After some brief self-introductions detailing their history as wrestling fans, Chad and Parv take a look at the first four matches of the so-called “Grandaddy of them all”, Starrcade 83. Highlights include: being a wrestling fan in the UK, discussion of late-70s dancing babyfaces, lame finishes, assessing Gordon Solie in general, the difference between Carolinas Flair and Minnesota Flair, and Dusty’s mic trouble, extended evaluation of the Great Kabuki’s claw hold, Japanese wrestlers dogging it in the US, more assessment of Solie, picks for MVP, match of the night and worst performance, and we ask “does Harley Race really care?”

Where the Big Boys Play #1 and #2 - Starrcade 83 [remastered]

To celebrate their 50th show, Chad and Parv welcome Chad's "other" co-host, Brad, and Titans of Wrestling regular, Kelly for an experimental format: the 1990 Fantasy Draft!

The Scenario: It's 1990 and the 20-year old Sheikh Mansour has decided that he loves Amiercan pro wrestling and would like his own it. His father, the multi-billionaire Emir Zayed II, decides that for his birthday he'll give his son what he wants. He promptly buys WWF from Vince McMahon for an undisclosed fee, but fearing that this is not enough goes ahead and buys WCW from Ted Turner and USWA from Jeff Jarrett too -- along with all of the contracts for every company, with the sole exception of Kamala who was fired on the spot. But this is not enough for the young Mansour. He wants to see the best wrestling possible on well-booked, well-paced supercards. So Zayed appoints four trusted wrestling "experts" with the task -- but to make things more interesting, he sets them in competition with each other. The winner gets to run the company with the roster he has put together; as for the three losers ... 

The Rules: 
1. There is a talent pool of 160 people.
2. Rosters are to be selected using "draft picks" in serpentine order; no one gets left behind; no picks can be skipped.
3. After the rosters are selected, there will be a chance for listeners to vote in a poll for who has the best roster and the best booked card. (10 points for each vote)
4. In addition to filling up a roster of at least 30 wrestlers, each booker must also ensure that they have drafted a broadcast team and other key non-wrestlers. They must have:
- A commentary team (at least two, can have up to three)
- An interviewer (at least one, can have up to two)
- A ring announcer (can only have one)
- An on-air authority figure
- A referee
- A manager (at least two, can have up to four)
Bookers will incur a 5-point penalty if any of these positions are not filled and a 10-point penalty for failing to have at least 30 active wrestlers on the roster. You cannot employ obvious non-wrestlers in wrestling roles -- for example, Gordon Solie is not stepping in the ring to compete, period. "Margin calls" where nonwrestlers have wrestling ability and have been employed as wrestlers (e.g. Bobby Heenan or Lord Alfred Hayes) can be decided by the High Council.
5. No one pulls double duty: e.g. Roddy Piper cannot be a commentator and an active wrestler; Bobby Heenan cannot do colour and be a manager.
6. Bookers get a four-week lead-in time to book their supercard.
7. Every single wrestler on the roster must be used on the supercard. There will be a 5-point penalty for every wrestler not used.
8. Bookers must establish their world heavyweight champion, secondary champion and tag champions. They may create further titles as they please.
9. Battle Royales may have no more than 20 wrestlers and there can only be one on each card. Bad News Brown has it written into his contract that he cannot be booked as part of a battle royale.

The Talent Pool:

