Tessera

Between the Sheets

@btsheetspod.bsky.social

Weekly podcast with @KrisZellner.bsky.social and @davidbix.bsky.social going over a week in wrestling history as it was covered at the time.

211 Posts699 Follower 12 Folgt

Between the Sheets @btsheetspod.bsky.social · 2d ago

New on the @btsheetspod.bsky.social Patreon: We finish up our WWECW deep dive! Ghastly December to Dismember PPV and Paul Heyman getting sent home in EXTREME detail, Matt Striker's slutty manties, Mike Knox gets buried, and lots more. Just $5.00/month or $50.40/year at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets!

Between the Sheets @btsheetspod.bsky.social · 2d ago

New for FREE on the @btsheetspod.bsky.social Patreon, courtesy of @iamjohnpollock.bsky.social: Jason Agnew interviewing Paul Heyman for The LAW on December 1, 2006 to promote December to Dismember! Not only do we have the audio, but there's also a transcript. Enjoy! www.patreon.com/betweenthesh...

FREE AUDIO: Live Audio Wrestling December 1, 2006 — Jason Agnew interviews Paul Heyman | Between the Sheets

Courtesy of our dear close personal friend John Pollock of POST Wrestling and the POST Wrestling Café: Here's the audio of Paul Heyman promo

patreon.com

Between the Sheets @btsheetspod.bsky.social · 6d ago

New @btsheetspod.bsky.social with @ghostofquinones.bsky.social returning to cover 1985! Rick McGraw dies, SNME does Halloween, Calgary Hurricanes return to Japan, WWF talent pulled from NJPW Tag League, Lance Russell finds a "drunk" Jerry Lawler, "SHE LIKES IT," & more. redcircle.com/shows/f0ecb9...

Kris & David are joined by Robert O'Connor (@ghostofquinones) this week to discuss the week that was October 27-November 2, 1985. Topics of discussion include:
- The tragic death of Rick McGraw and the terrible timing of an injury angle he did on the TV that aired the day after his death in his famous match against Roddy Piper.
- Saturday Night's Main Event celebrating spooky season with a Halloween party that features the babyfaces and heels mingling together, which angered many fans and people in the business at the time.
- The Calgary Hurricanes of Super Strong Machine, Hiro Saito, and Shunji Takano returning to Japan from excursion and join Japan Pro Wrestling.
- Vince McMahon pulling his talent from the upcoming New Japan Tag League tour, thus killing a possible Andre the Giant vs. Bruiser Brody singles match.
- The Memphis Mafia (Ron Starr and Honky Tonk Wayne) doing battle with the Hart Foundation in a battle of the brutes on Stampede TV.
- Lance Russell finding a "drunk" Jerry Lawler splayed across his front lawn as part of a master plan to get a rematch with Bill Dundee.
- THE HAWAIIAN FLASH debuting and Bill Dundee getting hoodwinked.
- Sherri Martel becoming the manager of Pat Rose and Tom Prichard, changing her career forever.
- "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan vowing revenge on Buzz Sawyer for attacking his girlfriend.
- Ric Flair facing Lance Von Erich in Fort Worth and why that was the last time he ever worked World Class.
- An update on Dusty Rhodes's future.
- Magnum T.A. grabbing and kissing Baby Doll while David Crockett exclaims that "SHE LIKES IT!!!!!"
- Speaking of kisses, Jimmy Valiant gets his life changed by Miss Atlanta Lively.
All that and more on a great episode of BTS!!!!

Between the Sheets @btsheetspod.bsky.social · last wk.

New on the @btsheetspod.bsky.social feed: Center Stage Chronicles covering October 1991! Paul E. Dangerously gets "suspended," the infamous squeegee incident between Sid Vicious, Brian Pillman, and Mike Graham, Halloween Havoc featuring the CHAMBER OF HORRORS, and more. redcircle.com/shows/f0ecb9...

Center Stage Chronicles Ep. #30: October 1991
Kris Zellner is joined by Rob Naylor and Our Good Buddy Charles to discuss the month of October 1991 in World Championship Wrestling and pop culture at large. Topics of discussion include:
- Paul E. Dangerously and Missy Hyatt being on the hunt for the Chamber of Horrors.
- The "suspension" of Paul E. Dangerously by WCW, what was real vs. what wasn't, and how Jerry "The King" Lawler fit in all of that as well.
- The heavy push of Van Hammer.
- The worst-attended wrestling show ever at the Greensboro Coliseum.
- Sid's infamous squeegee incident with Brian Pillman and Mike Graham at the Ramada Inn by the Atlanta Airport
- "The Screaming Eagles" challenge for the WCW World Tag Team Titles on World Championship Wrestling on TBS.
- A complete rundown of Halloween Havoc 91 and how great it really was.
- Ravishing Rick Rude making his WCW debut and how he along with Cactus Jack changed WCW in the best way.
- Bill Clinton announcing that he will seek the 1992 Democratic Party nomination for the President of the United States,
- Mark Messier getting traded to the New York Rangers
- An amazing run of consecutive classic Saved by the Bell episodes
- "Diamonds & Pearls," "Bad Motorfinger," "Cool as Ice," "Death Certificate," and "Too Legit to Quit" hit music stores.
- SUBURBAN COMMANDO and more hit movie theaters.
All of this and so much more on a slam-packed episode of CSC!!!

