Wrestling Shoot Interviews

By: Louis Joylon West
  • Summary

  • Welcome to "Wrestling Shoot Interviews," the podcast that takes you behind the curtain of the squared circle, featuring raw and uncensored conversations with the biggest names and personalities in the industry. From legends of the ring to the architects behind the scenes, we cover the entire spectrum of professional wrestling's rich history and dynamic present.Dive into the world of Ox Baker, whose fearsome presence and Heart Punch left fans in awe, and journey through the strategic mind of Bill Watts, a master promoter and wrestler. Revel in the tales of the New World Order (NWO)'s dominance and Bret "The Hitman" Hart's technical prowess, which have captivated fans worldwide.But our canvas stretches even wider, bringing in voices like Missy Hyatt, whose pioneering persona shattered glass ceilings, and Shawn Michaels, whose in-ring storytelling is unparalleled. Hear from "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair on his illustrious career and the life lessons learned from decades on top, and Roddy Piper, whose charisma and intensity brought psychology and entertainment to new heights.Sting's transformation and enduring legacy, Sabu's death-defying style, and Rob Van Dam's innovative offense are all dissected here. We delve into the minds of Tod Gordon and Paul Heyman, the visionaries who revolutionized the industry with ECW, and Jake "The Snake" Roberts, whose dark charisma and psychological warfare left an indelible mark on fans and peers alike.Hear heartfelt stories from Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, insights from the controversial Scott Steiner, and reflections from the enigmatic Ultimate Warrior. Explore the strategic minds of Jim Cornette and Vince Russo, polar opposites whose impacts on wrestling are still debated today.Dusty Rhodes shares tales from the road and his vision for the sport, while Raven discusses the art of character work and storytelling. Sunny and Missy Hyatt open up about their experiences as pioneering women in wrestling, breaking barriers and setting the stage for future generations.From the unforgettable Kamala to the managerial genius of Gary Hart, from the high-flying Koko B. Ware to the hardcore legend Axl Rotten,"Wrestling Shoot Interviews: Legends and Trailblazers" is your unparalleled podcast series that offers an immersive journey into the lives, careers, and uncensored stories of professional wrestling's most iconic figures and unsung heroes. Each episode is a deep dive into the history, controversies, and legendary moments that have shaped the world of wrestling.The Legacy of Black Jack Mulligan - Explore the rugged life of Black Jack Mulligan, a true giant of the ring known for his imposing size and wild brawls that captivated audiences across the globe.Inside the Mind of Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan - Delve into the genius of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, the greatest manager in wrestling history, whose wit and wisdom transcended the sport.Tony Schiavone - The Voice of Wrestling - Listen to the stories of Tony Schiavone, whose distinctive voice narrated some of wrestling's most memorable moments, and his journey through the golden eras of WCW and beyond.Jesse 'The Body' Ventura - From the Ring to the Governor's Mansion - Discover the multifaceted career of Jesse Ventura, from his time as a colorful and outspoken wrestler to his tenure as the Governor of Minnesota.The Iron Sheik - Unbridled and Unmatched - Hear from the Iron Sheik, a symbol of patriotism and villainy, whose real-life struggles and triumphs are as compelling as his character in the ring.The Honky Tonk Man - Wrestling's Greatest Intercontinental Champion - Relive the reign of The Honky Tonk Man, whose charisma and controversy made him wrestling's greatest Intercontinental Champion.Fit Finlay and Steve Regal - The Craftsmen - Learn from the stories of Fit Finlay and "Lord" Steven Regal, two of the industry's greatest technicians, whose contributions to wrestling's art form span decades.The King's Court with Jerry Lawler - Enter the court of Jerry "The King" Lawler, a legend who reigned supreme in Memphis and battled Andy Kaufman in a feud that blurred the lines between entertainment and reality.Superstar Billy Graham and Bill Dundee - The Pioneers - Experience the charisma and influence of Superstar Billy Graham and "Superstar" Bill Dundee, whose flamboyant styles and promo skills set the standard for future generations.The Darkness of Kevin Sullivan and New Jack - Venture into the dark corners with Kevin Sullivan, the master of psychological terror, and New Jack, whose hardcore style and no-holds-barred interviews pushed the limits of violence and storytelling.The Road Warriors - The Legion of Doom - Join the ride with The Road Warriors, Hawk and Animal, whose sheer power and iconic look dominated tag team wrestling and left an indelible mark on the industry.Macho Man and The Dragon - Rivalries That Defined Wrestling - Feel the intensity of "Macho Man" Randy Savage and "Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat," whose legendary rivalry and ...
    2023
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Episodes
  • "Wrestling Legends Unleashed: Behind the Ropes with Ron Bass, Kamala, Paul Bearer & More! Shoot Q & A
    Sep 28 2024
    Dive into the riveting world of professional wrestling with our exclusive shoot interview, "Wrestling Legends Unleashed: Behind the Ropes with Ron Bass, Kamala & More!" Join us as legendary figures like Outlaw Ron Bass, Ugandan Giant Kamala, Barry Harowitz, and others open up about their storied careers, backstage experiences, and unforgettable moments in the ring. From harrowing travel woes to racial challenges and personal victories, this in-depth discussion peels back the layers of their professional personas, offering fans a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the life of a professional wrestler. Whether you're a die-hard wrestling aficionado or a casual viewer, this interview promises to enhance your understanding of the sport and its stars.
    • (00:00) The session opens with a large audience attending despite previous delays due to weather, featuring wrestlers such as Outlaw Ron Bass, Ugandan Giant Kamala, and Barry Harowitz.
    • (00:45) Barry Harowitz clarifies he never worked for WWE, only WWF, and addresses a question about facing aggressive opponents in the ring.
    • (01:59) Ron Bass shares his positive experiences in WCW, appreciating his character fit and teamwork with his partner.