Abdullah the Butcher
Akeem
Akio Sato
Al Perez
Alexandra York
Andre
Arn Anderson
Ax
Bad News Brown
Bam Bam Bigelow
Barbarian
Barry Horrowitz
Barry Windham
Big Boss Man
Big Van Vader
Bill Dundee
Billy Joe Travis
Bob Caudle
Bob Orton Jr
Bobby Eaton
Bobby Heenan
Boris Zhukov
Brad Armstrong
Bret Hart
Brian Pillman
British Bulldog
Brooklyn Brawler
Brutus Beefcake
Buddy Rose
Bushwacker Butch
Bushwacker Luke
Butch Reed
Buzz Sawyer
Cactus Jack
Chris Adams
Dan Spivey
Dave Brown
Dino Bravo
Dragon Master
Dusty Rhodes
Earl Hebner
Earthquake
Eddie Gilbert
El Gigante
Elizabeth
Eric Bischoff
Eric Embry
Fatu
Gary Hart
Gary Michael Capetta
Gene Okerlund
Gordon Solie
Gorilla Monsoon
Great Muta
Greg Valentine
Haku
Hercules Hernandez
Hillbilly Jim
Honkytonk Man
Howard Finkel
Hulk Hogan
Iron Sheik
Ivan Koloff
Jack Tunney
Jack Victory
Jake Roberts
Jeff Jarrett
Jerry Lawler
Jesse Ventura
Jim Cornette
Jim Duggan
Jim Herd
Jim Neidhart
Jim Powers
Jim Ross
Jimmy Garvin
Jimmy Hart
Jimmy Snuka
Joey Marella
John Tatum
Johnny Ace
Junkyard Dog
Ken Patera
Kerry von Erich
Kevin Sullivan
Koko B. Ware
Lance Russell
Lanny Poffo
Larry Zybysko
Lex Luger
Lord Alfred Hayes
Mark Callous
Marty Jannetty
Matt Borne
Michael Buffer
Michael Hayes
Mike McGuirk
Mike Rotunda
Mr Fuji
Mr Pefect
Mr Saito
Nick Patrick
Nikolai Volkoff
Norman the Lunatic
Ole Anderson
Oliver Humperdink
Pat Tanaka
Paul Diamond
Paul E. Dangerously
Paul Orndorff
Paul Roma
Percy Pringle
Randy Anderson
Randy Savage
Ranger Ross
Ric Flair
Rick Martel
Rick Rude
Rick Steiner
Ricky Morton
Ricky Steamboat
Road Warrior Animal
Road Warrior Hawk
Robert Gibson
Roddy Piper
Ron Garvin
Ron Simmons
Samoan Savage
Samu
Scott Steiner
SD Jones
Sean Mooney
Sensational Sherri
Shane Douglas
Shawn Michaels
Sid
Slick
Smash
Snowman
Stan Hansen
Stan Lane
Steve Austin
Steve Williams
Sting
Ted DiBiase
Teddy Long
Terry Funk
Terry Taylor
Tito Santana
Tom Zenk
Tommy Rich
Tony Atlas
Tony Schiavone
Tugboat
Tully Blanchard
Ultimate Warrior
Vince McMahon
Virgil
Warlord
Woman

Where the Big Boys Play #50a - 1990 Fantasy Draft

Five years. For five years ThROH The Years has wasted hours of your life and on this anniversary show we're not done yet. After copious thank you's we review A Night of Tribute, a show that took place in the wake of Eddie Guerrero's death. We cover a real hidden gem of a card with a great main event, a strange and disappointing semi, one of the greatest promos of Colt Cabana's career, and tons more. We also find time to tell our childhood school fence stories.

ThROH The Years Episode 87 - A Night of Tribute

It's Hard For Picard! Join Pete and Johnny as they break down Season 3 of Star Trek: Picard! Join the guys for this special 10 part mini series. In this ep, they talk about their Trekkie Bona fides and then they dive deep into Picard S3 ep 1, "The Next Generation".

Hard For Picard Episode One

Parv, Pete and Kelly interview Ivan Koloff about his long career, covering everything from his early days in Canada, beating Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF title, working in New York, AWA, IWA, WWA, Florida, Georgia, and Jim Crockett Promotions.

Ivan had a legitimately great career, and even though the interivew is almost two hours, we only scratch the surface. If you are interested in knowing more head over to Kickstarter and help fund the planned documentary by Michael Elliott: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1244526869/ivan-koloff-the-russian-bear

Titans of Wrestling #34: Interview with "The Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff

This time out, the lads tell you what's hot and what's not on the grassy runway this season, and we discuss more referee controversies! WHEE!

Hit us up on Twitter at twitter.com/BustingBallsPod, or email us bustingballspod@gmail.com
Also on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Yz2r4phWcv6EzGmgiTTv9

Busting Balls Episode 87 - The 2023/24 Fashion Show!

Happy Holidays from all of us at the Busting Balls Podcast! In the last episode of 2023, Jon & Geoffrey (Chris was ill!) lay out what gifts football can give us, and where it can make itself better in the New Year!