Between the Sheets @btsheetspod.bsky.social · last wk.

New on the @btsheetspod.bsky.social Patreon: Part 9 of our WWECW deep dive! EXTREME STRIP POKER is very depressing, Halloween costume contest with Kelly Kelly as CM Punk, Heyman telling Vince that Bischoff was a coke fiend, and more. Just $5.00/month or $50.40/year at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets!

Patreon Ep. #120: WWECW (Part 9)
It's Friday. You know what that means: The ninth part of our latest Patreon-exclusive deep dive! This week, we're continuing our look into the launch of WWE's version of ECW, specifically covering the weeks of October 2 to November 6, 2006. Topics of discussion include:
- Two different ECW wrestlers getting fired for ghosting the office and going AWOL.
- The October 11 focusing way too much on EXTREME STRIP POKER, which, in execution was pretty much the most Vince McMahon and Kevin Dunn-coded thing you'll ever see, complete with the porniest possible hair and makeup for all of the women involved and Balls Mahoney getting too excited by the proceedings.
- Vince's comments about ECW on a one-off return episode of Byte This.
- The debut of ECW interviewer Rebecca DiPietro, who does not make a good impression.
- Kurt Angle giving a very rambling and contradictory interview about his departure from WWE to Bubba the Love Sponge.
- Raw vs. ECW at Budokan Hall.
- Big Show's contractual status.
- The end of ECW-branded house shows.
- An extreme Halloween costume contest featuring Kelly Kelly as CM Punk.
- That time when Paul Heyman told Vince that Eric Bischoff was a coke fiend...as told by Eric Bischoff.
...and much more. Enjoy!

David BASTARDspan @davidbix.com · 2w ago

Coming Friday on the @btsheetspod.bsky.social Patreon: Not only do we continue our WWECW series by watching EXTREME STRIP POKER so you don't have to, but we discuss the time Paul Heyman told Vince McMahon that Eric Bischoff was coked up during a meeting because he watched too much Growing Pains.

Between the Sheets @btsheetspod.bsky.social · 2w ago

New @btsheetspod.bsky.social with @nickmaniwa.bsky.social and @jfannin73.bsky.social covering 1997! USWA folds, 1st IWAMS King of the Death Matches, AJW files bankruptcy, an insane Paul Heyman quote in the Torch, Jeff Jarrett's WWF return/shoot promo on Raw, and more. redcircle.com/shows/f0ecb9...

Bruce Prichard, Vince McMahon, TAKA Michinoku, and Victor Quinones at TAKA's WWE contract signing.

Tajiri in his one-off Monday Night Raw debut but the chyron says "TIJARI."

Vince McMahon holding up a Ghostface mask from Scream as Jerry Lawler smirks.

Kris and David are back to discuss the (almost-)week that was October 19-24, 1997. We are joined for the first segment of the show by Jim Fannin and Nick Maniwa to discuss not only the end of the USWA and the first ever IWA Mid-South King of the Death Matches tournament, but also other great memories of IWAMS and the upcoming Last Resort tribute show for our dearly departed friend Mark Wolf, which takes place on November 1st. We were excited to have them on to discuss this great cause. Other topics of discussion include:
- Ric Flair's contractual status in WCW.
- Eric Bischoff getting upset at Vince McMahon for “counter-programming” the premiere of Hulk Hogan’s "Assault On Devil's Island" on TNT and lashing out on Nitro.
- Kevin Nash's injury affecting the Wolfpac's political influence.
- Rey Misterio Jr. playing hardball with Eric Bischoff over losing his mask.
- All Japan Women filing for bankruptcy protection while continuing to promote shows.
- Shocker being in PRISON and why that happened.
- Paul Heyman explaining to the Torch why Raven and Stevie Richards won't be getting PPV payoffs.
- Wrestling at the Sportatorium in Dallas nearing its end.
- Shawn Michaels “trying to get fired” as the subtext to the early DX storylines.
- Jeff Jarrett returning to the WWF and cutting a "shoot promo" on Raw that backfires.
- The Nation of Domination's locker room getting vandalized on Raw.
- Jim Cornette’s second of two commentary segments about Phil Mushnick on Raw.
- Jim Ross speaking out about Eric Bischoff.
And lots more. Again, it was great having Jim and Nick on to talk about Mark Wolf and everything else, so we hope you enjoy it as well!!
Timestamps:
0:00:00 USWA, Music City, & IWAMS
2:19:30 WCW
3:38:20 Int’l: AJPW, BattlARTS, Dropkick Champion, FMW, Michinoku Pro, SPWF, AJW, GAEA, Jd’, ECCW, ICW (BC), AAA, CMLL, & Promo Azteca
4:07:55 Classic Commercial Break
4:13:26 Halftime
4:49:07 Other USA: ECW, PCW, MEWF, WZWA, & CWA (Dallas)
5:11:36 WWF

Between the Sheets @btsheetspod.bsky.social · 2w ago

New on the @btsheetspod.bsky.social Patreon: Part 8 of our WWECW series! WWE lets Kurt Angle go and Dave Meltzer is understandably in his feelings over the Brian Pillman parallels, the WWE-ification of the women of ECW, and lots more. Just $5.00/month or $50.40/year at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets!

