Live From The Dean's Den

Just when you think things at Major League Wrestling couldn't get any more surprising, a former Lucha Underground writer/assistant executive producer has been hired by Court Bauer just as a former Lucha Underground champion is joining the company. We'll tell you who the producer is, his connections not only to Lucha Underground, but one of the most outrageous segments of WWF TV ever. Speaking of outrageous, a former WWF star, who was also involved in an outrageous segement many years earlier, has been suspended by Twitter for outrageous behaviour that is not wrestling related. There appears to be both a date and location change for this year's WrestleMania. Will the current COVID-19 situation affect even these plans? In what has to be considered a highly unusual situation, a WWE contracted talent has filmed an interview for the VICE series DARK SIDE OF THE RING. Anyone hoping to attend Royal Rumble at the end of the month is going to be out of luck, we'll explain why. Rumors abound about Ricochet co

After a two week hiatus for the holidays Steve and Lee are back with the latest news. Wrestle Kingdom, New Japan's annual big show was done in two nights for the second time in two years, but this time without major North American talent. They not only had two good nights, there were title changes, a title challenge and a post match backstage interview/promo/possible shoot. MLW, which Lee covers for Sportskeeda has been taping TV and a name that many people know from other places captured one of their titles. AEW had an invasion for the first night of their New Year's Bash which was delayed a week for the Brodie Lee tribute show. After the invasion, the shirts came out. Also during this week, Snoop Dogg not only showed up, he made a splash, literally. Cody Rhodes told a story about working with him on Go-Big Show. There's been a turn in one of the Joey Ryan lawsuits, but it might not be what you think. WWE executive Bruce Pritchard did a company podcast the other week and let's just say it didn't get the

Note: We will NOT be on for the next two weeks because of the holidays. Please enjoy them safely. Lee Walker will not be on this week. I'm hoping a certain cohost will join me. What a year 2020 has been! We started out normally, then suddenly, because of this virus called COVID-19, in the words of the musical "Hamilton", "the world turned upside down". Not just independent promotions, but even AEW, Impact Wrestling & WWE were looking at the very real possibility of shutting down, so all three promotions scrambled to record as much TV as possible, dealing with gathering and other restrictions. After politics, namely Florida politics, entered the picture, things were brought back into play. However, not even limits in the amounts of people stopped the virus and both promotions were hit hard, even crossing promotions in one well known case, and some wrestlers even refused to work due to concerns for themselves and their families. The empty arena, once a very rare gimmick match, became the norm in w

Imagine you're a WWE superstar. Imagine you're one of their titleholders. Now imagine your cousin is a world famous performer. He's even performed your entrance LIVE at WrestleMania. Now imagine in a few weeks your cousin is going to show up on (gasp) THE COMPETITION! Well you already know who we're talking about but what is the reaction at WWE? We'll tell you all about that. At AEW the Inner Circle has been short one member as Santana has been missing for the last few episodes. We knew there was a personal issue that lead to his absence, now we know what that was. Triplemania XXVIII will happen this Saturday night in an empty arena situation in Mexico City. That doesn't mean it won't be an exciting event. with seven matches scheduled including one involving a past guest of ours.Speaking of past guests, our friend Mel "Thunder Rosa" Cervantes had her next Mission Pro Wrestling event Thursday and we will try to have the results. Steve and Lee will be covering these and other stories, including a MAJO

For the first time in its three seasons in which it has covered the most controversial subjects in wrestling, including the Owen Hart, Chris Benoit and Dino Bravo cases, the Vice program DARK SIDE OF THE RING has run into a roadblock in trying to set up an episode, this one about Joannie "Chyna" Lauer. We have the information as to why this episode has stalled. Why did WWE pull an "indefinate suspension" of Brawn Strowman this past Monday night? There are two schools of thought, one of which has a Twitter post that could possibly be the clue. If you watch Impact Wrestling, you know "All Ego" Ethan Page has been on a bit of a losing streak lately, including this past week to "The Weenominal One AJ Swoggle". As always there is an explanation behind it and we will tell you about it. The Impact locker room is also very upset about a recent turn of events that they were not made aware of. Recently D'Von Dudley's sons made their AEW debut, well the son of another legendary star had a WWE tryout and we'll

I honestly don't know what happened on Friday, so I'm doing it again. This time I will talk about Survivor Series, RAW, some possible TLC stories and the other news that fits in the time slot. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/livefromthedeansden/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livefromthedeansden/support

(Note: The program was set up several hours before Zelina Vega/Thea Trinidad was released by WWE which is why it is not mentioned in the program description.) If you're working in WWE "Creative" you have just been given one of the hardest jobs in the world. You have less than two hours to complete both your Smackdown Men's and Women's Survivor Series teams AND get the audience to actually care about them before next week's go home show. If working for Vince isn't hard enough, you now have this added pressure. of adding one male and THREE females and making it make sense in just one show. In other news, knowing that Survivor Series is officially Undertaker's last hurrah, what's in store for one of the longest running and most successful performers in WWE history? Well he relates acouple of ideas that have been floated to him that could be very interesting. The Rascalz have finished up their commitments with Impact Wrestling and now we know why. Speaking of Impact, we'll discuss Saturday's impact Plus

