New to Wrestling Podcast

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!

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In this episode of the New to Wrestling podcast, hosts Xavier and Kelsey dive into the iconic WWF In Your House: Bad Blood pay-per-view from October 5, 1997. They discuss the event's match card, including:

• The Nation of Domination vs. The Legion of Doom (Handicap Match)

• Max Mini & Nova vs. Tarantula & Mosaic Fun

• The Godwins vs. The Headbangers (Tag Team Championship)

• Owen Hart vs. Farooq (Intercontinental Championship)

• Disciples of Apocalypse vs. Los Boricuas (8-Man Tag Team Match)

• The Hart Foundation vs. Vader & The Patriot (Flag Match)

• Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker (Hell in a Cell Match)

The hosts provide insightful commentary on each match, with particular emphasis on the groundbreaking Hell in a Cell main event between Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker. They analyze the brutal physicality, innovative use of the cell structure, and the shocking debut of Kane, which forever changed the landscape of professional wrestling.

Xavier and Kelsey's enthusiasm shines through as they dissect the storytelling, in-ring action, and historical significance of this event. Their discussion captures the raw emotion and spectacle of late 90s WWF, offering both nostalgic reflection for long-time fans and fresh perspective for newcomers to the era. The episode concludes with a heartfelt appreciation for the performers' dedication and the lasting impact of this landmark show on the wrestling industry.
Timestamps:

• 0:00 Intro
• 1:45 Year-end recap and growth highlights
• 5:02 Awards Nomination
• 9:22 Discussion on Employee's Death
• 13:58 Discussion on The Rock's earnings
• 19:02 Match Analysis: Max Mini and Nova vs. Mosaic and Tarantula
• 23:11 Tag Team Championship Match Discussion
• 31:49 Recap of Stone Cold's antics
• 36:09 Discussion on Farouk's approach to Stone Cold
• 40:50 Match Chaos and Outcome
• 44:44 Survivor Series Discussion
• 48:48 Heart Foundation Promo
• 53:16 Match Start Chaos
• 58:08 Vader's Moonsault
• 1:02:02 Main event discussion
• 1:06:41 Undertaker Controls Match
• 1:11:09 Discussion on Shawn Michaels' Iconic Matches
• 1:16:01 Cage Match Chaos
• 1:19:32 Shawn Michaels' dramatic fall from the cage
• 1:30:07 Discussion on Kane's powers

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!

This week on the New to Wrestling Podcast, hosts Xavier Cruz and Kelsey Silva dive into the whirlwind edition of Raw Is War from March 17th, 1997, just days before WrestleMania 13. The episode features a mix of matches, dramatic confrontations, and the final shaping of the WrestleMania card, which has our hosts buzzing with excitement and anticipation.

From the hard-hitting opener with the Legion of Doom facing off against the Nation of Domination to the high drama of the main event steel cage match between Sycho Sid and Bret Hart for the WWF Championship, every moment is packed with action and storytelling that sets the stage for WrestleMania. Kelsey experiences her first cage match and the unique spectacle of mini wrestlers emulating their full-sized counterparts, while Xavier provides context and commentary that enriches the viewing experience.

The episode reaches a boiling point as Bret Hart unleashes a torrent of frustration following his loss, leading to a chaotic brawl involving Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, Sycho Sid, and a surprise appearance from Shawn Michaels. This multi-layered melee sets the tone for WrestleMania 13 and leaves our hosts and listeners eagerly anticipating what's to come.

Join Xavier and Kelsey as they dissect each match, promo, and segment, sharing their insights and excitement for wrestling's biggest stage. Whether you're new to wrestling or a seasoned fan looking to relive some classic moments through fresh eyes, this episode of the New to Wrestling Podcast is your ticket to understanding the drama, the action, and the sheer unpredictability of the road to WrestleMania 13.

Remember to follow us on Instagram @N2Wpodcast for more wrestling content, throwbacks, and interactive questions that get you in on the action. Don't miss our special After Dark episode this Saturday, where we delve into the rise of the NWO, setting the stage for an unforgettable WrestleMania 13 recap next week.

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!

On this week's edition of the New to Wrestling Podcast we are discussing the November 18, 1996 edition of Monday Night Raw, We discuss every match on the card, Mankind and Stone Cold fight all over the arena, We do a little "Where are they now" with Sonny, Sycho Sid addresses the fans for the first time as the World Champion, and we go in depth on Shawn Michaels brand of masculinity and how it ruffled feathers in the 90's, all that & MORE!

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!