CM Punk to Shannon Moore: "YOU'RE A POSER!"

Patreon Ep. #120: WWECW (Part 8)
It's Friday. You know what that means: The eighth part of our latest Patreon-exclusive deep dive! This week, we're continuing our look into the launch of WWE's version of ECW, specifically covering the weeks of August 28 to September 25, 2006. Topics of discussion include:
- Kurt Angle getting let go by WWE due to concerns about his painkiller intake, overall mental health, and recent series of injuries.
- Why the ECW tour of Canada was canceled.
- The long-term contract for ECW on Sci-Fi finally gets signed.
- Mark Canterbury/Henry Godwin, Rodney Mack, Marty Jannetty, and Brad Armstrong getting signed as player coaches earmarked for ECW.
- CM Punk trying to avoid the advances of Kelly Kelly and the ire of Mike Knox.
- The very obvious Vince McMahon and Kevin Dunn input on the wardrobe and hairstyling of Francine, Trinity, and Kelly Kelly.
- Kurt Angle arriving in TNA while an emotional Dave Meltzer openly discusses his concerns that Kurt is turning into the next Brian Pillman, fearing the same ending.
- Bob Holly vs. Rob Van Dam in one of the most memorable matches of early WWECW.
- Rene Dupree: Acadian Psycho?
- The CM Punk/Shannon Moore "YOU'RE A POSER!" promo and TV feud.
...and much more.

Between the Sheets @btsheetspod.bsky.social · 2w ago

Between the Sheets @btsheetspod.bsky.social · 3w ago

New @btsheetspod.bsky.social covering 1990! WWF layoffs continue, SWS debut show, Vince McMahon and Hulk Hogan beefing over how many dates Hulk should work, OKTOBERFEST on Saturday Night's Main Event, the wrestling action figure market blows up via WWF/Hasbro, and more. redcircle.com/shows/f0ecb9...

The Ultimate Warrior makes Brother Love dress in drag.

The Orient Express and Mr. Fuji vs. the Hart Foundation and Jim Duggan in a sausage-stuffing contest overseen by Gene Okerlund and The Genius.

Ep. #563: October 13-19, 1990
Kris and David are back to discuss the week that was October 13-19, 1990. Topics of discussion include:
- The Genius joining the growing list of layoffs among WWF veteran wrestlers in light of the end of the C-show tour and how his brother, “Macho King” Randy Savage, felt about it.
- Vince McMahon wanting Hulk Hogan to work more dates and getting pushback from him.
- Saturday Night's Main Event turning into Oktoberfest with some wacky skits. plus Dustin Rhodes showing up to get laid out by the Ted DiBiase and Virgil.
- Dick Glover, J.J. Dillon, and Akio Sato going to Japan to lock up a deal for the WWF with one of the major promotions for a future working agreement.
- Ricky Steamboat working a New Japan tour which was called underwhelming.
- Super World Sports making their official debut with two big shows at Yokohama Arena that had production values which blew away all of the other wrestling promotions in that era.
- A wacky indie show in Cleveland featuring Jerry Lawler vs. Eddie Gilbert and how it was worked into the Memphis TV storylines that morning.
- Kevin Von Erich's new World Class reboot having some problems.
- Jim Cornette having an altercation with a fan in Altoona, Pennsylvania which makes national news.
- Elvira meeting Sid Vicious in the Halloween Havoc commercial spots.
- The burgeoning wrestling action figure market as the holiday shopping season approaches.
- The possibility of Bobby Heenan and Jake Roberts joining the NWA.
This is an extremely fun show, so don't miss it!!!
Timestamps:
0:00:00 WWF
1:18:54 Int’l: AJPW, NJPW, SWS, Fray Tormenta, EMLL, & UWA
1:50:53 Classic Commercial Break
1:57:10 Halftime
2:56:56 Other USA: NAWA/SAPW, Peach State, PWF (FL), Generation 1, USWA, WCCW, TWF, & Portland
3:35:37 NWA/WCW

David BASTARDspan @davidbix.com · 3w ago

On the new @btsheetspod.bsky.social Patreon show, we discover that the WWE Network version of the infamous Big Show vs Batista Hammerstein Ballroom match includes Big Show's profanity-laced crowd work from during the commercial break. Just $5.00/month or $50.40/year at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets!

Between the Sheets @btsheetspod.bsky.social · 3w ago

New on the @btsheetspod.bsky.social Patreon: Part 7 of our WWECW deep dive! ECW on Sci-Fi live from the Hammerstein Ballroom w/ CM Punk's debut and the crowd passionately heckling Big Show-Batista, Kurt Angle foreshadowing, and more. Just $5.00/month or $50.40/year at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets!

