Between The Sheets - podcast cover

Between The Sheets

Kris Zellner & David Bixenspanredcircle.com

Every Monday, Kris Zellner and David Bixenspan go over how a given week in professional wrestling history was covered by the wrestling media, primarily in the "dirt sheet" newsletters. The deepest dive into wrestling history that you can find.

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Episodes

Ep. #110: Aug. 23-29, 1985

Kris & David are guestless this week discussing the week that was August 23-29, 1985. We talk about all the major news from Japan which there was quite a bit of this week before going to the territories where we touch on everyone basically especially Jim Crockett Promotions and the early days of their expansion. We then talk about the WWF and Hulk Hogan's bad knee which changed his career and the debut of Miss Elizabeth. A damn fun show so listen now!!!!!!!!! Timestamps: 0:00:00 Int’l: AJPW,...

Aug 28, 20174 hr 14 min

[Patreon Preview] How Mark Madden Saved WCW

In this free preview of the latest themed monthly special for Between The Sheets Patreon backers, Kris and David look at a letter about Bill Watts’ WCW firing from a 1993 edition of The Readers’ Pages in the Wrestling Observer as well as Dave Meltzer’s response. Specifically, while many fans were criticizing Mark Madden for his actions that got the ball rolling on Watts’ departure, Meltzer argues that not only was Madden very much in the right…but his actions actually benefitted WCW?!?!? Also: W...

Aug 28, 201714 min

Exile on Badstreet #40: Memphis Mayhem September-December 1982 with Scott Bowden

Kris Zellner is joined by Scott Bowden (Kentucky Fried Rasslin) to discuss the Memphis territory and its biggest highlights from September-December 1982. We talk about the debut of Jim Cornette, the formation of The Fabulous Ones, the return of Nick Bockwinkel as AWA Champion, and lots, lots more. This is a fantastic show, so don't miss it!!!!! To support the show and get access to exclusive rewards like special members-only monthly themed shows, go to our Patreon page at Patreon.com/BetweenTheS...

Aug 23, 20172 hr 11 min

Ep. #109: Aug. 16-22 2004

Kris & David are guestless this week to discuss the week that August 16-22, 2004. We talk about Evolution turning on Randy Orton and the reasoning why the turn was so rushed along with all the other backstage politics at this time. We then hit all the International news including WWC Anniversario weekend and U.S. Indie results before coming back with stories on Hardbody Harrison, Brock Lesnar getting hazed, and Bill Goldberg getting candid. TNA closes us out in true TNA fashion as well so li...

Aug 21, 20176 hr 13 min

Ep. #108: Aug. 9-15 1994

Kris & David are guestless this week discussing the week that was August 9-15, 1994. We discuss the ongoing political battle between ECW & NWA over the NWA Title Tournament, Ted Turner wanting CBS & NBC, the retirement of Ashura Hara, the rudo turn of Konnan, Jim Cornette pissed at the Torch, and the retirement of Jacques Rougeau. A damn fun show so check it out!!! 0:00:00 ECW 0:37:55 WCW 1:13:44 Japan (NJPW, WAR, FMW, Michinoku Pro, NOW, PWFG, AJW, & LLPW) & Europe 1:48:02 C...

Aug 14, 20174 hr 55 min

Scenic City Invitational 2017 Live Special with Dominic Garrini and other special guests

From the cavernous Heritage Room in beautiful Chattanooga, Tennessee, it's the first ever live in person Between The Sheets podcast! Kris and David go over how night one of the tournament went, and are then joined by the former Mr. Delicious, Matt Griffin, to talk about everything from producing the shows to when Bix got him heat in NWA Wildside. After a break, we're joined by SCI entrant Dominic Garrini to talk about his relationship with the show, memorializing our mutual friend Chris "Chandle...

Aug 08, 20172 hr 28 min

Ep. #107: Aug. 2-8, 1993 with El Boricua

Kris & David are joined by Esteban el Boricua (Pro Wrestling Only) to discuss the week that was August 2-8, 1993. We talk about the "retirement" of Carlos Colon and the WWC scene in general with Buck Robley as the booker. We then pivot to the WWF talking about the Lex Express, the end of Hulk Hogan, and the debut of Jim Cornette. We also talk about the 1993 G1 Climax which was way different than now and the super business they were doing. Plus we discuss AAA dominating Mexico, Cornette vs. A...

