New to Wrestling Podcast

In this episode of the "New to Wrestling" podcast, hosts Xavier and Kelsey Silva take listeners on a nostalgic journey through the electrifying SummerSlam 1997, aptly titled "Heart and Soul." As they delve into the event, the hosts bring their unique perspectives to the table—Xavier, with his seasoned wrestling knowledge, and Kelsey, with her fresh eyes as a newcomer to the wrestling world. Their dynamic chemistry and engaging banter make for an entertaining exploration of one of WWE's most memorable pay-per-views.

The episode kicks off with a detailed rundown of the match card, setting the stage for the drama and excitement that unfolds. From the intense steel cage match between Mankind and Hunter Hearst Helmsley to the high-stakes bout between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Owen Hart, Xavier and Kelsey provide insightful commentary and personal reactions to each match. They discuss the surprising twists, the athletic prowess on display, and the emotional highs and lows that keep fans on the edge of their seats.

As the hosts navigate through the event, they also touch on the broader storylines and character developments that make wrestling a captivating spectacle. Kelsey's genuine reactions and Xavier's expert insights create a rich tapestry of analysis and entertainment, offering both seasoned fans and newcomers a fresh perspective on the world of wrestling. Whether you're reliving the nostalgia of SummerSlam 1997 or discovering it for the first time, this episode promises to be a thrilling ride through one of WWE's iconic events.
Match Card:

1. Mankind vs. Hunter Hearst Helmsley in a Steel Cage Match
2. Brian Pillman vs. Goldust (with a stipulation for Pillman to wear a dress if he loses)
3. The Godwins vs. The Legion of Doom in a Grudge Match
4. The British Bulldog vs. Ken Shamrock for the European Championship
5. Eight-Man Tag Team Match: Los Boriquas vs. The Disciples of the Apocalypse
6. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Owen Hart for the Intercontinental Championship
7. Bret Hart vs. The Undertaker for the WWE Championship, with Shawn Michaels as the Special Guest Referee

Time Stamps:

• 0:00 Intro
• 0:12 SummerSlam 1997 Match Card Breakdown
• 2:20 The Heart Foundation's Dominance
• 9:19 Mankind's Rise to Fan Favorite
• 11:55 The Evolution of Wrestling Cages
• 15:08 Mankind's Epic Cage Match
• 21:30 New Jersey's Wrestling Revival
• 24:03 Caribbean Beach Party Before SummerSlam
• 30:55 The Godwins' Confederate Flag Controversy
• 37:02 Ken Shamrock's Intense Match Against the British Bulldog
• 54:59 Stone Cold Steve Austin's Infamous Match
• 1:01:38 Jerry's Obsession with Match Stipulations
• 1:04:37 The Pile Driver Controversy
• 1:06:08 Stone Cold's Career-Altering Injury
• 1:10:37 Bret Hart vs. The Undertaker Match Drama
• 1:12:55 Shawn Michaels as a Referee
• 1:14:48 Michael Cole's Pursuit of Stone Cold
• 1:20:38 The Drama of Bret and Shawn Michaels

The New To Wrestling Podcast follows two friends who enjoy wrestling but are in different stages of their fandom. Xavier Cruz serves as your guide through generations of professional wrestling while Kelsey Silva experiences these matches for the first time. Climb into the ring weekly to relive the famous matches beginning with the Attitude Era!

Welcome and Introduction
- Hosts Xavier and Kelsey Silva introduce the episode, focusing on the July 21, 1997 edition of "Raw is War."
- Match card highlights include Vader vs. Ken Shamrock, a light heavyweight match between Brian Christopher and Brian Walshe, and a flag match featuring the Hart Foundation against the Undertaker, Dude Love, and Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Opening Vignette and Storylines
- Discussion on the black-and-white promo exploring Bret Hart's contrasting reception in different countries.
- Analysis of the brewing tension between Bret Hart and the Undertaker ahead of their SummerSlam title match.

Match Highlights and Commentary
- Vader vs. Ken Shamrock: Recap of their ongoing feud, including Ken's memorable takedown and Paul Bearer's interference.
- Brian Christopher vs. Brian Walshe: Commentary on Brian Christopher's performance and Jerry Lawler's humorous remarks.
- Three-Way Tag Team Match: Chaotic match featuring the Godwins, the Headbangers, and the New Black Jacks, with the Godwins emerging victorious.