Hit us up on Twitter at twitter.com/BustingBallsPod, or email us bustingballspod@gmail.com
Also on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Yz2r4phWcv6EzGmgiTTv9

Busting Balls Episode 88 - 2023 Holiday Wishlist AND New Year's Resolutions

More Can Con for everyone, this time focusing exclusively on the amazing future pro wrestler output of the franchise formerly known as the Edmonton Eskimos! Kelly and producer Ryan look at:

Stu Hart
Fritz Von Erich
Gene Kiniski
Roman Reigns

As always, roster updates and match recommendations follow discussion of the players. Enjoy!

Touchdowns to Turnbuckles Episode 5: The Edmonton Eskimos

On the first episode of Busting Balls for the New Year, and a pretty long one at that, Jon, Chris and Geoffrey pass judgement on all 20 PL teams for their season so far! We also talk Joey Barton needing to seriously shut the entire f**k up, the FA Cup including Arsenal falling off a cliff, Geoffrey wanting his orcas, and the ongoing baffler that is Brazil in general. Thrills, chills, technical difficulties, this one has everything!

Hit us up on Twitter at twitter.com/BustingBallsPod, or email us bustingballspod@gmail.com
Also on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Yz2r4phWcv6EzGmgiTTv9

Busting Balls Episode 89 - 2024 Premier League Midterm Grades

Join Kelly and Ryan for the penultimate episode, this time all about wrestlers who played in the AFL! Featuring:

Wahoo McDaniel
Ron Pritchard
Blackjack Mulligan
Ernie Ladd

Also, stick around for roster updates, match recommendations, and plenty of whining about the misfortunes of the hosts favorite teams!

Touchdowns to Turnbuckles Episode 6: The AFL

Original Airdate: August 20, 2014

Host: Steven Graham
Guests: Andrew Riche, Ben Morse & Jordan Duncan (All from the Main Event)

On this week's episode we draft out the current talent of wrestling, including the rosters of WWE, ROH, NXT and TNA. Some "WILD CARDS" are thrown about to make things interesting.

Classic Pro - Wrestling Super Show - Drafting & Booking Current Day Talent, Part 1

Just Jon & Geoffrey this time as Chris had biz to take care of, but this week, the gang, MOSTLY JON, eulogizes Liverpool boss 
Jürgen Klopp on his departure, and what the future could hold for the Reds. We also talk Jon attending Newport County v. Manchester United LIVE, other managers behaving badly, and actual positive history being made in the Bundesliga!

Hit us up on Twitter at twitter.com/BustingBallsPod, or email us bustingballspod@gmail.com
Also on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Yz2r4phWcv6EzGmgiTTv9

Busting Balls Episode 90 - Auf Wiedersehen, Jürgen

For the series finale, Kelly and producer Ryan finally get around to future pro wrestlers who had ties to the NFL! Some are Hall of Famers, some never made it to the field. Featuring:

Steve "Mongo" McMichael
Leo Nomellini
Big Van Vader
Dick the Bruiser

Also, the final roster is revealed! Plus one last batch of match recommendations. Thanks for listening!

Touchdowns to Turnbuckles Episode 7: The NFL

The episode? TOTALLY LATE! The audio? COMPLETELY JAKED! Yes, we don't know WTF happened with Geoffrey's mic, but please try to listen to this anyway. Maybe at a lower volume than normal. But on this episode, Jon, Chris & Geoffrey talk what makes a good example of the most prominent position on the pitch, Paul Pogba, MLS, Carabao Cup Final, and more!

Hit us up on Twitter at twitter.com/BustingBallsPod, or email us bustingballspod@gmail.com
Also on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Yz2r4phWcv6EzGmgiTTv9

Busting Balls Episode 91 - What Makes A Great Striker?

It's not my son talking.  I don't even have a son. The title is just a tribute to old Monster movies. Sorry for any confusion

Son of Kelly Talks About Random 1988 WWF Stuff (but mostly 1989 this time)

Geoffrey's mic is still totally borked (this WILL get corrected by next episode), we said the wrong episode number until halfway through, and MLS is bringing Jon, Chris and Geoffrey down after doing nothing after on-field racism incidents against one of their own youth teams, among other reasons. And one of us WON'T SAY WHOM flubbed the Copa del Rey result. And we also talk the Premier League, the Old Firm, the Bundesliga, and more!

