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Post by Asaemon on Jun 16, 2022 10:44:48 GMT 1
STW #71: The Rock 97/98
On this episode: FINALLY! The Rock has come back to... Something to Wrestle! Bruce Prichard has three hours worth of details about how Dwayne Johnson become the "Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment." Long before anyone could "smell what the Rock was cooking," he was trying to get a developmental deal once football didn't work out. Who did the company think would be the "star" of Rocky's training class? The "Blue Chipper" won the Intercontinental Title very quickly and the fans revolted with "ROCKY SUCKS" chants and "DIE ROCKY DIE" signs. Bruce addresses the rumors that two superstars worked hard to squash his push early and often. Eventually they get their way and Rocky hit the skids. Who suggested Rocky start referring to himself in third person? Raising the eyebrow? The People's Elbow? The $500 shirts? The Rolex watch skit with the NOD? What did Rock think of the DX parody? What was his routine after the shows? Bruce addresses all of the behind the scenes jockeying for position with Hunter, Shawn, and Austin along the way. Which agent was an advocate? Bruce and Conrad discuss the Ladder Match at SummerSlam, the babyface turn, first matches with Mick Foley, the bridge angle with Austin, and perhaps one of the Top 10 best storylines in the WWF history that paid off at Survivor Series 1998! Don't miss the rest of the story of the Rock's first two years in the business AND one of our best polls ever!
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Post by Asaemon on Jun 16, 2022 19:26:15 GMT 1
STW #72: The New Age Outlaws
On this episode: "Oh, you didn't know?!" Bruce and Conrad proudly bring to you three hours about one of the greatest tag teams in the woooooorld, "the Badass" Billy Gunn and "the Roaddog" Jesse James -- the New Age Outlaws! How could the Roadie and Rockabilly ever possibly compete for screen time with Stone Cold, the Rock, Triple H, the Undertaker, Mankind, and a locker room filled with Hall of Famers? Bruce explains how an unlikely pairing became bonafide superstars during the biggest boom in wrestling history! How did James get back in "good graces" with Vince after walking out with Jarrett? Rockabilly with Honky, who booked this ish?! Who saw something in this pairing? Where did the intro come from? Did the Road Warriors have an issue with putting over this new pairing? Plus you'll get more details about the Dumpster Match at Mania 14, the first major RAW after Mania, DX invading Nitro, the DX break-ups and reunions, addiction issues, some resentment in the locker room over Roaddog's push, Austin refusing to work a match with Gunn, the Rock sealing Gunn's fate as a singles star, Mr. Ass, Chyna, Billy G, K-Kwik, and somehow we wind up learning about what Vince McMahon watches on television.
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Post by Asaemon on Jun 21, 2022 14:24:43 GMT 1
STW #73: Bret Hart's 96/97
On this episode: The business was changing in 1996 and Bret Hart was at the center of it all for the World Wrestling Federation. Bill Watts is out and the decision is made to make Shawn Michaels "the guy." Soon after, Diesel and Razor leave for greener pastures creating a perfect storm for Bret Hart to the subject of the greatest bidding war in the history of the business. Bret stays loyal for less money but finds that this isn't the same WWF he left a year before. How did the Ultimate Warrior potentially change everything for Bret? What did Bret think of Shawn losing his smile? How did Vince convince Bret to become a heel? What was with the cursing on RAW before WrestleMania 13? Bret doubled down and the Hart Foundation's angle became the hottest in the company. While feuding on camera with Steve Austin, Bret's real issue was with Shawn Michaels. We address Sunny days, the wheelchair promo to end RAW, the fight before RAW, the "girly" magazine comments, and how "working the boys" turned into a shoot. What fault did Bret deserve in this? What single conversation could have caused the Montreal Screwjob? On one of the most historic nights of Mick Foley and Steve Austin's career, Bret learns his contract is about to be breached because Vince can't afford him. When did Vince regret giving Bret that contract? Did Vince change his mind and tell Bret he found the money? What did Bret's agent say? What did Bret ask Bischoff for? When Bret got the offer, how did Vince respond? Once the deal was done, how did word get out? What did Bret write in his column that week that directly contradicts what Bret wrote in his book? Why did Vince write an open letter to the fans before the Survivor Series? Who suggested the screwjob? What offer did Vince make to Bret for the night before that Bret turned down? Which of the boys tried to warn Bret? Who knew the night of? When did Earl see Bret again? We've heard Bret's account of punching Vince but what really happened in that room? Who tried to quit in protest? Who came up with "Bret Screwed Bret" for the interview with JR? Bret's final two years in the company saw him put on some of his best matches ever, he certainly give his strongest promos of his career during this time, and was involved in one of the hottest angles in company history. Does the screwjob tarnish all of that? Decide for yourself in our longest episode ever in what we believe is the best podcast there is, was, or ever will be!