After being released from his WWE contract, the man known as "The Man Of The Hour" seemed to drop off the face of the earth. For someone who was a constant presence on social media, especially Instagram, where he would interact, sometimes insultingly, with the fans who would ask to join in his videos. After what seemed to be an eternity away from not only social media, but wrestling itself, the man known as Lio Rush has returned, and it seems like this is not a temporary return. In other news, how much does Vince pay attention to AEW? Quite a bit, it seems. AAA ended their popular AutoLuchas series this past Sunday with matches that might point to the planned December Triplemania. WWE has filed for two new names while dropping one rather well known name. We have information regarding the current situation with AEW star PAC. New Japan has a major card slated for this weekend which could, once again, shift the balance of power within the company. Steve and Lee will cover these and other stories this week. ---

As of episode time there STILL isn't a solid plan for this week's Smackdown! Why is this happening? We'll discuss the apparent issues behind the lack of a solid plan. Also this week we will discuss: Road Dogg quits Twitter Legitimate trained wrestlers donate to a yarder NJPW star to film live action anime MLW has a future Thunder Rosa's future The other match announced for Triplemania More about the Marvel/AAA agreement These and other stories as the develop over the course of the day. Listen to Steve and Lee expound on these and other stories. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/livefromthedeansden/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livefromthedeansden/support

For several weeks we talked about the Game Changer Wrestling series of events known as The Collective. Since then at least three of the wrestlers has tested positive for COVID 19. We'll talk about the reports, who has tested positive and what GCW is saying about the situation. The strange case of Joseph Mehan, AKA Joey Ryan, just gets stranger by the day. We'll talk about the latest lawsuit brought by the sleeze invoking performer. In New Japan, the A Block of the G1 Climax ended last night with a turn as shocking as EVIL leaving Los Ingornobles De Japon to join Bullet Club. B Block wraps up this weekend and we will preview the matches and discuss who we want to see in the final. Why was Seth Rollins moved to SmackDown? we have the answer to that. What is Goldberg's contract status? We have the answer to that too. We don't have all the answers, but we have quite a few, and we'll give those to you this week. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/livefromthedeansden/message Support this podcast: htt

Note: Lee is off this week, therefore this week's show will only be a 30 minute show. There most likely will not be a show next week. We have talked about Vince Mc Mahon and his anger about the WWE performers making money on third party sites such as Twitch and Cameo. Well news came out today regarding Vince's next move and there was a backlash among fans, who knows what will happen with the boys and girls themselves. Vince apparently has also reset the tenative location for next year's WrestleMania. Will it happen? We'll have to see. We'll also be talking about G-1, Bloodsport and any further GCW information. The G1 standings, Gatoh Move ChocoPro and many more items. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/livefromthedeansden/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livefromthedeansden/support

While there have been some notable additions to Josh Barnett's Bloodsport and some matches have been announced, there has been one major change that could affect an entire bracket.  In addition we will also talk about: CHOCOPRO - The countdown is on to Sunday's 50th episode with the epic battle between Team ChocoPro and Team AEW. WARRIOR WRESTLING - The Chicago based promotion is hosting the second half of its Stadium Series events this weekend, although there will have to be a change in one match. KEN SHAMROCK - The next addition to the Impact Wrestling Hall Of fame will have a speech for his induction, and you won't believe who it is. GOODBYE THUNDERDOME? - Rumor is WWE is going to abandon its Thunderdome set at the Amway Center in Orlando. We'll talk about the potential last date as well as the reason behind leaving the big building. WHO IS THE NXT MYSTERY MAN? - The video that was on NXT this week with the distorted voice may have been figured out. COVID-19 - The pandemi

BUY MY MERCH! https://www.cafepress.com/livefromthedeansden This week Lee Walker from http://sportskeeda.com will be joining me again. SPOILER ALERT - Word has leaked out about a former WWE champion rejoining the company. SECOND SPOILER ALERT - Another UFC star is hinting at breaking into the wrestling business, but not how you might think. MICKIE JAMES - If you were confused about the ending to her match Monday Night with Asuka, so were we. Well the former Women's Champion revealed information about what happened. GCW BLOODSPORT - The Josh Barnette produced event has announced more participants, one of whom we're not sure their main bosses are really going to approve of their participation GCW FOR THE CULTURE - The newest match for the showcase for wrestlers of color has been announced, and it's big for multiple reasons. NJPW G1 CLIMAX - The tournament begins Saturday and we'll break down the matches along with discussing the B Block competitors. JON MOXLEY- Not only i