Hit us up on Twitter at twitter.com/BustingBallsPod, or email us bustingballspod@gmail.com
Also on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Yz2r4phWcv6EzGmgiTTv9

Busting Balls Episode 92 - Is MLS Failing Football?

Kris is joined by Will from Pro Wrestling Only and Pete from the Titans of Wrestling podcast to discuss the legendary career of The Fabulous Freebirds (Terry "Bamm Bamm" Gordy, Michael "PS" Hayes, & Buddy "Jack" Roberts.) We discuss the beginnings of the group and how they evolved into one of the most legendary acts in wrestling history. Listen to us pontificate on the guys from Badstreet U.S.A.​

Exile on Badstreet #1 - The Life & Times of The Fabulous Freebirds

Kris is joined by David Bixenspan from f4wonline.com and Dylan Hales from the Wrestling Culture podcast with both now co-hosts of The Trade Marks podcast to discuss the demise of the Universal Wrestling Federation. We discuss the buildup to the buyout and how Jim Crockett Jr. & Dusty Rhodes took was once maybe the best promotion in the country and turned it into a complete afterthought. Listen to us talk about every thing under the UWF name especially the sleaziness of Mike Boyette & Gary Young!!

Exile on Badstreet #2 = The Death of the Universal Wrestling Federation

Kris is joined by Rob Naylor and WES HATCH!!!!! to discuss the rebirth of the US independent wrestling scene of the early 2000's. We wax poetic about all of the greats of the era such as Ric Blade, Xavier, Rockin' Rebel, The Messiah, Mr. Ooh La La and other scrubs like Low-Ki, American Dragon, & Homicide. Listen to us mark out over a coked up Juventud Guerrera and the greatness of Eric Garguilo & John House!!!

Exile on Badstreet #3 = The Rebirth Of The Indies

Kris is joined by David Bixenspan & Dylan Hales to discuss the end of Jim Crockett Promotions and the show is so loaded that we couldn't even finish off the year in one show!!!! We talk about the odyssey of Lex Luger, the idiocy of Dusty Rhodes & Jim Crockett, & lots more. Listen to us talk about what not to do when you are running a wrestling promotion and how things would stay the same even after the Turner buyout.​

Exile on Badstreet #5 - The Price of Ridiculousness Part 1

Kris is joined by David Bixenspan (The Bix Show/The Trade Marks) & Dylan Hales (Wrestling Culture/The Trade Marks) to discuss the life and times of "Nature Boy" Buddy Landel. Join us as we talk about the ups and downs of Budro's career, his good times and his bad times and why he WAS great and not a could've, should've, or would've been!!!

Exile on Badstreet #9 = Yeah We Said It (The Life and Times of Buddy Landel)

Kris is joined by Good Ol' Will (Pro Wrestling Only) & Phil Schneider (Segunda Caida) to discuss some of the Living Legends from Memphis Wretstling. We talk about the differences between Handsome & Boogie Woogie Man Jimmy Valiant, Dream Machine's pharmacy visits, Stan Lane & Steve Keirn as ass kickers, and we even cast a Jerry Lawler & Brian Christopher Brazzers film!!!!

Exile on Bad Street #11: Memphis Wrestling: The Most Known Unknown

​Kris is joined by Dylan Hales (Wrestling Culture) & Kevin Cerrutti (AWA Wrestling Historian Khawk) to discuss the career of Nick Bockwinkel. We go in depth about all the trials and tribulations of Nick's career especially all the places he went as AWA Champion truly making it a world title. We also go over all of the great opponents he faced as champion and talk about his legendary tag team with Ray Stevens and partnership with Bobby Heenan which turned the AWA on it's head. We also talk about some lesser known angles in Bock's career especially one involving Gordon Solie which is a must listen. Sit under the learning tree with us because this is a must listen.

