the area than Nate and Eric combined, offers his Mount Rushmore of Portland Wrestling, both a more modern collection and a historical take. This wraps up the boys' dive into the Pacific Northwest, but follow what Matthew is up to at https://www.facebook.com/PortlandWrestling and https://www.youtube.com/@RingOfFireProWrestling

045 The Mount Rushmore of Sabu

Thu, 15 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Folks, it's a bummer when you hear that a wrestler you loved in your formative years (or your rebellious, blood 'n' guts-lovin' years) has passed away, and that was the feeling when we heard that Sabu--the suicidal, homicidal, genocidal, death-defying sultan of hardcore--died on May 11, 2025, at the too-young age of 60. Nate and Eric are here to celebrate the scars, the blood, the flips, the violence, and the passion of Sabu. Not one to be messed with, Sabu did things on his own terms, both in and out of the ring, all the way to the end. Here are the matches that brought the boys plenty of joy--masochists, maybe, but it's what Sabu came to do: kick ass, decimate his own body, and entertain us with his love for the business. #RIPSabu

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS

Sabu & The Sheik vs. Atsushi Onita & Tarzan Goto (FMW): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vi5V6pANJw

Post-match promos - Sabu vs. Cactus Jack (ECW Hostile City Showdown 1994): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZpcgnbUR1I

Rob Van Dam & Sabu vs. Hayabusa vs. Jinsei Shinzaki (ECW Heat Wave 1998): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAhspD5QG5k&pp=ygUYc2FidSBydmQgamluc2VpIGhheWFidXNh

Sabu vs. 2 Cold Scorpio (ECW Cyberslam 1996): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xo390-n6JQ&pp=ygUVc2FidSB0b28gY29sZCBzY29ycGlv

Sabu vs. Terry Funk (ECW Born to Be Wired): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qu5sixZ0ApQ

Raven on Sabu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTDVilFVeEI

For fun... Sabu vs. Scott Taylor, WWF dark match: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RQLNzf3Q2U

More fun... Sabu vs. Mr. JL (Jerry Lynn) (WCW Halloween Havoc 1995): https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xvknux

044 The Mount Rushmore of Portland Wrestling

Fri, 09 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

(Pardon the couple of "warts and all" moments in the audio--they aren't too bad!) Inspired by the recent "Dark Side of the Ring" episode on Billy Jack Haynes, Nate and Eric dug into the history of Pacific Northwest Wrestling to determine the Mount Rushmore of Portland Wrestling. This might be the most underrated territory in pro wrestling history, with a litany--a SLEW, if you will--of stars past and present making their way through the area, all showing off their incredible wrestling, promo, and ticket-selling talent. That's not possible without the vision of highly respected promoter Don Owen, so who leveraged that spotlight the best? Who had the longevity, the impact, the best matches, the hottest feuds, and drew the most money in the Portland territory? Listen in and find out!

SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS BELOW

George Schire talks about Portland promoter Don Owen

Savage: PBS documentary Re: '70s Portland Wrestling (Part 1)

Dutch Savage: 16 Time Portland Wrestling Champ

Playboy Buddy Rose Heel Turn Portland Wrestling 7/14/84

Roddy Piper breaks a beer bottle on his head!!

Roddy Piper wants Buddy Rose's hair!!

A Portland Wrestling Prelude

Thu, 08 May 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Hey folks, Nate is on assignment, and Eric can't stay up until 1 a.m. editing audio for you tractor-based 5-in-the-morning listeners (who we greatly appreciate), so here's a brief rationale on why discussing the Mount Rushmore of Portland Wrestling is worth your time later this week. Inspired by the recent "Dark Side of the Ring" episode on Billy Jack Haynes ("It's Billy Jerk Haynes." "For the record, it is Billy Jack Haynes."), Nate and Eric plan their deep dive into the Portland territory and have some deep cuts to share with you... as soon as Eric gets a good night (fans)'s sleep and Nate returns from his trip to Botswana to find the Apocalypse.

043 The Mount Rushmore of Memphis Wrestling

Thu, 01 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

From the blood-soaked Mondays at the Mid-South Coliseum to the slap heard ’round the world on Letterman, Memphis wrestling isn’t just a territory—it’s a mythos. This week, Eric and Nate dive deep into the smoky arenas and wild promos of one of the most influential regions in wrestling history as they ask: Who belongs on the Mount Rushmore of Memphis Wrestling? Who were the kings? The wild cards? The greatest faces, heels, and foils?

Along the way, we explore why Memphis became the heartbeat of Southern wrestling, the real-life impact of Southern segregation, the chaos of a Hollywood invasion, and how Memphis shaped—and sometimes scarred—future legends like Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, The Rock, and Kurt Angle.

To earn a place on this mountain, we’re judging each candidate by their:

Cultural impact on the city of Memphis
Longevity and consistency in the territory
Main event status and box office draw
Contribution to the territory’s style and identity
Historical significance in wrestling
The wild card factor – a lasting legacy that outweighs a shorter run

We also dig into:

How Memphis wrestling became woven into the city's fabric
Why one man's story belongs in American history books
The rise of several pro wrestlers as local institutions
The chaos, creativity, and career-launching power of the territory and its brilliant promoters.

Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the magic of Memphis, this episode is a love letter to one of wrestling's most storied chapters.

Rate, review, and tell us your picks for the Mount Rushmore of Memphis Wrestling. Just be warned: if you leave out the wrong King, we’re sending Jimmy Hart after you with a megaphone.

SHOW NOTES INCLUDING SPOILERS

Classic Memphis Lawler Turns Heel Interview Wrestling 1979

Jerry Lawler vs Ric Flair (NWA Heavyweight Title Match) Part 2 - The Hustle

Jerry Lawler Slaps Andy Kaufman | Letterman - YouTube

Jim Cornette, Jerry Lawler discuss Lance Russell's legacy

Funny! Jimmy Hart Shoots Straight with Jimmy Kent, Gets Nailed (1981) Memphis Wrestling

Tales From The Territories Memphis Where Wrestling Was Real

042 The Mount Rushmore of Best First Years

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Can you believe it? This week marks the show's one-year anniversary! Nate and Eric are too stubborn to quit, so to celebrate, the guys debate and decide the Mount Rushmore of Best First Years. Which future pro wrestling superstars were rocketed off the launch pad but truly earned their stripes over their first 12 months? Through their in-ring skills, character development, promo ability (or, in some cases, ability to work around their lack of promo ability), charisma, and animal magnetism, who made the biggest impacts on the sport in their first years? Put on your party hats, listen in, and find out!

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SPOILERS AND SHOW NOTES BELOW...