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Post by Asaemon on Jun 22, 2022 20:39:40 GMT 1
STW #74: Survivor Series 2002
On this episode: It goes without saying that 2002 was a crazy year for the WWE. In this episode we discuss the first brand split fizzling, the way the boys felt about it, who created Katie Vick, how the funeral segment was shot, the fallout from the angle, why they got rid of the Intercontinental title, the Lennox Lewis vs. Brock Lesnar PPV, Undertaker missing a PPV main event, was Kevin Nash milking the quad injury, Stephanie discussing her sex life with Triple H on Howard Stern, Regal's rep as an office stooge, Terry Taylor coming back in for the 917th time, heat with Test over not cutting his hair, how Nathan Jones got hired, what Vince thought of JR's BBQ sauce, when the company knew Edge was a top guy, when Bret and Vince started talking again, Vince being "hot and cold" with Mick Foley, how and why the Scott Steiner deal came together, the issue Linda McMahon had with Hogan's book, Hogan playing the WWE against AJPW in the middle of his book promotion, Jeff Hardy's "passion" for wrestling, the biggest gate in MSG history, the rumored Lesnar-Hogan main event for Survivor Series, the heat between Brock and Big Show, what the office thought of Chyna and Waltman getting engaged, why the WWE website pulled down Austin's merchandise, why they brought back the Big Gold Belt, who was for it and who was against it, why the company can't say the letters "WWF" in some old footage on the Network, a newspaper's behind the scene's look at a day at RAW, embezzlement at the WWF New York Club, Shane's role in the company, rumors that Shane and HHH don't get along, a theory of why Raven didn't get more of a push, HHH's political power, whether or not Steiner was a locker room cancer, how was Shawn in the locker room after his return, the expectations that Jeff Hardy will jump off of stuff, Bruce teaches Conrad about vomitoriums, the craziest opener in Survivor Series history, what made Angle great in backstage skits, why Kidman changed his look, how underrated Noble and Nidia were, who remembers the F-View camera angle, what kept the Lesnar/Show match short, one of the best matches you probably don't remember, what kept Chavo from being World Champion, what Vince thought of Chris Nowinski, Matt Hardy Version 1, why Steiner came in as a babyface, the WWE's relationship with Saliva, why Booker T had more success than other WCW transplants, Shawn's gear and haircut, the original plan for Shawn's return, RVD injuring HHH's throat, whether or not there was heat after the injury, the creation of the cell, who thought of it, who made it, what did the boys think of it, and did the company plan for this to be permanent gimmick match going forward? PLUS details on our new poll for the 12/1 episode, a bonus offer to look at Bruce's old booking sheets, plus more details about your NEW Thanksgiving Tradition!
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Post by Asaemon on Jun 22, 2022 20:40:40 GMT 1
STW #75: Survivor Series 1987
On this episode: Your new Thanksgiving tradition continues! An early release of Something To Wrestle featuring Bruce and Conrad providing a rare "watch-along" running commentary episode on the inaugural Survivor Series PPV 30 "Turkey Days " ago! There were some kinks to work out for sure, and the guys talk about all of them. As an event designed to get everybody "on the card", there are an unbelievable amount of Hall of Famers to talk about as well as Bam Bam Bigelow, Danny Davis, the real reason for Survivor Series and all the silliness and insight you should expect from Bruce and Conrad.
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Post by Asaemon on Jun 27, 2022 19:08:43 GMT 1
STW #76: Jake "The Snake" Roberts
On this episode: Nobody has a story like Jake Roberts. His family life has become somewhat of an urban legend in wrestling so Bruce and Conrad address the rumor and innuendo surrounding Grizzly Smith. They also detail Jake's rise in the business outside of the WWF, how the character was developed, Jake's interest in booking, his unique promo style, the DDT on the floor that took Steamboat out of commission, why the Hogan feud never happened, who created the DDT, how to properly take it, protecting a finisher, why people cheered for Jake, the silly song Bruce and Jake wanted to create for the DDT, how Honky Tonk Man gets blamed for Jake's addiction issues, how Pat Patterson's partner may share some of the blame, Jake's stints in rehab, why his wife Cheryl was on the road, his feud with Rick Rude, the silly Harlem rats that Bad News found, Earthquake squashing the snake, turning heel, the silly Warrior vignettes, who shot the snake-in-a-box wedding surprise, how Jake convinced Savage to let the snake bite him, getting Randy out of retirement, cocaine testing in the WWF, how Vince reacted to the Duggan-Shiek arrests, a tidbit about bringing Snuka back after he lost a civil suit for murdering his girlfriend, feuding with the Undertaker, the misstep of going to WCW and what went wrong, how Jake came back in 1996 to huge reactions, who thought Jake was just working a religious gimmick, who Jake pushed creatively, how Jake joined the writing team, Jake relapsing, how Jake was fired, when Bruce saw Jake again, and the happy ending that no one expected for Jake.
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Post by Asaemon on Jun 27, 2022 19:09:21 GMT 1
STW #77: The Steiners & Big Poppa Pump in the WWE
On this episode: Rick and Scott Steiner formed arguably the greatest tag team in WCW history, and certainly have a place among the all time greats, but what is the story with their run with WWE? Learn about the plan to push Scott to the moon as a single star, what kept Vince from getting on board, their quick ascent to the title, and the reasons for their short run in the WWF. Conrad and Bruce also cover the entire run of Big Poppa Pump in the WWE; including why he was an ideal adversary for Triple H at the time, why he didn't sign when WCW was bought out, how he wanted to change the finish to the title match on the last Nitro, and much more!