    • (02:45) Kamala discusses encountering racism in wrestling but states it was something he dealt with daily without significant personal impact.
    • (11:33) An interesting discussion arises about the standards of indie wrestling shows, with Kamala revealing his views on various wrestlers' sizes and the impact on the sport's credibility.
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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • Inside the Ring: The Cowboy Bill Watts Chronicles - Part 4
    Sep 28 2024
    This candid shoot interview captures the legendary promoter and wrestler as he recounts the transformative years of Mid-South Wrestling. Watts opens up about his innovative approaches to the promotion, the significant figures who shaped his career, and the pivotal changes he implemented in the wrestling world. From his personal experiences and professional challenges to his direct involvement in racial integration and empowerment within the industry, Watts provides a raw and insightful look at his wrestling legacy. His stories about Ernie Ladd and their groundbreaking work in promoting African American wrestlers are particularly compelling, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their efforts to change the narrative and dynamics of the sport. This series isn't just for wrestling enthusiasts but also for those interested in the history and evolution of this captivating industry. Tune in to hear Bill Watts in his own words, sharing the highs and lows of his wrestling journey with authenticity and passion.
    For wrestling fans on social media, joining the conversation and exploring the legacy of "Cowboy" Bill Watts, these hashtags will connect you to like-minded enthusiasts and enrich your feed with intriguing wrestling content:
    • (00:01-00:51) Bill Watts enjoys the opportunity to share his unfiltered history and insights on professional wrestling, highlighting how the sport has evolved and how past events are often misremembered or misrepresented.
    • (00:51-01:41) Discussion about the importance of direct sources in wrestling history versus rumors and misinformation spread by others in the industry. Bill Watts expresses gratitude for ongoing interest in his interviews.
    • (01:41-02:59) Bill reflects on his football days and early interactions with Ernie Ladd, emphasizing Ladd's analytical approach to sports and how it influenced his success in both football and wrestling.
    • (02:59-07:30) Watts discusses his transition from football to wrestling, his relationship with Ernie Ladd, and the racial challenges and changes within the wrestling industry during the era, including the push to promote African American wrestlers.
    • (07:30-End) Bill details his strategies and philosophical shifts in wrestling promotion, his commitment to breaking racial barriers in the sport, and how personal experiences and societal changes influenced his decisions and helped him grow his wrestling promotion.
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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • "From the Farm to the Ring: The Godwinns Shoot"
    Sep 27 2024
    Henry O. Godwinn (Mark Canterbury) and Phineas I. Godwinn (Dennis Knight) began their wrestling careers separately before joining forces in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE). Before teaming up, Canterbury had stints as Shanghai Pierce in WCW, while Knight wrestled under various gimmicks, including Tex Slazenger.
    The duo debuted as The Godwinns in WWF in 1996, characterized by their hillbilly gimmicks, complete with denim overalls and the notorious slop bucket. Managed initially by Hillbilly Jim, their persona encapsulated the rural tough man image, appealing to a broad section of wrestling fans. They were portrayed as hog farmers from Arkansas, which played well into the WWF’s then-prominent country-themed storylines.
    The Godwinns found success relatively quickly, capturing the WWF Tag Team Championships on two occasions. Their in-ring style was hard-hitting and no-nonsense, resonating with fans of traditional tag team wrestling. They engaged in feuds with several top tag teams of the era, including The Bodydonnas, The Legion of Doom, and The New Age Outlaws. Their most memorable feuds involved battles over the tag team titles and gritty, physical matches that often pleased the crowd.
    In 1997, their gimmick saw a brief transformation into the less popular Southern Justice, a more serious and less caricatured portrayal, before both members ventured into singles competition. Canterbury later returned to wrestling under his real name and various personas, while Knight transformed into Mideon and Naked Mideon, an eccentric character during the WWF’s Attitude Era.
    The Godwinns left a lasting impression as a tag team that could balance entertainment with solid wrestling, contributing to the vibrant and diverse WWF tag team division of the 90s.
    • (00:01-01:11) Henry Godwinn and Phineas Godwinn discuss their early interest in wrestling and their backgrounds. Phineas mentions losing a football scholarship due to an injury and meeting Barry Windham, which led him to wrestling, while also touching on his family's wrestling obsession.
    • (01:11-03:41) They detail their wrestling training and entry into the business. Phineas trained under Steve Keirn in Florida Championship Wrestling, influenced by several wrestling figures. Henry started in the business with help from his family connections, particularly Ron Slinker.
    • (04:20-10:11) Henry and Phineas share stories from their early wrestling road trips and experiences, including wrestling notable figures like Cactus Jack and Ken Shamrock. They reminisce about significant matches, including Henry's tag team title win in Madison Square Garden.
    • (15:20-25:35) The Godwinns discuss their journey through various wrestling territories, their impressions of different wrestlers like Jerry Lawler, and their experiences in tag team wrestling. They highlight key moments in their careers and the evolution of their wrestling personas.
    • (38:53-57:36) The interview concludes with their transition into WWE, the development of the Godwinn gimmick, and reflections on their wrestling philosophy and memorable moments in the ring, emphasizing their respect for the sport and the opportunities it provided them.
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    1 hr and 58 mins

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