Aug 07, 20175 hr 56 min

Ep. #106: July 26-Aug. 1, 1989

Kris & David are guestless as we discuss the week that was July 26-August 1, 1989. We talk about Ricky Steamboat leaving the NWA and how it affected the promotion, how great Japanese wrestling (and pretty much wrestling in general around the world) was 1989, Dennis Condrey turning heel in Continental, wackiness in Memphis, the imminent end of World Class, Portland's resurgence, and Andre the Giant vs. Ultimate Warrior killing towns. A very strong episode of BTS so don't miss it!!! Timestamps...

Jul 31, 20174 hr 51 min

[Patreon Preview] Observer Letters from Anonymous Wrestler & Andrea Hart

In this free preview of the latest themed monthly special for Between The Sheets Patreon backers, Kris and David look at two letters to Dave Meltzer from 1991 issues of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. In the first, Dave Meltzer makes the call to hide the identity of a wrestler who wrote in to complain about not being paid by UWF promoter Herb Abrams (and of course we try to figure out who it was). In the second, Andrea Hart, the wife of Bruce, and sister-in-law of then-WWF wrestlers Bret Hart...

Jul 30, 201726 min

[Patreon Preview] Mailbag Ep. #5: Apter Mags

In this free preview of the latest Between The Sheets Mailbag for Patreon supporters, Kris and David answer a question about the legendary family of wrestling magazines dubbed the "Apter mags." Their influence, the best and worst parts, the sheer number of titles, and more are covered. For the full show, go to Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets and become a patron for just $5/month. --- Full show description: The mailbag is back as Kris and David talk bad shows, the impact of the Apter Mags, WWF cashf...

Jul 27, 201713 min

Ep. #105: July 19-25, 1984 w/ Beau James

Kris & David are joined by Beau James (King of Kingsport) to discuss the week that was July 19-25, 1984. We discuss the aftermath of Black Saturday from both the WWF & Georgia sides of things, the Brawl to End it All on MTV and the ascension of Wendi Richter, and of course all of the territories including how Central States got a big victory over the WWF in Kansas City. This is a great show, so don't miss out!!!! Timestamps: 0:00:00 WWF 1:44:17 Int’l: AJPW, NJPW, UWF, Montreal, Stampede,...

Jul 24, 20175 hr 57 min

Exile on Badstreet #39: High on Sunshine – Florida Gold 1977-1978 w/ Barry Rose

Kris Zellner is joined by Barry Rose (CWF Archives) to discuss the Florida Heavyweight Title/Southern Heavyweight Title scene in Florida from 1977-78. We talk about the Dusty Rhodes/Ernie Ladd feud which dominated the area for months, the rise of Dick Slater, Killer Karl Kox's importance in Florida, and so much more. This is a great show so check it out!! To support the show and get access to exclusive rewards like special members-only monthly themed shows, go to our Patreon page at Patreon.com/...

Jul 23, 20171 hr 52 min

Ep. #104: July 12-18, 1986

Kris & David are guestless this week celebrating our 2nd Anniversary of BTS and discussing the week that was July 5-11, 1986. We talk about Roddy Piper & Jesse Ventura possibly retiring as well asSlick & Dick Slater making their WWF debuts, Giant Baba still recognizing Stan Hansen as AWA Champ even after he quit AWA, all of the territories including Brad Armstrong & Steve Williams getting injured to go on Japanese tours, Fire & Flame attacking fans, and JCP bringing in much n...

Jul 17, 20173 hr 49 min

Ep. #103: July 5-11, 2005

Kris and David are back with a ridiculously news-packed episode covering the week that was July 5th-11th, 2005, which was requested by a Patreon backer. We open with the death of Shinya Hashimoto, trying to parse the exact circumstances of his departure from NJPW, plus looking at his health and the rise and fall of Zero-One. On top of that, Jim Cornette is fired by WWE for slapping the future Santino Marella, the Summer of Punk rolls on in ROH, Kenta Kobashi vs. Samoa Joe is officially announced...

Jul 10, 20176 hr 45 min

Ep. #102: June 28-July 4, 1990

Kris & David are guestless this week as we discuss the week that was June 28-July 4, 1990. We talk about Brutus Beefcake's serious parasailing accident that almost ended his life, not to mention his career, plus Koji Kitao getting heat with New Japan, Jerry Lawler turns back babyface in Memphis, wildness in Dallas, and a tremendous NWA section talking mainly about Ric Flair’s chances of going to the WWF. Very strong show so don't miss it!!! Timestamps: 0:00:00 WWF 0:37:11 Int’l: AJPW, NJPW, ...