***

Something to check out for funsies: https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/PWI_Rookie_of_the_Year

Something else to check out for funsies: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Wrestling_Observer_Newsletter_awards#Rookie_of_the_Year

The Next Big Thing debuts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPdETJuYYBE

FULL MATCH - Kurt Angle makes his WWE debut: Survivor Series 1999 - YouTube

Kurt Angle | Best Moments - YouTube

Kurt Angle talks about memorial day - YouTube

Goldberg makes his WCW debut: WCW Monday Nitro, Sept. 22, 1997

Goldberg vs. Hollywood Hogan - WCW Championship Match: Nitro, July 6, 1998 - YouTube

Sheamus' WWE Debut - YouTube

FULL SEGMENT - The Rock and Ronda Rousey confront The Authority: WrestleMania 31 (WWE Network)

Ronda Rousey makes her big WWE entrance at the Royal Rumble | ESPN - YouTube

041 The Mount Rushmore of WrestleMania Opening Matches

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +0000

If fast-forwarding through every WrestleMania on Peacock to get to the main event isn't your cup of tea, Nate and Eric have a less daunting task this week: We debate the Mount Rushmore of WrestleMania Opening Matches! Which ones set the tone for the rest of the night? Which ones (almost) stole the show? Which ones set their winners up for future superstar success? And at what point did the opening match go from a beacon of mediocrity to a critical kickoff for a major event? Listen in and see if you agree!

Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart (WrestleMania X): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsY_MaBuzeY

Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero (WrestleMania 21): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7TPGbW8v1s

Daniel Bryan vs. Triple H (WrestleMania XXX): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dq3EJB4Nc1g

Randy Orton RKOs everyone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW4e8fOqm0M

Edge spears everyone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INejT3Z8eTw

Jeff Hardy takes crazy to new heights with a leg drop off the top of a ladder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFQSafpWDGE

Bret Hart vs Owen Hart Was Incredible

Ross Hart on brothers Bret vs Owen at WrestleMania X

AJ Styles sounds off on Shane McMahon: SmackDown LIVE, March 14, 2017

AJ Styles On Shane McMahon

Eric's Mount Rushmore of Bob Uecker at WrestleMania

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +0000

With Nate on assignment, Eric takes over as only he can: By reviewing the greatest moments of WWE Hall of Famer and star of WrestleMania III and IV, Mr. Baseball himself, Bob Uecker! The bumbling ball player turned beloved actor and funnyman had some absolute classic moments at two canonical WrestleManias, and Eric shares his faves in this quick episode. Stay tuned for a full episode with Eric and Nate later this week!

040 The Mount Rushmore of WrestleMania Main Events

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 05:40:00 +0000

Heads up: This one's a beast that you might want to spend the weekend with :) Sorta like Eric and Nate in high school!

We're deep in the heart of WrestleMania season! And while this year's WWE WrestleMania 41 is sure to create some moments and memories, the show has a 40-year history, where some of the biggest names in pro wrestling and entertainment have led the charge, headlined the card, and main-evented the show. So now, Nate and Eric debate: Throughout all those years, which matches make it onto the Mount Rushmore of WrestleMania Main Events? The most star power, best angles, the highest quality matches, the biggest impact, the highest significance--including in pro wrestling and pop culture... the guys discuss it all. Tune in and listen!

Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant (WrestleMania III): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz8q5ZjboXY

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania XIV): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTArBJAVZog

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock (WrestleMania X-Seven - Highlights): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr164KGbBGA

Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels - Streak vs. Career (WrestleMania XXVI): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNBCF7AKJGA

Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes (WrestleMania XL Night Two - Highlights): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7NcPAnnxDk

Jack Tunney presents Hogan with trophy... (WWF 1987) - YouTube

Special Piper's Pit w/Andre the Giant, Hulk Hogan Interrupts - Superstars 1/24/87 - YouTube

Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant WrestleMania III WWE' Official Clip | Andre The Giant | HBO - YouTube

Kevin Nash describes the moment he knew WWE would defeat WCW: Broken Skull Sessions sneak peek

Tyson and Austin brawl on Raw: WWE Raw - YouTube

Promo Shawn Michaels career Vs Undertaker streak at Wrestlemania 26

The Undertaker agrees to face HBK at WrestleMania

Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus - World Heavyweight Championship Match: WrestleMania XXVIII

FULL SEGMENT: Daniel Bryan leads Occupy Raw: Raw, March 10, 2014

Daniel Bryan wins the WWE World Heavyweight Championship: WrestleMania 30

Eric's ridiculous spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1O6qOQGOThju_45eVwKyjEBBuX2z0aC3TE5aswuSxB1c/edit?usp=sharing

Monday Night Wars TV Ratings: https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/Monday_Night_Wars_Ratings

039 The Mount Rushmore of Ladder Matches

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

As Nate and Eric try to climb the ladder of podcast greatness, the guys debate which to put on the Mount Rushmore of Ladder Matches. And why? The quality of the matches? The quality of the angle going into it? The impact and the legacy coming out of it? The nostalgia? The chaos? The innovation? Yes! Your next step: Listen to this episode!

Edge & Christian vs. The Hardy Boyz: https://youtu.be/z19pPxAqNok?si=wn943tixWreElYpy

The next night on Raw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdtium2Ulro

Chris Benoit vs. Chris Jericho (Royal Rumble 2001): https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xz78qt

Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho (No Mercy 2008): https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x61p421

Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon watch their historic WrestleMania X Ladder Match: WWE Playback - YouTube

Wrestlemania 16 Triangle Ladder Match Part 3

FULL MATCH - NXT North American Championship Ladder Match: NXT TakeOver: New Orleans - YouTube

FULL MATCH - WWE Tag Team Title Triple Threat Ladder Match: WWE TLC 2015

038 The Mount Rushmore of Interview Segments

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

WEEEE LOOOOVE YOOOOOU! Nate and Eric debate the show within the show... the "talk" of the town... the greatest interview segments in professional wrestling television history. With the right host and the right guest, big things can happen. Angles. Memories. Iconic moments. Which hosts were the best--could talk a blue streak, could antagonize, and could make moments happen? Which interviews turned into heated encounters that turned into major feuds and key matches on massive cards? And out of all options... is there a GOAT? AND: Did the guys bring guests on this week? You won't believe who shows up to discuss their picks. Listen up and find out!

The Funeral Parlor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIJc1AfRxZo

The Brother Love Show - Inspiration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP4LTiicka8&t=1312s

The Brother Love Show - The Pitch: https://youtu.be/RP4LTiicka8?si=sPLVVg2035mHaujL&t=1825

Rogers’ Corner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF_z_1UuVs0

Piper's Pit with Frankie Williams: Championship Wrestling

Piper's Pit with Andre the Giant - YouTube

Piper's Pit with Rocky Johnson and Tony Atlas; Jimmy Snuka vs. Mike Powers. WWF, April 1984. - YouTube

"The Ringmaster" is Introduced by Ted DiBiase on "The Brother Love Show" (WWF Raw January 8th, 1996) - YouTube

Brutus Beefcake on Interviewing Andre the Giant on The Barbershop

Booker T appears on "Miz TV": Raw, Sept. 17, 2012

The Miz insults Rey Mysterio on "Miz TV": SmackDown LIVE, Oct. 23, 2018

"Miz TV" presents the first-annual "Mizzies": Raw, July 10, 2017

Brock Lesnar wreaks havoc on "Miz TV": Raw, Aug. 7, 2017

037 The Mount Rushmore of Enhancement Talent

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Since no one can make Nate and Eric look good, the boys spend this week discussing the wrestlers whose job was to make other wrestlers look good: It's the Mount Rushmore of Enhancement Talent! What does it take to make it onto this Mount Rushmore when your role isn't to draw money, win matches, talk people into the building, or in any way steal the spotlight? Not only do Nate and Eric provide their picks and the criteria behind them... they speak to legendary WCW star-maker Bob Cook about his history in this position and what it takes to put someone else over. Find Mr. Cook on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/evellegend - and Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bob.cook.750/ - to know what the Cooker is up to.