Joe Gagne @joegagne.bsky.social · 4w ago

Steve Corino on @btsheetspod.bsky.social talking about his relationship with Hashimoto is a must-listen

Between the Sheets @btsheetspod.bsky.social · 4w ago

New @btsheetspod.bsky.social with STEVE CORINO joining us to cover 1992! Bret Hart wins the WWF Title in in a shocker of a dark match in Saskatoon, the Steiners beef with Bill Watts, Bruce Grummert does Bruce Grummert things, THE KING KILLER in Memphis, and lots more. redcircle.com/shows/f0ecb9...

WCW UP CLOSE with Erik Watts and Tony Schiavone

Ep. #562: October 9-16, 1992 with Steve Corino
Kris and David are delighted to be joined by “The King of Old School” STEVE CORINO (@kingcorino on Instagram) to discuss the week-plus that was October 9-16, 1992. Topics of discussion include:
- Rick and Scott Steiner having major issues with Cowboy Bill Watts over Watts wanting to split them up permanently after giving Scott the WCW TV Title as the start of a heel turn and singles push.
- Jake Roberts already doing jobs to Sting on house shows.
- Michael Hayes’s role in the upcoming WCW Slam Jam album.
- Your annual Terry Funk may come to WCW story for the early 90's.
- Watts explaining what a Lights Out Match is on TV.
- Tony Schiavone going Up Close with Erik Watts.
- A Kansas City house show debacle that encourages Bruce Grummert write a sternly-worded letter to the Observer.
- Tokimitsu Ishizawa, Yuji Nagata, and Manabu Nakanishi all make their debuts in New Japan.
- Art Barr and Eddy Guerrero jump to AAA.
- “Canadian Vampire Casanova” and his dalliances with female celebrities in Mexico.
- Competing indie promotions in Georgia involving Sir Samuel F. Kent.
- Ron Wright cutting a promo about possibly going blind thanks to Tim Horner.
- THE KING KILLER debuts in Memphis.
- Bret Hart wins the WWF Title & Money Inc. win the tag team titles on back-to-back days at the WWF TV tapings in Saskatchewan.
- Why the Bret decision was made and how that plays into the new "more wrestling" philosophy of the WWF.
We were so pumped to finally get Steve on the show and it was well worth the damn wait, so you better not miss this one!!!
Timestamps:
0:00:00 WCW
1:38:23 Eurasia: AJPW, NJPW, FMW, Takanos/PWC, Universal, AJW, & CWA
2:13:53 Mexico: AAA, CMLL, & UWA
2:41:50 Classic Commercial Break
2:45:40 Halftime/Jeff Cannonball
3:14:26 Other North America: IWA (Calgary), WWC, John Arezzi, NAWA (NY), WWOW, All-South, ICWA, SMW, USWA, GWF, Big D, Battles of Houston and Los Angeles, IWA (Sacramento), & CWUSA
4:15:21 WWF

Between the Sheets @btsheetspod.bsky.social · 4w ago

This Monday on Between the Sheets: MYSTERY GUEST!

Between the Sheets @btsheetspod.bsky.social · last mo.

New on the @btsheetspod.bsky.social Patreon: Part 6 of our WWECW deep dive! Kurt Angle gets sent home, RVD and Sabu get busted for weed among other things in a speed trap, a wild Paul Heyman interview in the UK Sun, and lots more. Just $5.00/month or $50.40/year at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets!

Paul Heyman kissing Tommy Dreamer on the mouth.

Patreon Ep. #120: WWECW (Part 6)
It's Friday. You know what that means: The sixth part of our latest Patreon-exclusive deep dive! This week, we're continuing our look into the launch of WWE's version of ECW, specifically covering the weeks of July 3 to July 24, 2006. Topics of discussion include:
- Kurt Angle being sent home "to take care of physical and emotional issues."
- The infamous Rob Van Dam/Sabu speed trap stop while they're smoking up in their rental car, leading to an arrest and RVD dropping both the WWE and ECW belts (to Edge and the Big Show, respectively).
- The insane Big Show vs. Ric Flair ECW Title match on Sci-Fi.
- Paul Heyman kissing Tommy Dreamer on TV.
- Kevin Dunn hates Stephen DeAngelis.
- Sabu losing to Justin Credible by DQ on TV and why it happened.
- Someone's trying to fuck on Jim Mitchell in the Observer.
- Paul Heyman gives a classic ridiculous interview to The Lilsboys of the UK Sun.
- Rhino cutting the promo of his life and "burning the ECW belt" on Impact.
...and much more. Enjoy!

Between the Sheets @btsheetspod.bsky.social · last mo.

New Center Stages Chronicles on the @btsheetspod.bsky.social feed covering September 1991! Clash of the Champions 16: Fall Brawl airing opposite the MTV Video Music Awards, EMILY VALENTINE AND JEFF HUNTER invade our favorite California high school shows, and lots more. redcircle.com/shows/f0ecb9...