Jul 03, 20174 hr 34 min

Ep. #101: June 21-27, 1995 with Emil Jay

Kris and David are joined by the returning Emil Jay (Dojo Wars) to talk about the week that was June 21-27, 1995. We discuss King of the Ring ’95, arguably one of the worst PPVs ever, and the Philly crowd’s revolt at what they got, plus a truly WCW week in WCW history with multiple negative tag title reigns, Victor Quinones meets Dennis Coralluzzo, THE VADER ROADKILL TOUR, and much more. Plus, we also memorialize our friend, Chris Bryan/Chandler Biggins, and both the beginning and end of the sho...

Jun 27, 20176 hr 45 min

Ep. #100: June 14-20, 1996 w/ Alan Counihan, Dave Prazak, & Rob Bihari (Part 2)

For the special occasion that is episode #100, Kris & David are joined by Alan “Alan4L” Counihan (WXW/Dr. Keith Presents), Dave Prazak (SHIMMER), & Rob Bihari (Como Estas) to discuss the week that was June 14-20, 1996…in a show so monstrous that it is split into two parts.We discuss the WWF suing WCW over Scott Hall & Kevin Nash's actions in WCW, New Japan’s Skydiving J card at Budokan Hall, the changing scene in Mexico, the final USWA show at the Mid-South Coliseum, and the historic...

Jun 19, 20174 hr 38 min

Ep. #100: June 14-20, 1996 w/ Alan Counihan, Dave Prazak, & Rob Bihari (Part 1)

For the special occasion that is episode #100, Kris & David are joined by Alan “Alan4L” Counihan (WXW/Dr. Keith Presents), Dave Prazak (SHIMMER), & Rob Bihari (Como Estas) to discuss the week that was June 14-20, 1996…in a show so monstrous that it is split into two parts.We discuss the WWF suing WCW over Scott Hall & Kevin Nash's actions in WCW, New Japan’s Skydiving J card at Budokan Hall, the changing scene in Mexico, the final USWA show at the Mid-South Coliseum, and the historic...

Jun 19, 20173 hr 57 min

Ep. #99: June 7-13, 1993 with Thomas Green

Kris & David are joined this week by Tom Green (Dynamite Cup) to discuss the week that was June 7-13, 1993. We talk about WCW's substance abuse policy leaking to the WON as well as Shane Douglas ripping it in the Wrestling Flyer newsletter. We also discuss the formation of the Masters of the Power Bomb as well as Cactus Jack being Lost in Cleveland with Cathleen White. We then pivot to Japan talking about Jushin Thunder Liger possibly injuring his foot causing booking plans to be changed bef...

Jun 12, 20176 hr 44 min

Ep. #98: May 31-June 6, 1987

Kris & David are guestless this week discussing the week that was May 31-June 6, 1987. We talk about new faces coming to WWF and the Honky Tonk Man becoming the new WWF IC Champ as well as Riki Choshu making his in-ring return to NJPW. We also discuss Atlanta having a heavy TV wrestling scene, Big Bubba being kidnapped(!) in Memphis, the new World Class, and lots of excitement in JCP including phantom title changes and Dusty Rhodes wanting his goddamn money. This is a great show so LISTEN NO...

Jun 05, 20175 hr 1 min

Ep. #97: May 24-30, 2003

Kris & David are guestless as well as under the weather this week as we discuss the week that was May 24-30, 2003. We talk about all the craziness backstage in TNA between the Jarrett clique and the Russo clique. We then go over all the many promotions in Japan at the time and even some England/Australia stuff as well. We then discuss the scene in Mexico before going to the US Indies which saw some interesting shows in IWA Mid-South & Mid-American Wrestling. Finally, we close with WWE fe...

May 29, 20175 hr 15 min

Ep. #96: May 17-23, 1999

Kris & David are guestless this week as we discuss the week that was May 17-23, 1999. The death of Owen Hart is our main topic and we go in depth with the feelings at the time of his death from all facets including his family and their opinion of how the WWF handled the tragedy. We go on to talk about all the other WWF news as well as Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and so on before closing with WCW which gave Dave Meltzer many migraine headaches that week. This was a great show, so don't miss i...