Vote in Mount Madness 2025! http://tinyurl.com/mountmadness202532

Follow the Mount Madness 2025 Bracket! https://challonge.com/mountmadness2025

Dutch Mantel on Bob Cook: https://youtu.be/YYGGMODuQps?si=qXPBtosgDvs76nFs&t=5

Brooklyn Brawler on being a jobber: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3CH5NJQ8xw

Barry Horowitz hates the term "jobber": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRf2abPUh9s

WOW, he hates the term "jobber: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXAz71zkssk

Horowitz wins! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xyt67OuO3jw

Bobby Heenan Debuts Brooklyn Brawler Steve Lombardi

Brooklyn Brawler's 33-Year WWE Career, The Term "Jobber", The Rock's First Match, Beating Triple H

Barry Horowitz upsets a cocky Skip to pick up his first WWE

Jake The Snake Roberts on Iron Mike Sharpe

"Bob Cook was one of the BEST Wrestlers I ever saw!"

Mount Madness! The Mount Rushmore of Mount Rushmores

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 05:00:00 +0000

To some, it's March Madness... to us, it's MOUNT MADNESS! Yes, Nate and I have been doing this show long enough to fill a 64-seed bracket with our choices for the Mount Rushmore of various pro wrestling topics... and now, the choice is up to YOU! Yes, go to https://tinyurl.com/mountmadness2025 and vote for who had the better picks on all of our Mount Rushmore episodes. Eric and Nate will tally the votes and keep you apprised of tournament progress on the next few episodes, as well as at https://challonge.com/mountmadness2025 -- and once we hit the Final Four, we'll have a Mount Rushmore of Mount Rushmores!

Where can you vote? https://tinyurl.com/mountmadness2025

Where can you watch the tournament progress? https://challonge.com/mountmadness2025

036 The Mount Rushmore of Heel Turns

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Pro wrestling is, at its heart, a drama. A morality play. The battle of good versus evil. But what happens when good TURNS evil?! In light of John Cena kicking Cody Rhodes--and, in the process, all of us--square in the holy frijoles, Nate and Eric discuss the Mount Rushmore of Heel Turns. Who broke our hearts? Who stomped on our vitamins? Who made our wishes um, come not true? Who made it onto "The Daily Show" with Jon Stewart? Who told us where we could stick the enema hose? Who shattered a friendship AND a barbershop window? It would be an act of cowardism not to listen.

Plus: The guys are joined by Chris Owens--Andre the Giant historian, memorabilia collector, and associate producer of the HBO documentary "Andre the Giant: Even Bigger Than You Imagined"--to discuss the character and business impact of Andre's heel turn. (Spoiler: It was even bigger than you imagined.)

John Cena, The Rock Attack Cody Rhodes! | Elimination Chamber 2025 | WWE Highlights | Peacock

Hulk Hogan forms The nWo with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash: WCW Bash at the Beach 1996

Hulk Hogan s Hulkamania Workout Set

List This! - Legends of the Fall No. 2: HBK goes solo

Bret Hart turns Heel - Raw after Wrestlemania 13 & Trashes his American Fans! (Part 1)

Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant's WrestleMania III Contract Signing

Hulk Hogan (turns on WCW): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttsQxI8SwD0

Bret Hart (turns on Steve Austin): https://youtu.be/P9pbp6gnsbc?si=rsNGoND0tqBUYdu1&t=3203

Frustrated isn't the gosh darn word for it... this is horse pucky! https://youtu.be/TrhwQ2zq_ec?si=tKjvqYKcYMVCgHNB

John Cena (turns on Cody Rhodes) as told on "The Daily Show": https://youtu.be/OeUZI5RnYGg?si=4Dvr4BrjtmuHpstS&t=307

035 The Mount Rushmore of Should-Be WWE Hall of Famers

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 06:30:00 +0000

WWE superstar...legend...icon...hall of famer. These labels have applied to the likes of Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and the Bushwhackers. But some notable names have been left out of the WWE Hall of Fame. Nate and Eric debate the Mount Rushmore of Should-Be WWE Hall of Famers: Whose careers are undeniably hall of fame worthy? Whose contributions make them invaluable to the legacy of professional wrestling? And who should be carrying Frankie back to the air fryer? Also, the guys are joined by Evan Ginzburg, associate producer for the Oscar-nominated movie "The Wrestler" and author of "Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets," who makes a case for one conspicuously absent should-be hall of famer. Want to know more? Listen in to find out!

Evan Ginzburg links:

"Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets" by Evan Ginzburg: https://www.amazon.com/Wrestling-Rings-Blackboards-Movie-Sets/dp/B0DSB64D2V

Pro Wrestling Stories: https://prowrestlingstories.com/

Ivan Koloff not being in the WWE Hall of Fame: https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/ivan-koloff-wwe-hall-of-fame/

The night IT happened: https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/bruno-sammartino-ivan-koloff/

Show links:

Demolition:

Lawsuit discussion: https://www.youtube.com/live/hdasqq-CTOw?si=jZwl6xfKRZfCJuY3&t=14 (to 1:57)

From Bill Eadie: https://youtu.be/cgjfGHV2heU?si=mxOksPGGPJn4g3lC&t=5 (to 1:09)

From Barry Darsow: https://youtu.be/MRcGgT81eHI?si=J9HFVGRdEfHhnamh (to :22)

From Demolition at a fan convention: https://youtu.be/UtonUESOFmw?si=yks0K5TBmPqdJqJh&t=136

And that classic theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aS1Xfb6ckE

Sid:

His entrance into MSG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lo8iOOU_5Io

His title win: https://youtu.be/-znAfRnJ2hw?si=yHezY5k3FdtDqi_6&t=332

Cyndi Lauper:

"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun": https://youtu.be/PIb6AZdTr-A?si=fveNnhS0mrUnBClc&t=49 (be number 1.5 billion and one!)

The Best Entrance Themes Of Jim Johnston's WWE Career

Breaking down D-Generation X’s entrance music: WWE Behind the Theme

Electrifying The Rock’s entrance music: WWE Behind the Theme

The Real Story Behind D'Lo Brown's Theme Music

WWF Sid Justice smashes the Barber Shop

Sid’s greatest moments: WWE Top 10, Aug. 29, 2024

OH HEY, JIM CORNETTE HAS A LIVE MIC!