Center Stage Chronicles Ep. #29: September 1991
Kris Zellner is joined by Rob Naylor and Our Good Buddy Charles to discuss September 1991 in the world of WCW and pop culture at large as only they can. Topics of discussion include:
- What did O.P.P. really mean to us as kids in 1991?
- Clash of the Champions 16: Fall Brawl featuring the Georgia Brawl, Brian Pillman and "Bradstreet" being awesome, Sting and Cactus Jack coming out of gift boxes to attack each other, Mike Graham being "old", Ron Simmons being all over the show, the debut of Van Hammer debut and much more.
- On the same night as the Clash, MTV broadcasts their annual Video Music Awards which, a show dominated by R.E.M. But it’s remembered more for the cold open starring the then-controversial Pee-wee Herman.
- We also run down all the major winners and happenings from the show, as it marked the unofficial end of an era at MTV, as well.
- Emily Valentine making her debut on “Beverly Hills, 90210” the same week as Jeff Hunter’s first appearance on “Saved By The Bell.”
- Jim Herd being named the new president of the NWA and what that actually means.
- “Use Your Illusion” by Guns ’n’ Roses, “No More Tears” by Ozzy Osbourne, “Emotions” by Mariah Carey are all released on the same day.
- Tim Allen's “Home Improvement” debuting on ABC.
- Tom Zenk getting arrested.
- Mass confusion regarding the status of WCW's syndicated TV in New York.
- “Baywatch” starts it's run in first-run syndication after previously airing on NBC.
- Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Lopez make their debuts on “In Living Color.”
- Nirvana's "Nevermind, "The Low End Theory" by A Tribe Called Quest, "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and "Waking Up The Neighbours" by Bryan Adams all come out on the same day.
- The video for “Smells Like Teen Spirit" makes it's TV debut on MTV's "120 Minutes."
- “The Jerry Springer Show” debuts in syndication.
- WCW talking about bringing in “Ravishing” Rick Rude with a big push.

Between the Sheets @btsheetspod.bsky.social · last mo.

New @btsheetspod.bsky.social covering 1988! RUMOR VS. FACT, Eddie Gilbert and Paul E. Dangerously's final Continental TV appearances, Dave Meltzer and Steve Beverly on the ground at The Road to Birmingham, the original BATTLE OF THE BAM[M] BAM[M]S in Chicago, and more. redcircle.com/shows/f0ecb9...

Eddie Gilbert being interviewed by Joe Pedicino and Charlie Platt while a station identification graphic for "WATE TV KNOXVILLE 6" is shown onscreen.

"Sensational" Sherri Martel open mouth kisses Greg "The Hammer" Valentine.

Ivan and Nikita Koloff reunite as babyfaces.

Ep. #561: September 28-October 4, 1988
Kris and David are back to discuss the week that was September 28-October 4, 1988. Topics of discussion include:
- Dave Meltzer deciphering just what was rumor vs. fact in the wrestling world during our week when it came to Lex Luger or Ric Flair leaving the NWA as well as Jerry Jarrett's acquisition of World Class.
- The WWF renewing its deal with NBC, but not everything was as it seemed.
- Ted DiBiase buying Hercules as a “slave,” the in-ring debut of Akeem, and Sensational Sherri soul kissing Greg Valentine all on one episode of Superstars.
- New Japan’s tour of Taiwan and how, on the plane ride back home, Bob Orton Jr. got belligerent and was arrested as soon as as they landed…all of which happened in front of a sports columnist flying home from the Seoul Olympics who detailed it in the Detroit News.
- Mr. Donnie making his debut as Tommy Rich's manager at Jerry Blackwell's big SCW show in Marietta.
- Eddie Gilbert and Paul E. Dangerously having their "last stand" on Continental TV, including a promo where where Paul E. even breaks out SHOOT NAMES in startlingly familiar fashion.
- Dave Meltzer and Steve Beverly are both at the big Road to Birmingham with lots of details on the show and the status of the promotion in general after Eddie and Paul dipped out.
- Brickhouse Brown going through some hard times in Memphis.
- The first ever Battle of the Bam[m] Bam[m]s headlining the big Windy City Wrestling card at the International Amphitheater.
- The hilarious SuperClash III “press conference” takes place on AWA TV.
- An update on the sale of Jim Crockett Promotions to Turner Broadcasting, as it's getting REALLY close to completion.
- Bam Bam Bigelow making his TBS debut, with Ric Flair definitely taking notice right away.
We love doing shows like these and hope you love listening to them!!!

David BASTARDspan @davidbix.com · last mo.

Coming tonight at midnight on @btsheetspod.bsky.social: In his final appearance on Continental TV in 1988, Paul Heyman cuts a promo eerily similar to a somewhat infamous one that a noted Paul Heyman Guy would cut on international television 23 years later.

Between the Sheets @btsheetspod.bsky.social · last mo.