Tonight Sportskeeda's Lee Walker joins Steve in The Den and the converstaion should be VERY interesting: NXT UK - WWE's British roster plans to go REALLY old school on their next big idea. JOSH BARNETTE'S BLOODSPORT - The "inspiration" for RAW Underground (Others call it ouright theft) which was cancelled for WrestleMania week due to COVID-19 has been rescheduled and now the second talent has been announced for the knockout or submission only event. WARRIOR WRESTLING - The Chicago based promotion is running a two night event which may mark the return of currently one of the most controversial people in wrestling. NJPW - Due to injury, the IWGP Jr Tag Team Title was vacated and new champions were crowned. In addition, the blocks for the G1 Tournament have been announced, and there are some surprise names among the participants. TONY KHAN - The AEW owner talks about his talent being on third party social media sites. GCW - Joey Janela's group, in addition to Bloodsport, is announci

Here's what I'm going to be talking about tonight: JIM CORNETTE - In a strange turn of events, AEW's biggest critic DEFENDS the company he likes to make fun of. JORDYNNE GRACE - Don't feel sorry for the former Knockouts Champion, she has some good things going on, despite the pandemic and the title loss. GATOH MOVE CHOCO PRO - The Japanese company owned and operated by AEW's Emi Sakura made a bold move this week. REY MYSTERIO - The lucha legend & WWE star adds a new item to his resume RING OF HONOR - Despite not having done anything in months the former number 3 promotion is making a move of sorts. EDINBURGH - A popular spot closed down, it's history and connection to wrestling make its demise all the sadder. NJPW - NJPW Strong unveils its latest episode with a face wrestling fans haven't seen in a long time. CMLL - The "other" lucha promotion in Mexico makes its return tonight in an unusual (for them) format. ALL OUT - I will talk about my ideas as to what wil

(Note: Halfway through the episode news of the passing of "Black Panther" star Chadwick Boseman broke. I am a Marvel fan as well as a wrestling person) For my listening audience that has never heard my story, I grew up in the days of the territories. My area was run by Verne Gagne and the AWA. It was all I really knew because it was the only wrestling on TV. I knew OF the then WWWF & NWA because of Stu Sacks and my friend Bill Apter, but to me, these were minor league organizations. In 1980 my perspective on wrestling was changed when my family was finally able to get cable TV and one Saturday night shortly before I got home from work my Dad happened to tune to WTBS and accidentally found a little show called Georgia Championship Wrestling. One of the big heroes of the territory was a man known as "The fighting firefighter from Marietta, Georgia". He went under the name of Bob Armstrong and before long I became a fan of his. His homespun, gosh darn Southern charm along with a legitimate toughness due to h

This week the WWE experiment known as Thunderdome made it's debut. I will talk about the look of the dome on TV and what we could expect this weekend for SummerSlam and TV from here on out. Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) the Joey Janela run promotion hosts its next event Saturday and I will talk about the upcoming matches which has some unusual matchups happening. Speaking of unusual matchups, This week's NJPW Strong, in addition to having the New Japan Cup 2020 USA finals has some interesting matches with people that are new to the company and a surprise return to the company, especially because it's taking place on US soil. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/livefromthedeansden/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livefromthedeansden/support

A few weeks ago I did a show that was supposed to talk about the resurgance of the Japanese wrestling scene in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to technical difficulties a full episode did not make air. This is my attempt to rectify that situation. Since that episode NJPW has really kicked up their event schedule, but they aren't sticking to Japan. The NJPW Los Angeles dojo is now creating original content and I will talk about that tonight as some interesting people are showing up at the US tapings. In addition to NJPW and Stardom there are some other independent promotions in Japan that are also running that I will discuss. Time permitting I will talk about some of the bigger names that are not only on major rosters but are also contracted to other organizations. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/livefromthedeansden/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livefromthedeansden/support

Tonight I'm going to cover some items we didn't get to cover Thursday (ERN Presents TNT On BTR, available on most podcast carriers) along with some fresh items. Someone who was named in the Speaking Out movement was none too happy about it.  A WWE employee whom we interviewed a few years back has introduced a motivational website and a line of products to go with it. Speaking of WWE, did last week's ending, along with a scene in the Extreme Rules "match" between Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman signal a long rumored change for a rather popular performer? New Japan has been busy on both sides of the Pacific with events happening in Korakuen Hall and Los Angeles. We'll discuss the Summer Struggle Tour in Japan and the New Japan Cup USA tournament which will give the winner an eventual shot at IWGP US Champion Jon Moxley. The daughter of a legend will be making her AEW debut this week along with an MLW star who has also shared our airwaves. All these stories an more on this week's episode. --- Sen

For quite a while Impact Wrestling, despite having some top tier talent has been considered the "weak sister" of the wrestling business, despite being the only option to WWE with an actual TV deal. However, multiple channel changes and numerous talent defections made the future of the alternative promotion doubtful, especially once All Elite Wrestling started running. Once the coronavirus hit and basically shut down the industry, and in the case of WWE, forced them to make cuts that they probably would not have made in the current business environment, it became open season. AEW had already gotten the team they wanted when they signed FTR. They also picked up former NXT star Tino Sabbatelli, a guy who, if he wouldn't have gotten injured so much, including at least one concussion, probably would have been on the main roster. This still left a wealth of talent looking for a place to go. Well when you not only own a wrestling promotion, but also your own network where the ad revenue gives you a bigger budge