Should Miss Elizabeth Be in the WWE Hall of Fame

034 The Mount Rushmore of Color Commentators

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 07:00:00 +0000

The voices of our childhood... heck, the voices of our adulthood... the voices you'd hear every Saturday, or Sunday, or Monday, or Friday... the voices you'd hear on USA, or TNN, or TBS, or TNT, or your local affiliate after breakfast on Saturday... and the voices who brought the psychology of being a wrestler or a manager or a chicken$#!+. Nate and Eric discuss the greatest color commentators in pro wrestling history. Who was trusted to sit along the top play-by-play guys in the promotion--sometimes even the owner of the company? Whose comedy timing was impeccable? Whose wit could match anyone spontaneously? Whose understanding of pro wrestling psychology could enhance moves in the ring, matches on the card, and storylines on the roster? Who was compatible with anyone you sat them next to and not just do a serviceable job but elevate the role, the team, and the broadcast as a whole? And did Nate and I go 4 for 4 for the first time ever? Listen up and find out!

The Very Best Of Bobby The Brain Heeenan Wrestling Commentary Gold #WWF #WCW

TOP 25 QUOTES BY BOBBY HEENAN (of 51) | A-Z Quotes

WWE Retro - Gorilla Monsoon has no comeback from Jesse Ventura at Survivor Series 1989.

Jesse The Body Ventura and Gorilla Monsoon being brilliant in WWF commentary

WWF | Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler being the Funniest Commentary Duo Alive for 3 Mins

Jim Ross On Jim Cornette As A Commentator - YouTube

Mil Mascaras battles the unpredictable Cactus Jack

033 The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling Love Stories

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Awwww, Nate and Eric are here to talk about looooove. Not theirs. No, in honor of Valentine's Day, the guys discuss the greatest love stories ever presented in professional wrestling. Which ones melted our hearts like fondue chocolate? Which ones warmed our cockles like a New York apartment radiator? Which ones helped our adolescent selves grow up faster than scramblevision? Well, you'll just have to crack open a bottle of Andre Extra Dry, put on your favorite terry cloth robe, get into a toasty bubble bath, and listen in!

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Randy Savage and Elizabeth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-4SP-ig8bM

Diamond Dallas Page and Kimberly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jz8Cwi5qr6w

Beth Phoenix and Santino Marella: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1ulJIdRTVw

Tommy Cairo, The Sandman, Woman, and Peaches: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5cMd13yljs

Mae Young announces her pregnancy with Mark Henry: SmackDown!, Jan. 27, 2000

Mae Young gives birth to a hand: RAW IS WAR, Feb. 28, 2000

Santino Marella talks about Beth Phoenix

When Santino Marella TEAMED UP with Beth Phoenix #wwe #wrestling #shorts

Beth Phoenix & Santino Marella recall their run as Glamarella: WWE Icons extra

The love story of Indi Hartwell and Dexter Lumis: WWE NXT, Sept. 14, 2021

Dexter Lumis SPEAKS as InDex Gets Married [UNEDITED] | WWE NXT 2.0 Highlights 9/14/21 | WWE on USA

Greatest love story NXT ever told: WWE Playlist

The Mount Rushmore of Valentine Sorts of Things

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Nate and Eric took the week off, but that doesn’t mean you should quit…thinking about your loved one! Be inspired by pro wrestling when you’re thinking about Valentine’s Day gifts: flowers, chocolates, diamonds, teddy bears, and more! Listen for a quick list of ideas that’s sure to melt your tag team partner’s heart, and then join us next week for the best of pro wrestling’s love stories! Also…the Love Brothers? Hey, they were once managed by a Fabulous Kangaroo! https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2011/06/23/newfoundlands-hartford-love-adored-at-home-hated-abroad/amp/

032 The Mount Rushmore of Royal Rumble Performances

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 06:30:00 +0000

We're back with another Royal Rumble-inspired episode: Nate and Eric discuss the greatest performances in Royal Rumble history! Who spent the most time in the Rumble? Who threw out the most people? Who won? Or whose elimination was a "wow" moment in the match? And who left the Royal Rumble better off than when they entered it? Listen up to see what we think of folks like Ric Flair, Bob Backlund, Diesel, Shawn Michaels, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Kane, Chris Benoit. Rey Mysterio, Chris Jericho, Edge, Brock Lesnar, and more!

Ric Flair discusses the 1992 Royal Rumble with Steve Austin: https://youtu.be/nvL8c5N-JOs?si=4cBQfyS_Ivq4IOrP&t=32

Shawn Michaels takes it all in 1996: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlBeQshE1R8

Kane takes out everyone from our childhood in 2001: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqxZZIerJcM

Gunther discusses almost winning the Rumble in 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpkOgKE0IiE

031 The Mount Rushmore of Royal Rumble Eliminations

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

It's January, which means it's Royal Rumble season! (You know, the show that happens in February this year.) With more than 1,000 to choose from, which Royal Rumble eliminations did Nate and Eric include in their Mount Rushmores? Which were most memorable? Which did the best job forwarding a storyline? Which made new stars or cemented the legacies of legends? And who whacked their way in and immediately got whacked out? Well, you'll just have to listen to find out! (Or read the names of the links below, but still listen.)

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1989: Hulk Hogan eliminates Randy Savage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fRCzuQH1mg

1992: Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair Eliminate Sid Justice: https://youtu.be/-XPi2RKYPX0?si=40K7THjDQUNDqu-P&t=3813

1997: Steve Austin Eliminates Bret Hart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hAu_k5q63U

2008: John Cena Eliminates Triple H: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgdefwyWwaQ

1995: Shawn Michaels Eliminates British Bulldog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhGKFkKFYDY

2005: Batista and John Cena take a tumble: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrRba9gn6os

2006: Rey Mysterio Eliminates Randy Orton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZQamxy7q2o

Rey Mysterio talks to Chris Van Vliet about winning the 2006 Royal Rumble: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GA6W0IaqXI

030 The Mount Rushmore of Debuts

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Nate and Eric are back in full force! Well, as full force as you can be on muscle relaxers and five hours of sleep. Nonetheless, it's a new year (relatively speaking, for two guys who took the holidays off from recording), so what better way to start the year than to explore pro wrestling's greatest debuts? From promos to matches, from anticipation to mind-blowing surprises, from slaps heard 'round the world to sit-down splashes that would make you quake, whose debuts did Eric and Nate debate and etch into their Mount Rushmores? Well, you're just gonna have to take a muscle relaxer (not medical advice) and listen!

