The Road to WrestleMania 13: Chaos, Betrayals, and Breakdowns

03/22/24 • 75 min

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!

Previous Episode

After Dark: The Monday Night Wars

On this edition of the New to Wrestling Podcast: After Dark we tackle the Monday Night Wars! Kelsey takes us through the early days of both WWF/E and WCW and the falling out between billionaires, Vince McMahon & Ted Turner. We set the stage for the battle that completely upended the wrestling business in the 1990's. We Discuss the phenomena that was Hulk-a-mania and how Hulk departure from the WWF led to legitimizing WCW on the world's stage. The war becomes personal and we analyze some of the shots fired in the early days of the War!
Lookout for our final stop on the road to Wrestlemania 13 on the next edition of the New to Wrestling Podcast. Next Thursday 3/15/24!

Next Episode

After Dark: The Rise of the NWO

In this gripping episode of the New to Wrestling Podcast: After Dark, we delve into part two of our exploration into the tumultuous era of the Monday Night Wars, focusing on the impactful rise of the New World Order (NWO) in WCW, and how it dramatically reshaped the wrestling landscape. Our journey through wrestling history takes us through the strategic maneuvers behind WCW's no cut contracts, the pivotal role of the NWO, and WWE's bold response with the inception of the Attitude Era.

We unpack the ingenious yet controversial move by WCW to offer no cut contracts, attracting big names with the promise of fewer working days and guaranteed storylines, leading to the seismic shift of Razor Ramon (Scott Hall) and Diesel (Kevin Nash) to WCW. The episode highlights how the introduction of the NWO not only revolutionized WCW's approach to wrestling entertainment but also sparked a fierce rivalry with WWE, pushing both organizations to unprecedented heights.

As we navigate through the strategies, successes, and missteps, we also touch on the internal conflicts and external pressures that both WCW and WWE faced. From the inception of iconic characters and storylines to the backstage politics that influenced on-screen dynamics, we explore how these elements contributed to the allure and intensity of the Monday Night Wars.

Moreover, we dive into WWE's bold pivot towards the Attitude Era, a creative rebrand that targeted an adult demographic with edgier content, marking a significant departure from its family-friendly programming. This move not only reinvigorated WWE's fan base but also intensified the competition, leading to some of the most memorable moments in wrestling history.

Join us as we dissect the strategies, the personalities, and the pivotal moments that defined an era, offering insights into the creative genius and rivalry that fueled the Monday Night Wars. Whether you're a long-time wrestling fan or new to the saga, this episode promises a fascinating look into one of the most electrifying periods in professional wrestling.