New @btsheetspod.bsky.social Patreon show: Part 5 of our WWECW deep dive! Jason Powell theorizes if Paul Heyman deliberately tanked the Sci-Fi debut show, Vince McMahon dubbing ECW a TAINTED BRAND, Kevin Dunn nonsense, and lots more. Just $5.00/month or $50.40/year at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets!

Paul Heyman kneeling in the "sacred hall" that was the New Alhambra Arena in 2006.

David BASTARDspan @davidbix.com · last mo.

Also on this week's @btsheetspod.bsky.social: Chuck Taylor's right shoulder gets absolutely nuked during the finish of his Ted Petty Invitational match with Cassandro, an injury that would haunt him for the rest of his career.

Between the Sheets@btsheetspod.bsky.social · last mo.

New @btsheetspod.bsky.social covering 2008! ROH New Horizons debuts on PPV, RAW GENERAL MANAGER MIKE ADAMLE, The Great Muta wins the Triple Crown, the bizarre TEAM VADER shows in Japan, the Ted Petty Invitation and Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup tournaments, and lots more. redcircle.com/shows/f0ecb9...

David BASTARDspan @davidbix.com · last mo.

Also on this week's @btsheetspod.bsky.social but not screenshotted in the main skeet because the Bluesky filters will go nuts over it and mess up said skeet: Dingo does an absolutely ridiculous blade job when he runs the razor during the opening ceremony of the IWA Mid-South Ted Petty Invitational.

Between the Sheets @btsheetspod.bsky.social · last mo.

New @btsheetspod.bsky.social Patreon show: Part 4 of our WWECW deep dive! More Head to Head & One Night Stand fallout, the Sci-Fi Channel debut show in extreme (pun not intended) detail, some amazing Paul Heyman quotes, & lots more. Just $5.00/month or $50.40/year at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets!

Patreon Ep. #120: WWECW (Part 4)
It's Friday. You know what that means: The fourth part of our latest Patreon-exclusive deep dive! This week, we're continuing our look into the launch of WWE's version of ECW, specifically covering the week of June 12 (Part 2), 2006. Topics of discussion include:
- More notes from Head to Head and One Night Stand, including The Sandman looking dapper while obeying the WWE dress code and JOHNNY FAIRPLAY DRAMA!
- Linda McMahon discussing the ECW relaunch on the investor call the morning of the Sci-Fi Channel debut.
- The mixed bag that was the debut show, drawing a big Nielsen rating while also being one of the worst shows in the history of nationally televised wrestling. Including THE ZOMBIE and the mind-numbing, insipid Extreme Battle Royal.
- The TV industry reaction to the debut.
- Paul Heyman does not have full creative control of ECW. Please put that in bold print if possible, Dave. (And Wade and Jason.)
- Creative team drama in general.
- John Laurinaitis's PEP TALK for the incoming ECW alumni.
- Steven DeAngelis and Atlas Security showing up to the Sci-Fi debut expecting work.
- Paul Heyman giving the most Paul Heyman interview possible to Scott Fishman for MiamiHerald.com, complete with gratuitous shots at TNA.
- "One person defending Paul Heyman" is cited as a source in the Torch.
...and lots more. Enjoy!

David BASTARDspan @davidbix.com · last mo.

This Monday on @btsheetspod.bsky.social: That time on Monday Night Raw when Kane nearly killed Matt Sydal by barely even bothering to try to catch an Orihara Moonsault.

Between the Sheets @btsheetspod.bsky.social · 2mo ago

New @btsheetspod.bsky.social covering 1984! Pro Wrestling USA runs a bizarre debut taping in Memphis, the WWF poaches PWUSA announcer Jack Reynolds, a detailed breakdown of Riki Choshu's Ishingundan jumping from NJPW to AJPW, Master G debuts in Mid-South, and lots more. redcircle.com/shows/f0ecb9...

Dusty Rhodes looking particularly constipated while arm wrestling Nikita Koloff.

Randy Savage covered in sweat while cutting a very energetic promo.

Then-WWF Vice(!) President, The Distinguished Jack Tunney, on Piper's Pit.

Ep. #559: September 15-21, 1984
Kris and David are back to discuss the week that was September 15-21, 1984. Topics of discussion include:
- The birth of Pro Wrestling USA, as we get the first official TV taping from the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, plus we discuss the impetus behind the promotion, plus who is running it behind the scenes. what their game plan is trying to compete with the WWF, and how similar plans had been brewing going back almost a year.
- The taping itself and how some of the top local stars were used as basically glorified jobbers for the "bigger stars."
- Randy Savage being backstage but not used and potential reason why that happened.
- Jack Reynolds being the one person immediately poached by the WWF.
- Why Bill Watts wasn't at the show.
- Verne Gagne already jobbing the Road Warriors in non-title matches.
- New Japan Pro Wrestling exploding as Riki Choshu's Ishingundan all jump to join Naoki Otsuka's new project with Giant Baba, with a in-depth rundown of the events that led up to this major news story.
- Where Tatsumi Fujinami fits into all of this.
- Sangre Chicana and MS-1 having a caballera contra caballera main event for the 2nd straight EMLL Anniversario show.
- Dusty Rhodes and Nikita Koloff doing some arm-wrestling in JCP.
- Superstar Billy Graham turning babyface in Florida.
- Bill Watts banning all weapons in Mid-South on the same show that features the debut of Master G.
- The WWF retreating from running shows in the Jarrett territory.
- Bobby Heenan being on his way into the WWF while Terry Gordy is on his way out.
- Mr. T showing up at the WWF debut at the Forum in Inglewood and has a skirmish with Dr. D. No, not that one.
- Jack Tunney making his TV debut in Piper's Pit.
We always love doing shows from this era, so we hope you enjoy it!!!