***

"Kane told me!" - https://youtu.be/3i7YjtJfm5w?si=Y2aesdEuBBT3-tfs&t=72

"OH MY GOD! That's gotta be... that's gotta be..." - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cEgYyvblDc

"Welcome to Raw... is... Jericho!" https://youtu.be/DGsBRImD0po?si=JNkknqLFrf5WVy67&t=24

Jericho "wins" the world title: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqRPbh8uYkY

"Rrrrruthless... aggrrrression!" - https://youtu.be/eSJvnAzK174?si=cXxaUyaS7VYf2Bmx&t=33

UPW documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECB6zHgdCjk

"He fell flat on his fookin' arse!" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fahljd_0xjA

KO tells John Cena "NO" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZB4bfX_brQ

John from West Virginia makes his debut: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7j38VPhftQ

Championship True Crime: Lights Out on the Mini-Estrellas

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

This is Championship True Crime: Lights Out on the Mini-Estrellas.

It's June 28, 2009, and two of lucha libre's most celebrated Mini-Estrella wrestlers are celebrating after another successful show.

In fifteen hours, both will be dead. Their bodies will be discovered in Room 52 of a cheap hotel near Arena Mexico - victims of what police will call a fatal miscalculation. But to understand how Alberto and Alejandro Pérez Jiménez - known to wrestling fans as La Parkita and Espectrito II - met their end, we need to understand how they lived.

SOURCES:

SOUNDS:

Beautiful Melancholy Piano by Universfield -- https://freesound.org/s/773656/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

TRE-LOCO2.mp3 by sonipro -- https://freesound.org/s/51633/ -- License: Sampling+

Gavel - 1 strike with room reverb by odditonic -- https://freesound.org/s/187706/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Championship True Crime: The Dark Cloud Over Chief Don Eagle

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Welcome to a special edition of The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling. On occasion, we’ll present an episode of a series we’re calling Championship True Crime, where we dig into the scandals, the slander, the vehemence, the violence, the dangers, and sometimes even the deaths within the world of professional wrestling. This edition of Championship True Crime was inspired by one of Nate's horror stories from episode 22 and follows the dark cloud over Chief Don Eagle.

029 The Mount Rushmore of NWA/WCW Starrcade

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

This episode is the grandaddy of them all, and not just because it's two-hours-plus: Nate and Eric discuss the very, very best of the NWA and WCW Starrcade! And it's very, very easy to do, because there were four, maybe five, decent Starrcades. The guys also discuss the stinkers and the reasons why (not to spoil anything, but the reasons rhyme with "Shmaul Jones" and "Gimme Valiant.") Listen and find out which four of WCW's biggest show of the year didn't suck!

028 The Mount Rushmore of WCW Homegrown Talent

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

WCW often gets a bad rap--OK, a completely deserving rap--for taking advantage of the popularity of wrestlers from other companies and not creating its own superstars from scratch. But wait! What if there *were* some WCW homegrown talent? And what if Nate and Eric discuss that very topic and decide who should go on its Mount Rushmore? Looks like you came to the right podcast, buddy! Join the frivolity!

Sting Calls Out Ric Flair 1988

Sting's Squadron vs. The Dangerous Alliance - WarGames Match: WCW WrestleWar 1992 (WWE Network)

New WCW Champion Lex Luger - Promo [1991-07-21] - YouTube

DDP disguised as La Parka gets the Drop on Macho Man Randy Savage! 1997 (WCW)

Diamond Dallas Page rejects the New World Order's invitation: Nitro, January 13, 1997

Bill Goldberg's Greatest entrance - YouTube

Goldberg wins the WCW World Heavyweight Championship

Booker T defeats Scott Steiner for the WCW World

027 The Mount Rushmore of World TV Champions

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 06:05:00 +0000

Don't touch that dial, folks--Eric and Nate debate the greatest NWA and WCW World Television Champions of all time! Who was worthy of your TV time and attention? Who made the most of the psychology behind the rules of TV title matches? Who elevated the status of the belt above "just the third-rate singles title" in the company to a must-see championship? Tune in and find out!

ARN ANDERSON

Stealing the belt from poor old Dusty Rhodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llOlMQiot2I

Beating the Great Muta: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHtNaUcwDok

Talking about being the TV Champ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ck_KlsLaxVk

Bob Caudle talks to the champ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnE4oBNffhQ

TULLY BLANCHARD

The $10,000 Challenge: https://youtu.be/EZ9JHbvNmyA?si=o7DZ764r_OUAS-BW&t=116

"There goes the World Television Champion": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9X1OlahYMY

LORD STEVEN REGAL

He wants his bloody belt back from Ultimo Dragon, sunshine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSGsmdP3VPY

He's just beside himself! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD5mLwS48Ik&t=59s

STUNNING STEVE AUSTIN

Lady Blossom is more beautiful than Bobby Eaton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiA-XU1D0S0

Paul E. doesn't want to go in the cage above the ring: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6PTNOfJA0g

BOOKER T

Booker T mercifully takes the TV Title off Disco Inferno: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buwNyl91cN0

026 The Mount Rushmore of United States Champions

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

From sea to shining sea, Nate and Eric are here to discuss the greatest NWA and WCW United States Champions of all time. Who created the template for holding the title that made a wrestler the de facto number-one contender to the World Heavyweight Title? Whose reigns were the most memorable? The most impactful? Did the best job of holding up the middle of the top tier and the top of the middle tier on their capable shoulders? It's only right that the Mount Rushmore of Wrestling podcast, with Americana running through our loins, etches the official Mount Rushmore of United States Champions--check it out.

Ric Flair going nuts on Ricky Steamboat: https://youtu.be/kYPeLnYeMXE?si=PPJJsCTIeviF5OBh

Flair is still ready to mix it up with Steamboat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkNzg7VtueU

Flair is not only mixing it up with Steamboat, but he's calling out the fat chicks in the front row: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQnILt2o3y4

Lex Luger has everything a US Champ needs--especially intelligence: https://youtu.be/mOlpWKmGhXA?si=1IUlQ-xbM3Xl06pV

Lex Luger reacts to his greatest moments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsxQAFJYI6g

Nikita Koloff is disgusted by Magnum TA's mom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRHhQfnzKaw

Nikita unifies the US and National titles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GboYXkpkOyc

Rick Rude and the Dangerous Alliance prove nice guys finish last: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCo6x6Ln-i0

Rude and Madusa, um, cash in a favor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5o7vIKhDGc

Diamond Dallas Page becomes the hero we all need: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgp4mGl2VEg

025 The Mount Rushmore of Survivor Series Teams

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0000

It's the SUR-VIIIIII-VOR SER-IEEEEEES! Yep, Nate and Eric love this time of year. Turkey, stuffing, Nater Tot Casserole, and the nostalgia of the elimination matches from the Thanksgiving Day/Eve/-ish Spectacular known as the Survivor Series. The guys don't agree about much--in fact, they argue more than usual--so make sure you tune in and see which teams you agree with, which ones you scoff at, and think about who you'd include instead.

Rude's Brood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V5lTmwcJrw

Rude's Brood but a little Rougeau-ier: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSKqSyrMopA

Team Andre Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP9IMIM7HkU

Team WWF vs. Team Alliance Promo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy88uW_goLA

Team D-Xtreme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxDhe6nXJLM

The Mount Rushmore of Being Thankful For YOU

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Folks, a full new episode of The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling is coming Saturday! Until then, do like Nate and Eric: Enjoy your Thanksgiving, be safe, be good, and stay tuned!