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Post by Asaemon on Jun 29, 2022 17:51:06 GMT 1
STW #78: Edge in the WWE
On this episode: The SI Podcast of the Year is back with FIVE hours of Edge! But first, we discuss which WWF Superstar the Steiners used as a human urinal and who they shot in the locker room. Yes, they shot a guy. We cover the early days of Edge extensively including growing up a wrestling fan, how he started training, who Edge compared himself to on the indies, why Ron Hutchison doesn't get more credit, how Bret Hart helped Edge early on, living with Dynamite Kid's ex wife, more detail than ever before about the Funkin Dojo and developmental contracts, who Vince thought would be the star in that group, the original concept for Edge's character, who shot the original vignettes, who gets credit for the name and what it could have been, the Brood and how they sold Vince on vampires, the Ministry of Darkness relationship and why they needed to break off, how the Hardyz feud made everyone, when Vince said "enough" with the TLC stuff, the stop and start pushes as a singles guy, Billy Bitchcakes, winning KOTR, who he married first and why it didn't work out, what Vince saw in Edge he didn't in Christian, why Edge was the babyface in their split, who everyone thought was a better worker, whether or not HHH held Edge down, what HBK thought about Edge, the mounting injuries, teaming with Hulk Hogan, the feud with Matt over Lita, who gets credit for the incredible "cash in" at New Year's Revolution, the parody of Flair's road rage incident and their TLC match on RAW, the pairing with Vicki and how it all came together, his feud with the Undertaker, and of course his legacy in the business. You think you know him, but you really will after FIVE hours!
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Post by Asaemon on Jul 7, 2022 12:00:08 GMT 1
STW #79: Goldust
The Two-Time Podcast of the Year is back with one of the most controversial characters in wrestling history, Goldust! Did Dusty politic to use Dustin in 1990? What did Vince say when Dustin asked for his release in 1991? What was Bruce and Pat's idea for Dustin in 1993? Who kept Dustin from being a main eventer in 93? How did the signing in 95 happen? You won't believe the influences for Goldust. How did the character come together? Who put the initial vignettes together? What made the character click for Dustin? Which wrestler deserves the credit for that? What did Dustin hate about the character? Which part of the gimmick was he uncomfortable with? Did anyone smarten up Dusty? Why did Dusty and Dustin have a falling out? How did the WWE handle the activist groups? Within the company, who had a problem with the gimmick? Why was Marlena introduced? Was there heat on Lawler for using a slur on TV? How the Backlot Brawl was put together at WrestleMania, who thought of the lingerie, working with the Ultimate Warrior, working with Ahmed, winning the IC title, working main events with Shawn Michaels on the house shows but never on PPV, why the character started to cool off, why Goldust became a babyface, his only PPV main event, how the Pillman feud probably went a little too far, the "shoot" interviews with JR, real life problems with Terri, the reunion with Dusty, the over the top stuff with Luna, what he did to make Vince threaten to fire him, what led to his release, his Seven character in WCW, how he was brought back, his struggles with addiction, why he was gone again, which writer pushed for him to be brought back in, how the Booker T pairing came to be, what they were careful to do with the stuttering gimmick, and his legacy in the business with a character that has endured for more than 22 years. One thing is for sure, after five hours you'll never forget the name... GOLDUST!
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Post by Asaemon on Jul 7, 2022 12:01:18 GMT 1
STW #80: Vengeance 2001
On this episode: Who could forget the night Chris Jericho beat the Rock and "Stone Cold" in the same night? Bruce and Conrad discuss that fateful night and the entire build up to get there including the end of the "Invasion" angle, the Rock-Austin politics, bringing Ric Flair back, the hilarious story about Vince's reaction on TV to Flair being his partner, bringing Jerry Lawler back, the rumors that Bruce slept with Stephanie, the allegations that the WWF artificially inflated the price of their stock, why Vince decided Jericho was the guy, how the nWo coming in made it all possible, losing DirecTV for PPVs, Taker and Austin switching roles, the Kiss My Ass Club, why Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch never made it, A Train as a trainer, who hated the U2 video for HHH's recovery, why Trish's love interest with Jeff Hardy was dropped, why Vince scrapped the Hardy feud so quickly, what Test never recovered from, why RVD didn't become "the guy" in 2001, how the American Badass version of Taker came to be, who loved brass knuckles, Regal in-ring versus commissioner, who was a mentor to Trish, why Bruce thought Angle was green, how Vince sold Austin on losing, the Rock/Jericho relationship, why Rock won the WCW Title, why Vince wanted to combine them in the first place, Bruce's pitch for WrestleMania 18 that was shot down, Jericho's celebration after winning the title, why Booker T never had a PPV match with Austin, and all of your questions just made The List! It's over two hours of Jericho, drink it in man!
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