May 22, 20176 hr 5 min

[Patreon Preview] Mailbag Ep. #3: May 17, 2017 — World of Sport

In this free preview of the latest Between The Sheets Mailbag for Patreon supporters, Kris and David answer a question about how they got introduced to British “World of Sport Wrestling” and their favorite wrestlers from that era. The full show also includes questions about Jim Crockett Promotions without Dusty Rhodes, the best rings and arenas, the porn stars most fit to try wrestling, and more. For the full show, go to Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets and become a patron for just $5/month. Adverti...

May 17, 201715 min

Ep. #95: May 10-16, 1992 with Steve Prazak

Kris & David discuss the week that was May 10-16, 1992. We are quickly joined by Steven Prazak to discuss his thoughts of Bill Watts joining WCW and his entire run there which was interesting because he was a "notorious" regular at the Center Stage shows. We then talk proper about the Watts hiring and Dave Meltzer's thoughts at the time about it which are highly interesting. We also talk about the Japanese scene featuring PWFG & RINGS running big shows then we talk about the scene in Mex...

May 15, 20176 hr 10 min

Ep. #94: May 3-9, 1994

Kris & David are guestless this week as we discuss the week that was May 3-9, 1994. We talk about WWF finally touring Japan but it's considered a flop, a big week in the lives of Atsushi Onita & Genichiro Tenryu, AAA & UWA doing business together, some tremendous clips from ECW, SMW, & USWA featuring Eddie Gilbert doing what he does best, and we close with WCW and the looming specter of Hulk Hogan. This was a total blast so listen now!!!!!!! Timestamps: 0:00:00 WWF 0:41:22 Japan:...

May 08, 20175 hr 13 min

Exile on Badstreet #38: Shipping Up To Boston - WWWF in the Boston Garden ’76-’79 with John McAdam

Kris Zellner is joined by John McAdam to discuss (W)WWF shows at the Boston Garden from 1976-79. We talk about how John became a wrestling addict in this time period and just how different Boston was from New York & Philadelphia in how feuds were worked and even how the television aired. We run down every card from the period and talk about all the top wrestlers and angles of the era. A damn good, must listen show!!!! — To support the show and get access to exclusive rewards like special mem...

May 03, 20171 hr 59 min

Ep #93: April 26-May 2, 1988

Kris & David are guestless this week as we discuss the week that was April 26 to May 2, 1988. We talk about the NWA pulling out of New York as well as cutting the number of shows back. We also discuss The Fantastics & Barry Windham dominating the week inside the ring, and all of the international news and results before coming back to America. There, we go over all the territories, with some really strong audio featuring Ron Wright, Brickhouse Brown, and lots more. Then we close with WWF...

May 01, 20174 hr 54 min

[Patreon Preview] Eric Bischoff on WCW's Disney World tapings

In this preview of the latest Patreon-exclusive, themed edition of Between The Sheets, Kris and David look at Eric Bischoff’s first interview as a WCW executive. Specifically, they analyze the discussion of WCW’s initial tapings at Disney/MGM Studios in Orlando, where the promotion gave away several months worth of storylines, including half a dozen title changes. Plus how hopeful was 1994 Bischoff that WCW could form a larger relationship with Disney? For the whole episode, go to Patreon.com/Be...

Apr 26, 201722 min

Ep. #92: April 19-25, 1995 with Kurt Brown

Kris & David are joined by Kurt Brown (Lucha World) to discuss the week that was April 19-25, 1995. We talk about Sean Waltman suffering a serious neck injury, the debut of Bertha Faye, New Japan allowing guys to take tours off, Rickson Gracie greatness, the end of the AAA/Ron Skoler relationship, some really great ECW & SMW clips, plus Sabu & the Steiners headed to WCW. A really fun show so check it out!!! Timestamps: 0:00:00 WWF 0:42:04 Japan: NJPW, WAR, FMW, AJW, & UWFI 1:21:5...

Apr 24, 20175 hr 54 min

[Patreon Preview] Between The Bulletins Ep. #1: GWNS 3/82 w/ Beau James

There's another new show available exclusively for Between The Sheets Patreon supporters, and that's Between The Bulletins. Each month, we'll pull a pre-"dirt sheet" era wrestling newsletter bulletin and navigate through the results, posters, ads, newspaper clippings, notes, and whatever else is in there. For the debut show, Kris and David are joined by Beau James to discuss the March 1982 edition of Tom Burke's Global Wrestling News Service. In this preview clip, Beau educates Kris and David ab...

Apr 19, 201711 min
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