024 The Mount Rushmore of WarGames

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 06:45:00 +0000

It's time for WARGAMES! Nate and Eric debate the best of this revolutionary match from the brain of Dusty Rhodes--from the rugged JCP days of 1987 to the return 30 years later in NXT to the elevation to the main WWE roster as we know it today. Who shed blood? Who broke their neck? Who won the coin toss? (Spoiler: It's almost always the heels.) Who submitted to an armbar? And which matches made the violent, chaotic, double-ring, double-cage WarGames a permanent fixture in our memories--and on our Mount Rushmore? Listen up and find out!

Videos from the show:

Dusty Rhodes creates WarGames: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4nAkhh6e9k

Jim Crockett, Jr. describes WarGames: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hSUYJT4P4c

Ominous WarGames promo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PbwsH256DM

Classic clips from the 1992 WarGames, including Sting chasing Madusa off the top of the cage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaF_H4dEPz8

The full 2019 men's WarGames match from NXT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idclcU9Y0wI

The full 2021 men's Team 2.0 vs. Team Black and Gold WarGames match from NXT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FrHVqtx4L0

023 The Mount Rushmore of Horror Stories, Part 2

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Yikes! It's part two of the chronicling of the greatest pro wrestling horror stories. Who died? Who almost died? Who got hurt a little? (Hint: It was Nate. And it was more than a little.) On the heels of what Nate thinks was our best episode, here's the second half of our Mount Rushmore of (yikes!) Horror Stories!

***

Vader, Sid, and Too Cold Scorpio shoot on the hotel incident:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsLOOVdxrBI

Stories of Owen Hart's fall from people who were there:

Teddy Long: https://youtu.be/IpkKjCKB1B0?si=kilQHvrcgPlKwISi&t=7

Godfather: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghDLWKeLwT8 (to 1:18)

Jimmy Korderas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkKDKOPUK4Q (to just past 4:00)

022 The Mount Rushmore of Horror Stories, Part 1

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0000

If you're looking for feel-good professional wrestling memories from Nate and Eric this week... you came to the wrong campfire. The guys share some of the horror stories from the folklore of our favorite sport--things that make us wonder why it's our favorite sport. That might be extreme, but so are these tales of violence, tragedy, and sometimes even worse.

Check out part one this week, and stay tuned for part two next week!

***

The Mass Transit Incident:

https://youtu.be/Bh49sdbyIf0?si=AP8Bge0efK4De_NW&t=93 (to 3:15)

https://youtu.be/fl4hrrV4qpk?si=fJOspxz7U-bfYI6f&t=158 (to 4:24)

https://youtu.be/fl4hrrV4qpk?si=qYbtwWHvbstS90Bc&t=333 (to 5:52)

https://youtu.be/3DySi226mck?si=R4GHhi3wvyatibFw&t=32 (to 1:07)

https://youtu.be/3DySi226mck?si=kGQNkvFo82MW4LiH&t=110 (to 2:15)

https://youtu.be/Bh49sdbyIf0?si=gqqZOA_WwkoDmbGw&t=218 (to 4:32)

https://youtu.be/zszRvTRG2pE?si=xqY_ykNkeqRm1ys4&t=56 (to 1:42)

https://youtu.be/zszRvTRG2pE?si=83c9M3hQzJD_CgYx&t=210 (to 4:15)

https://youtu.be/DmKlQ7tOxJw?si=JFWqwdELE-mWNazr&t=338 (to 6:37)

https://youtu.be/DmKlQ7tOxJw?si=ZZcNMqQAMHvhpHTy&t=446 (to 8:09)

https://youtu.be/DmKlQ7tOxJw?si=T8Zr_g7zJrH9RjFT&t=624 (to 10:34)

https://youtu.be/zszRvTRG2pE?si=9BAvG1eKfUnjJLQ2&t=369 (to 7:00)

Bow Wow Teriyaki:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz3X2ReBsJk&t=33s (to 2:38)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz3X2ReBsJk&t=314s (to “it’s so funny”)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCFaDjpQMNA

Gorgeous George vs. Chief Don Eagle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c65zKGbSVs

021 The Mount Rushmore of Halloween Havoc

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Oooooooooh! OOOOOOOOOOH! It's a haunted episode of the Mount Rushmore of Wrestling, where Nasty Nate and Evil Eric discuss the greatest editions of Halloween Havoc! Which shows made the best use of the company's roster--amazing matches, hot angles, and memorable moments? Which shows had quality production values, and which ones should be buried six feet under? And what of the new crop of Halloween Havocs on NXT? Oooooooooh, tuuuuuuune in and find out!

020 The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling Monsters

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0000

It's spoooooooky season! So Nate and Eric are celebrating by discussing pro wrestling's greatest monsters! But the guys didn't talk about their criteria beforehand, and "wrestling monsters" could mean literally anything... so this one has the likelihood of going completely off the rails. Rather than tease you with more of a write-up, just tune into this ghastly audio and get spooooooked for yourself!

Purple Haze/Kevin Sullivan

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x14xcd7

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPOudt53l04

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paG1FsOZUGs

Yeti

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScmU67uwZGc

Mantaur

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY8Bd9vNVbU

The Boogeyman

https://youtu.be/KlLpY_xd_Jk?si=XJehuOrZ_w83-rgr&t=32

https://youtu.be/dtN1lKpsnu4?si=IdGgC-1Igv3_4VFJ&t=180

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2vJN3st5T4

From Nate's List:

Zeus’ career highlights: WWE Playlist

NO HOLDS BARRED Clip - "Bar Fight" (1989) Tommy "Tiny" Lister

Vader Entrance Video

The Monstrous Kane makes a shocking WWE Debut - Happy 20th Anniversary!

Kane shows off his immense strength by lifting Big Show over-the-top-rope: Royal Rumble 2002

WWE Monday Night Raw Vickie Guerrero Quits

019 The Mount Rushmore of Powerslams

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +0000

What makes a powerslam truly great? Is it raw strength, technical execution, or the ability to make audiences believe? Nate and Eric break down the criteria, debating the merits of classic powerslams versus innovative variations, and the boys explore the evolution of this iconic move across different eras of wrestling. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, you'll gain a new appreciation for the art and impact of the powerslam. Join us as we slam our way through wrestling history to determine which four performers deserve to be immortalized on the Mount Rushmore of Powerslams. Get ready for a body-slamming good time!