Between the Sheets @btsheetspod.bsky.social · 2mo ago

New on the @btsheetspod.bsky.social Patreon: Part 3 of our WWECW deep dive! Axl Rotten does Axl Rotten things, creative drama, WWE vs ECW Head-to-Head live on USA with Tommy Dreamer nearly killing Edge, One Night Stand, and lots more. Just $5.00/month or $50.40/year at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets!

Sabu hits a triple jump DDT through a table on Rey Mysterio at ECW One Night Stand 2006.

Patreon Ep. #120: WWECW (Part 3)
It's Friday. You know what that means: The third part of our latest Patreon-exclusive deep dive! This week, we're continuing our look into the launch of WWE's version of ECW, specifically covering the weeks of June 5 and June 12 (Part 1), 2006. Topics of discussion include:
- Is there going to be an entire VAMPIRE STABLE?!?!? (No.)
- All sorts of creative team infighting.
- Paul Heyman's onscreen character becoming "a cult leader who has people drinking his Kool-Aid" to satisfy Sci-Fi Channel executives.
- Axl Rotten repeatedly no-showing his pre-hiring physical.
- WWE vs. ECW Head-to-Head live on the USA Network, which serves as the go-home show for One Night Stand.
- John Cena vs. Sabu serving as a delightful main event for the special, which was definitely needed after Tommy Dreamer nearly killed Edge.
- ANNOUNCER WARS during Head-To-Head becomes the dominant topic of conversation within the wrestling business coming out of the show, as Jerry Lawler refuses to let Tazz or Joey Styles get the better of him.
- Vince McMahon and John Laurinaitis host WWE Orientation for the newly-arrived ECW veterans.
- Pat Patterson agenting the battle royal at Head-To-Head.
- The mixed bag that was One Night Stand, including John Cena's amazing main event performance, the Rey Mysterio vs. Sabu dream match mostly delivering, more politics between Lawler and Tazz, and some baffling booking and agenting decisions. Oh, and Dave Meltzer simultaneously loving and hating the Mick Foley-Terry Funk intergender trios match.
- One Night Stand fallout including THE WWE DRESS CODE.
...and much more. Enjoy!

Between the Sheets @btsheetspod.bsky.social · 2mo ago

New @btsheetspod.bsky.social covering 1998! Multiple wrestler arrests, WCW Fall Brawl '98 is an absolute disaster, DX vs. Kaientai DX on Raw Saturday Night, Vince McMahon shit-talks Bret Hart to Mike Mooneyham, Ralphus's debut on a mess of a WCW Thunder, and lots more. redcircle.com/shows/f0ecb9...

Juventud Guerrera in the infamous "SWEET SURRENDER" tights that Kevin Nash told him to wear as a rib because it was a reference to gay porn or something.

Lodi holding up a "BILL DID YOU INHALE" sign at Fall Brawl '98 during Raven vs. Saturn because it was the week that the Starr Report was released.

A planted DX thong flasher in custom "DX" on the booty pleather pants poses for the camera in front of a "2 WORDS BLOW ME" sign in the crowd.

Ep. #558: September 8-13, 1998
Kris and David are back to discuss the week that was September 8-13, 1998. Topics of discussion include:
- Wrestlers from various promotions having legal issues in the same week.
- DX vs. Kaientai DX in THE BATTLE OF DX on Raw Saturday Night.
- Davey Boy Smith attending the WWF house show in Calgary two days before he nearly ends his career at WCW Fall Brawl.
- Vince McMahon talking shit on Bret Hart to Mike Mooneyham.
- AJPW needing to change up their main event scene.
- CMLL changing up their Anniversario plans (and why).
- Justin Credible's wedding causing various people to miss ECW’s weekend house shows.
- Barry Blaustein's crew filming for “Beyond the Mat” at the APW show in Hayward.
- The Sandman signing a three-year deal with WCW.
- Ralphus making his TV debut on WCW Thunder.
- The complete piece of garbage known as Fall Brawl '98.
- WCW making enemies out of the fans of Mobile, Alabama with a horribly false advertised WCW Saturday Night taping.
This was quite the damn show, so you definitely don't want to miss this one!!!
Timestamps:
0:00:00 Wrestler Arrests
0:24:12 WWF
1:00:00 Eurasia: AJPW, NJPW, FMW, FULL, Michinoku Pro, WAR, Wrestle Yume Factory, Arsion, & CWA
1:20:06 Latin America: AAA, CMLL, IWRG, Monterrey, & Puerto Rico
1:36:01 Classic Commercial Break
1:40:33 Halftime/Andy Williams
2:11:16 Other USA: ECW, NWA, NWA Georgia, NDW, UCW (OH), UCW (AL), Memphis Power Pro, APW, & NBC Exposé
2:31:02 WCW