Promos and Segments
- Hart Foundation Interview: Bret Hart's challenge to American wrestlers and his confrontation with Vince McMahon.
- Shawn Michaels Announcement: Michaels reveals his role as the special guest referee for the SummerSlam main event.
- Paul Bearer's Proof of Kane: Paul Bearer presents a half-statue as proof of Kane's existence, leading to skepticism from Jim Ross.

Main Event: Flag Match
- The Hart Foundation vs. Team America (Undertaker, Dude Love, Stone Cold Steve Austin).
- Highlights include Owen Hart's prolonged time in the ring and the Undertaker's surprise entrance.
- The Hart Foundation secures victory with Bret Hart capturing the Canadian flag.

Closing Remarks

Xavier and Kelsey wrap up the episode, expressing excitement for upcoming matches and storylines.
- Acknowledgment of the audience's support and invitation to join the next episode.

• 0:00 Intro
• 0:49 The Battle of the Brians
• 2:14 Bret Hart's Dual Perception
• 5:00 Vader and Ken Shamrock's Ongoing Feud
• 6:02 Ken Shamrock's "Knuckle Up" Catchphrase
• 21:13 Stone Cold's Unconventional Tactics
• 27:29 The Mystery of the DOA Twins
• 28:43 Absurd Wrestling Monikers
• 37:10 Mick Foley's Multiple Personalities
• 50:46 The Patriot's Role in Wrestling
• 53:06 Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels Locker Room Drama
• 1:03:01 Goldust and Marlena's Witty Banter
• 1:07:10 Chaotic Wrestling Matches and National Anthem Controversy
• 1:14:48 Unlikely Wrestling Alliances

The New To Wrestling Podcast follows two friends who enjoy wrestling but are in different stages of their fandom. Xavier Cruz serves as your guide through generations of professional wrestling while Kelsey Silva experiences these matches for the first time. Climb into the ring weekly to relive the famous matches beginning with the Attitude Era!

In this action-packed episode of the New to Wrestling Podcast, we dive into the May 5th, 1997 edition of Raw is War, marking the final stop before the “A Cold Day in Hell” pay-per-view. Hosts Xavier and Kelsey guide us through a night full of chaos and intense rivalries.
The episode kicks off with Rockabilly facing Ahmed Johnson, with Johnson dominating despite an unexpected wardrobe change. We witness the Hart Foundation’s relentless yet comically flawed search for Shawn Michaels, leading to unexpected skirmishes and humorous commentary from the hosts.
The podcast also highlights an intriguing Ken Shamrock promo, revealing his troubled past and his upcoming submission-only match against Vader. The match between Vader and Goldust becomes a spectacle as tensions with Ken Shamrock escalate.
Listeners get a rare, heartfelt interview with Dustin and Terri Runnels, offering a peek behind the Goldust persona and the challenges Dustin faced growing up in the shadow of his legendary father, Dusty Rhodes. The hosts commend this unique insight into the character’s creation and the emotional depth it adds to the Goldust storyline.
The episode continues with Ahmed Johnson cleverly disguised to defeat Crush, leading to hilarious reactions from Xavier and Kelsey. The Hart Foundation’s antics persist, culminating in a heated confrontation involving Shawn Michaels and the Legion of Doom.
The main event features the British Bulldog vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin, ending in a massive brawl involving the Hart Foundation, the Legion of Doom, and even the Undertaker, who retrieves his stolen title in a dramatic fashion.
Tune in to this episode for all the thrills, spills, and insightful commentary leading up to the “A Cold Day in Hell” pay-per-view. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment! Also, check out our upcoming After Dark series episode on Bam Bam Bigelow and catch up on our previous episode about the Dynamite Kid. See you next time!

The New To Wrestling Podcast follows two friends who enjoy wrestling but are in different stages of their fandom. Xavier Cruz serves as your guide through generations of professional wrestling while Kelsey Silva experiences these matches for the first time. Climb into the ring weekly to relive the famous matches beginning with the Attitude Era!