***

Junkyard Dog with the Thump: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ3BDhj04-w&pp=ygUTanlkIGtpbmcga29uZyBidW5keQ%3D%3D

Ron Simmons becomes world champion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IB8DYpLAIfs

Simmons discusses that title win with Steve Austin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kv6gfXxslE

Mark Henry's fake retirement (and the catalyst for the second half of his stellar hall of fame career): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxm5c2XBcXo&t=183s

Mark Henry slams his way to the world title: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJZpED_yQCU

Mitsuharu Misawa debuts the Emerald Flowsion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4YDd7mg9Zo&pp=ygUebWlzYXdhIGRlYnV0cyBlbWVyYWxkIGZsb3dzaW9u

SUPER EMERALD FLOWSION! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PPDFtTqnc8&pp=ygUdbWlzYXdhIHN1cGVyIGVtZXJhbGQgZmxvd3Npb24%3D

LOD gets the win with Animal's powerslam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLyx1I7egOw&t=104s

Animal even makes Vince McMahon stop pimping the WWF 900 number: https://youtu.be/udNC4kYVZWE?si=zHNU7sgLkjDVFNNr&t=493

British Bulldog and poor Iron Mike Sharpe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iV6ZGdhaFXQ

018 The Mount Rushmore of Submissions

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Do you give up... an hour and a half of your time to listen to this episode? Tap out to Nate and Eric as they debate their Mount Rushmore of Submissions. What made their opponents howl in agony? Pass out from the pain? What moves are so undeniably "professional wrestling" that even Jane Doe on her way to work in her high heels and curlers would say, "Oh yeah, that sounds like a rasslin' move"? Give in and find out!

Ric Flair On Dusty Rhodes Being Injured By The Figure Four (youtube.com)

Ric Flair grades Superstars’ figure-four leglocks (youtube.com)

Ric Flair knocks Randy Savage out with a Figure Four: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWsLYc4cko8

https://www.twincities.com/2015/04/27/verne-gagne-king-of-the-sleeper-hold-dies-at-89/

Roddy Piper puts Hulk Hogan to sleep: https://youtu.be/grnn_M8GKe0?si=9ihwk9B7wJKW3JcM&t=880

Bret Hart SHOOTS On Who Stole The Sharpshooter! (youtube.com)

Bret Hart submits Mr. Perfect with the Sharpshooter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1y917xEJZO4

Bret Hart vs. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin - Submission Match: WrestleMania 13

Eric's friend the Iron Sheik winning the WWF Title with the Camel Clutch: https://www.wwe.com/videos/bob-backlund-vs-the-iron-sheik-wwe-championship-match-december-26-1983

Kurt Angle's top tapouts with the Ankle Lock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsgjGRstWZ0

Rick Martel surprises the world with a Boston Crab submission on Jim Neidhart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_-8kWgh6oE

MMA fighter wins a match with the Boston Crab!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMMigjW3q78

017 The Mount Rushmore of Taunts and Gestures

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 05:15:00 +0000

Some people talk with their hands. Our hands are a major way we express ourselves. And expression is a critical part of professional wrestling, just as much as the wrestling itself. So which wrestlers’ taunts and gestures made Nate and Eric’s Mount Rushmores? What evoked emotion—happiness and hatred alike? What symbolized excellence, and what symbolized rebellion? And what’s just a thumb? Listen up and find out!

Ric Flair/Jay Lethal Woo-Off: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ct7IWkiiWgA&pp=ygUSd29vIG9mZiBqYXkgbGV0aGFs

Hulk Hogan's Wind-Up Ear Cup: https://youtu.be/aE08Am4_bqc?si=QapSnoDW-zlz2WJ2&t=525

SNL "Suck It Trebek": https://www.tiktok.com/@nbcsnl/video/7273192840279248158?lang=en

Let's Get Ready to Suck It: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ordVBW1JL4Q&pp=ygUjdHJpcGxlIGggbGV0J3MgZ2V0IHJlYWR5IHRvIHN1Y2sgaXQ%3D

Cougar Jay's hind-end cougar print: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6rq_azufF0&pp=ygUVZ3JlYXQgbXV0YSBjb3VnYXIgamF5

Great Muta mists the Giant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNrqWw6VPRs&pp=ygUWZ3JlYXQgbXV0YSBtaXN0cyBnaWFudA%3D%3D

016 The Mount Rushmore of Factions

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Are you ready? Nate and Eric break it down--"it" being the greatest factions in wrestling history. Which star-making, storyline-driving, historically and culturally impactful groups of wrestlers individually came together to collectively dominate their respective federations? Which ones are too sweet? Which ones dodged a bullet? Which linked their legacies in blood? (And aren't Nate and Eric really *your* favorite wrestling faction?)

Also: Don't you want an "Americana In Your Loins" T-shirt worse than you need your next meal? Tell four friends about The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling, send us proof via email at 123Rushmore@gmail.com, and you'll be entered into a drawing for a too sweet new T-shirt.

Clips from this episode:

Four Horsemen - 4 Horsemen The Elite (youtube.com)

NWO - Hulk Hogan forms The nWo with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash: WCW Bash at the Beach 1996 (youtube.com)

The Bloodline - Roman Reigns Entrance after War Games: WWE SmackDown, Dec. 16, 2022 (youtube.com)

DX- Shawn Michaels officially names D-Generation X: Raw, October 13, 1997 (youtube.com)

D-Generation X State of the Union Address, Special Report - RAW IS WAR, February 2nd, 1998:

015 The Mount Rushmore of Female Managers and Valets

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000

It's like they always say, whatever (fill in the female valet's name) wants, (fill in the female valet's name) gets. So find out which female managers and valets get a prestigious spot on Eric's and Nate's Mount Rushmores. Which amazing talkers, heat-seekers, cat-fighters, and beauty queens did the guys consider before etching their top four into the mountain? Listen and find out, sweethearts!

014 The Mount Rushmore of High Flyers

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Who's that jumpin' out the sky? N-A-T-E! And E-R-I-C! The guys debate the greatest high flyers in wrestling--with one caveat: We HAD to narrow it down by focusing on U.S.-born wrestlers who made their name in America. Having said that, which wrestlers' aerial moves, innovative styles, and long-term influence etched them onto our Mount Rushmore of High Flyers? Old school, new talent, all-around athletes...we thought of them all. And we somehow whittled it down. But you can't keep a good high flyer down, so give this episode a listen!

Recommended matches:

Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEZp0V8IrqI&pp=ygUfc3RlYW1ib2F0IHNhdmFnZSB3cmVzdGxlbWFuaWEgMw%3D%3D

Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqRYKCH8dUc&pp=ygUbcmV5IG15c3RlcmlvIGVkZGllIGd1ZXJyZXJv

Rob Van Dam vs. Jerry Lynn: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xlb82g

Hardy Boyz vs. Edge & Christian: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3dzz65

013 The Mount Rushmore of Gimmick Matches

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Do you ever feel like you've been trapped inside a 15-foot-high, 15-foot-wide, titanium, reinforced, no-way-in, no-way-out, two-hour podcast about gimmick matches in professional wrestling? Because you're about to be! What types of gimmick matches do Nate and Eric put on their Mount Rushmores? Which ones didn't quite make the cut, and for which ones is the jig up? And best yet, what match type did Nate's argument for cause Eric to flip? Listen to find out!