Between the Sheets @btsheetspod.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Since it's the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we've re-uploaded what is effectively the @btsheetspod.bsky.social 9/11 show. Matt Griffin joins us to give his perspective working in USMC PR at the time, plus Phil Schneider hops on for the indie section. One of our best shows. redcircle.com/shows/f0ecb9...

9/11 Flashback — Ep. #165: September 12-18, 2001 with Matt Griffin & Phil Schneider
Since today is the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, we figured we'd re-upload what is effectively our 9/11 show. Matt Griffin joins us to talk about the week from his perspective working in the U.S. Marine Corps public relations department at the time, plus Phil Schneider hops on for the indie section since he lived in Washington, DC at the time of the attacks and is a longtime evangelist of the Low-Ki vs. The Amazing Red match that took place on the UCW/ICW New York show in Queens that week.
---
Kris and David are joined by Matt Griffin (ACTION Wrestling) and Phil Schneider (Segunda Caida) this week to discuss the week that was September 12-18, 2001. Topics of discussion include:
- September 11th and how that affected us personally as well as the wrestling business, plus Dave Meltzer’s thoughts on the feelings of the nation at the time in a powerful piece.
- How the WWF handled this situation and the infamous 9/13 live Smackdown from Houston with all the behind the scenes info you would want.
- The rest of the week in the WWF.
- New Japan's wild G-1 World Tournament, K-1’s tax issues, and the awesomeness of 2001 CMLL.
- Phil joins us to discuss the United States indie scene including Low-Ki vs. Red tearing it up on the first wrestling show in NYC since 9/11, Jeff G. Bailey taking over Wildside, post-WCW startup madness, and Stevie Ray on Ricki Lake.
A fantastic show and one of our best ever, so don't miss it!!!!
Timestamps:
0:00:00 9/11
0:36:16 WWF
2:08:12 Japan: AJPW, NJPW, ZERO-ONE, BattlARTS, BJPW, DDT, FMW, Michinoku Pro, Osaka Pro, Toryumon, W*ING, ARSION, JD’, NEO, & K-1
3:17:55 Classic Commercial Break
3:20:27 Housekeeping/The Amazon Game
3:50:10 Other North America: Matrats, ECCW, AAA, CMLL, IWRG, Luchas 2000, Monterrey, & Dandy-Navarro

Between the Sheets @btsheetspod.bsky.social · 2mo ago

New on the @btsheetspod.bsky.social Patreon: Part 2 of our WWECW series! Tommy Dreamer loses power immediately, Sci-Fi Channel announcement complete with an amazing Dave Meltzer editing mishap, WRESTLING MACHINE KURT ANGLE, and more. Just $5.00/month or $50.40/year at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets!

Wrestling Machine Kurt Angle with a "VIOLENCE" mouthpiece.

It's Friday. You know what that means: The second part of our latest Patreon-exclusive deep dive! This week, we're continuing our look into the launch of WWE's version of ECW, specifically covering the weeks of May 8 to May 29, 2006. Topics of discussion include:

"Conflicting stories" around who will book ECW.

Mick Foley's temporary heel turn to facilitate his and Edge's feud with Terry Funk and Tommy Dreamer.

How Beth Phoenix greatly benefited from being called up to Raw before Paul Heyman could get her for ECW like he wanted to.

Has New Jack signed with WWE? (No.)

Dave Meltzer seemingly accidentally publishes a note about the Sci-Fi Channel picking up ECW that he learned in an off the record conversation. Or at least that's the most logical conclusion based on the contradictory back to back sentences that he published in the Observer.

The attempts to make ECW look different from Raw and SmackDown within a WWE/Kevin Dunn framework.

The planned ECW house show schedule...that was busier on paper than Raw or SmackDown.

Some anonymous direct quotes in the Torch where it's not exactly hard to figure out who's speaking.

The Miz being hung out to dry when Chris Cage got fired.

Tim Horner content?!?!?!?

The backlash towards the ECW announcement from the Sci-Fi Channel's most die-hard fans.

Tommy Dreamer almost immediately losing whatever booking power he was supposed to have.

Chris Benoit vs. Dean Malenko in an Eddy Guerrero tribute match being penciled in for One Night Stand.

The very confusing ECW draft and how Rob Van Dam's inclusion made no sense.

WRESTLING MACHINE Kurt Angle getting drafted to ECW.

Talk of Rob Van Dam vs. John Bradshaw Layfield being the One Night Stand main event instead of RVD vs. John Cena.

Is Homicide signing with WWE for ECW? (No.)

...and much more. Enjoy!