In this compelling episode of the New to Wrestling Podcast, we journey back to the May 19, 1997 edition of Raw is War, packed with unforgettable moments and intense matchups. Join us as we dissect a night of classic wrestling action, featuring iconic names and emerging stars in a show that encapsulates the drama and excitement of the era.

We kick off with a deep dive into the explosive matches, from Hunter Hearst Helmsley vs. Crush in a King of the Ring first-round match, to the main event showdown between Steve Austin and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart. Along the way, we witness the debut of Scott Taylor and thrilling bouts featuring Bob Holly, Owen Hart, Goldust, and Rockabilly. Each match is analyzed for its technical brilliance and storytelling prowess, showcasing the high stakes and intense rivalries that defined 1997.

But the in-ring action is just the beginning. We explore the intriguing backstage dynamics and interviews that added layers of drama to the episode. From Stone Cold Steve Austin’s relentless search for a tag team partner to the Undertaker’s chilling ultimatum to Paul Bearer, we cover the pivotal moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats. We also delve into the emotional and personal stories shared by the wrestlers, including a heartwarming segment with Goldust and his daughter.

Additionally, we highlight the ongoing feuds and alliances within the Hart Foundation, the Nation of Domination, and the surprising interactions between Shawn Michaels and Stone Cold. These elements not only set the stage for future conflicts but also reflect the complex character developments and storytelling that make professional wrestling so captivating.

Tune in to relive this electrifying episode of Raw is War with us, gaining a deeper appreciation for the artistry and athleticism that have made these moments enduring favorites among wrestling fans. Whether you’re a longtime aficionado or new to the sport, this episode offers an insightful and entertaining exploration of a pivotal night in wrestling history.

Catch the New to Wrestling Podcast every Saturday and our special After Dark episodes on Thursdays. Immerse yourself in the world of professional wrestling and enjoy the ride!

The New To Wrestling Podcast follows two friends who enjoy wrestling but are in different stages of their fandom. Xavier Cruz serves as your guide through generations of professional wrestling while Kelsey Silva experiences these matches for the first time. Climb into the ring weekly to relive the famous matches beginning with the Attitude Era!

Welcome to another electrifying episode of The New to Wrestling Podcast: After Dark, where today, we're delving deep into the gritty, groundbreaking, and controversial world of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). Join us as we dissect the riveting documentary on the rise and fall of ECW, available on Peacock, and uncover the raw emotion, passion, and sheer audacity that defined this pivotal moment in wrestling history.

In this episode, we're breaking down the origins of ECW, exploring how it transformed from a small, local promotion into a cult phenomenon that challenged the very fabric of mainstream wrestling. Discover how ECW's innovative storytelling, unapologetic violence, and connection with its rabid fanbase set it apart from giants like WWE and WCW, earning it a permanent place in the hearts of wrestling enthusiasts.

We'll also spotlight key figures like Paul Heyman, whose visionary leadership and knack for storytelling pushed the boundaries of what professional wrestling could be. Learn about the careers it catapulted, including those of Steve Austin, Mick Foley, and Rey Mysterio, and how ECW became a breeding ground for talent that would dominate wrestling for years to come.

But it wasn't all hardcore matches and cult status. We'll tackle the controversies, the financial struggles, and the eventual absorption of ECW talent into the larger wrestling world. Plus, we're discussing the indelible mark ECW left on wrestling: its influence on the Attitude Era, its legacy in today's wrestling promotions, and the ongoing fascination with its unvarnished, gritty approach to storytelling and in-ring action.

Whether you're a lifelong ECW fan or a newcomer curious about its legacy, this episode promises an unfiltered look into one of wrestling's most fascinating chapters. So tighten those championship belts, it's time to dive headfirst into the world of ECW, where extreme wasn't just a word, but a revolution.

New to Wrestling Podcast: After Dark is your ticket to the stories behind the spectacle. Subscribe, rate, and review for more deep dives into wrestling's most compelling narratives, and join us next time as we uncover the untold stories of the ring.

The New To Wrestling Podcast follows two friends who enjoy wrestling but are in different stages of their fandom. Xavier Cruz serves as your guide through generations of professional wrestling while Kelsey Silva experiences these matches for the first time. Climb into the ring weekly to relive the famous matches beginning with the Attitude Era!