012 The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling Day Jobs

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 05:00:00 +0000

After what Bananarama and Taylor Swift would call a cruel summer for Nate and Eric, the boys get back to work in time for a special pre-Labor Day episode: Who do they put on their Mount Rushmore of Wrestling Day Jobs? Yes, from the golden era of giving wrestlers gimmicks based on 9-to-5 (give or take) occupations, which of those rose to the top of Eric’s and Nate’s list? Some are funny, some are serious, many are just unfortunate. Tune in to find out. (Warts and all: Eric in particular needs to knock some of the rust off, so any struggles with words, idioms, audio editing, or hall of fame inductees should be met with grace.)

011 The Mount Rushmore of Second-Generation Wrestlers

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Nepo-babies? More like NO-po-babies! These wrestlers carried on their family's legacy with pride and honor, reaching high heights and avoiding low lows--as much as you can, anyway. Who did Nate and Eric include on their Mount Rushmores of Second-Generation Wrestlers? Listen up and find out!

010 The Mount Rushmore of Guilty Pleasures

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +0000

You ever watch pro wrestling with some friends or loved ones, and an awful character or bad wrestler comes on your screen? And even though the rest of the room turns its collective nose up, you think to yourself, "Hey, this is pretty awesome. I wish this would go on forever"? Well, this episode goes on forever: It's the Mount Rushmore of Guilty Pleasures in professional wrestling! Who would Nate and Eric never turn their noses up at, no matter how silly the character, how poor the quality of moves, or how questionable the true entertainment value? We've got questionable entertainment value for you... right here!

Half the brain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhA0Gd-GBpY

You fat, bald-headed little oaf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6Gbu8a5OBk

Jurassic Slap-@$$: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-bgJth7zso

Cat-Bo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSkUUjhQSqE

The corrupt politics of Music City: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJpRsVAbxfo&t=79s

Don't you just love the way leather feels against your body? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0I-au--SHXY

009 The Mount Rushmore of Inanimate Objects

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Folks, what would professional wrestling be without an object that clonks someone over the head and costs them the match? Eric and Nate spend this episode discussing the best inanimate objects in the game. We're not talking folding chairs, though; we're not talking ringside tables or barricades or even, in Bobby "The Brain" Heenan's words, "what the he**, use the bell!" Nope, we're talking character-accentuating, inseparable-from-the-person, could-be-a-weapon-or-could-be-a-statement inanimate objects in and around the ring. From the early days of wrestling to now, which items make the guys' Mount Rushmores?

Video clips and other links for your enjoyment:

"International" objects?? https://www.reddit.com/r/badhistory/comments/3rzwwl/politically_correct_knuckledusters_the_myth_of/

A shocking experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tv1DxYtSCkE

The L.A. Hall of Fame: https://lamag.com/news/displa-case-55-gorgeous-georges-bobby-pins

The Funeral Parlor: https://youtu.be/TzYjUvGaWUY?si=TrdyAYb8mN9WYsEE&t=253

The List (not this list, THE LIST): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL8d7KpZr8g

008 The Mount Rushmore of Intercontinental Champions

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Eric's nervous about this one, and Nate is pumped for it: Throughout its 45-year history as the primary, well, secondary belt in the WWWF/WWF/WWE, which wrestlers have elevated themselves and the title to be considered for the Mount Rushmore of Intercontinental Champions? Did the guys factor in number of title reigns? Days holding the title? Guitars bashed over an opponent's head? (And the one you're thinking about isn't the only one who did it.) Who's feeling nostalgic? Who's feeling modern? Tune in and find out!

007 The Mount Rushmore of Military Gimmicks

Thu, 30 May 2024 05:05:00 +0000

We're just coming off Memorial Day in the U.S., so with arguably few to choose from, which pro wrestling military gimmicks made it onto Nate and Eric's Mount Rushmore?

Even better, the fellas are joined by Joyce Paustian, longtime wrestling fan, photographer, and author of the book "My Ringside Seat to the AWA" - you can order Joyce's fantastic book full of personal memories, stories, anecdotes, and amazing photography from her time as a fan and supporter of the AWA and its wrestlers; just head over to www.joycepaustian.com and get yours now.

006 The Mount Rushmore of ECW

Thu, 23 May 2024 05:00:00 +0000

This... is EXTREME-ly fun for two old-school fans like Nate and Eric to discuss: Who's on the Mount Rushmore of ECW? Who personified the company? Who compelled people to tune in and watch in awe? Whose athleticism, grit, heart, blood, sweat, tears, and hardcore ethos etches them a rightful place in history? Find out if you can... survive if we let you.

005 The Mount Rushmore of Vignettes

Thu, 16 May 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Some wrestlers debut as a surprise, a mystery, with little warning, or even to no fanfare. But some arrive on the scene with a great series of vignettes previewing their character, their attitude, their motivation, their catchphrase, and more. Which of these vignettes make Eric and Nate's Mount Rushmores?

Links (but also spoilers) below:

Mr. Perfect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRi2AFZzlwA

Razor Ramon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIjDd8L1T10

Goldust: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwCbfjK0MJM

Million Dollar Man: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNz44PmbPKs

The Wyatt Family: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdDyQ1Qxtvg

Irwin R. Schyster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hc2RdtmW4ng

Nailz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5gAmROYD1Q

Skinner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXaNBlniBdg

The Mountie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNrrc6vvI4Q

Thurman "Sparky" Plugg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-pTpWJ7JCo

Repo Man: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMXuJwhZ2YM

Terry "The Hulk" Boulder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sE2g2OcqiWo

004 The Mount Rushmore of the Territories (Part 2)

Thu, 09 May 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Nate and Eric are back with part two of their debate about the top promotions from the territory days of pro wrestling. But even better is their special guest to kick off the episode: longtime fan, advocate, and supporter of professional wrestling and its athletes, and executive board member and benevolent director of the Cauliflower Alley Club, Darla Staggs! Which territories would someone with her status choose for her Mount Rushmore? And how do the guys wrap up their discussion? Listen and find out!

003 The Mount Rushmore of the Territories (Part 1)

Thu, 02 May 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Eric and Nate debate the top promotions from the territory days of pro wrestling! For decades, before and during super early cable TV, before pay-per-view and over-the-top streaming, almost every section of the U.S. and beyond had local pro wrestling with regional heroes and villains. Which ones drew crowds? Which ones built stars? Which ones left a lasting imprint on the sport? Listen to part one this week, and hang on for part two next week!

002 The Mount Rushmore of Entrance Music

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Eric and Nate rock out to the best pro wrestling entrance music of all time. Which ones were written by Jim Johnston? Jimmy Hart? Sung by the wrestler? Pulled from pop culture? Are simply emitting beeps and boops (according to one of your vaunted cohosts)? And, with so many copyrighted song snippets, is this the episode that gets the boys sued? Find out!

001 The Mount Rushmore of Tag Teams

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Eric and Nate take on the up-and-down nature of tag team wrestling as they debate who should be etched in stone. From decades ago--maybe even lifetimes ago--to the present day, find out which teams get the hot tag and clean house.