Exile on Badstreet #19 (The Life & Times of Nick Bockwinkel)

Kris is joined by Dylan Hales (Wrestling Culture) & Tim Noel (Wrestling Power) to discuss the first two years in the history of Smoky Mountain Wrestling...1992 to 1993. We talk about all the major angles and matches that took place in this time period and the overall greatness of a promotion that arguably may have been the best promotion in the United States in the 1990's. This show is an important history lesson for anyone that wants to get into SMW!!!

Exile on Badstreet #20 (Bluegrass Brawlin' - The History of Smoky Mountain Wrestling Part 1)

Kris is joined by Good Ol' Will (Dangerous Alliance Podcast) & Tim Noel (Wrestling Power) to discuss the year that was 1994 in Smoky Mountain Wrestling. We talk about all the major angles and matches that took place during the year and how the promotion took a drastic shift in talent that really affected attendance. We talk about the rise of The Gangstas and other new stars who were on the rise as well as older ones!!

Exile on Badstreet #21: Bluegrass Brawlin' The History of SMW Part 2

All Hell is Breaking Loose!

Kris is joined by Beau James to discuss the first year of Continental Championship Wrestling spanning from June 1985 to June 1986. We go over how Continental came to be and all the major angles and matches of the first year. All of the favorites are discussed here and Beau tells some great stories that have never if ever have been heard on a podcast. This is a must listen show!!!

Exile on Badstreet #24 - The Story of Continental Championship Wrestling Part 1

As part of the Greatest Wrestler Ever project on prowrestlingonly.com, Chad and Parv rank their top 100 wrestlers. In this first part, they run down from 100 to 41.

To see and take part in the project, visit: http://prowrestlingonly.com/index.php?/forum/777-greatest-wrestler-ever/

Where the Big Boys Play #81 - Top 100 Greatest Wrestlers Ever Special, Part 1: 100-41

Kris is joined by Karl Stern (Dragon King) for the first hour plus and Beau James (King of Kingsport) for the duration to discuss July 1986-June 1987 in Continental Championship Wrestling. We discuss all the major angles and matches that took place during the year plus other great tidbits surrounding the promotion. Kevin Sullivan makes his debut, Stud Stable turns babyface, New Guinea Head Hunters coming from under the ring, and lots more. This is a tremendous show so LISTEN NOW

Exile on Badstreet #25 (All Hell Is Breaking Loose Part 2) (Featuring Karl Stern & Beau James)

The Premier Podcast Brand (Kris Zellner & Dylan Hales) are here to discuss 100-51 on their Greatest Wrestler Ever list on the Pro Wrestling Only Message Board on prowrestlingonly.com 

We discuss some of our personal favorites plus debate the placements on each others list as well as the reasoning why we left off certain people. We have quite the wide variety of picks here and is a nice appetizer to the main event that will be our next show.

This is a great show so everyone listen now!!!!!

Premier Podcast Brand #1: GWE Part 1 (100-51)

The Parejas Increibles are back, as Stacey and Matt slowly but surely continue to roll out their Greatest Wrestler Ever ballots. Episode 4 deals with numbers 44-34.

Parejas Increibles #4: Greatest Wrester Ever, Part 4 (44-34)

In a recording session so epic we had to split it into two parts, Kris and Dylan complete the countdown of their GWE lists.

Premier Podcast Brand #2b: Greatest Wrestler Ever, Part 2b (50-1)

Extreme part 3: III Sides to Every Story w/Ted McCoy

If there’s a time for everything under the sun, then it’s time for you to listen to the track by track breakdown of a foundational album from Travis’s youth with University of Calgary Sociology Professor Ted McCoy! The year is 1992, grunge is huge, and this band is bringing in 80 piece orchestras as they throw it all out there. Things get real near the end of this episode friends! Check it out!!

Yours, Mine, & the Truth Episode 3: Extreme - Pt 3, w/Ted McCoy

The PWOM Podcast network features various dynamic podcasts, including: Gideon Guys, Hard For Picard, The Military Industrial Suplex, Yours, Mine, & the Truth, ThROH The Years, Strong Style Story/History, Boom Goes the Dynamite, Bustin' Balls, SHIMMER Herstory, and more!

Find the complete archive of shows dating back to 2010 at https://soundcloud.com/prowrestlingonly

Popular tracks by The PWOM Podcast Network