Kris Zellner is joined by Rob Naylor and Our Good Buddy Charles for yet another episode of Center Stage Chronicles. This month, we travel back to December 1989, talking about the major happenings in the National Wrestling Alliance, including Starrcade ’89: Future Shock. Besides a full rundown of that show, we also have the Dynamic Dudes/Midnight Express saga, Arn Anderson returning to the NWA, the end of Tommy Young's career, and so much more!!!! --- To support the show and get access to exclusi...
Dec 19, 2024•3 hr 17 min
Kris and David are back after a week off to discuss the two weeks that were December 4-17, 1991. Topics of discussion include: The aftermath of This Tuesday in Texas including Jack Tunney announcing that the WWF Championship was vacant. Bret Hart winning the "Wrestler of the Year” award in a short, barely explained segment on Superstars. Ric Flair beating Shawn Michaels on Prime Time Wrestling thanks in part to misguided “help” from Marty Jannetty, accelerating the Rockers’ breakup. Dynamite Kid...
Dec 16, 2024•5 hr 46 min
It's December, and you know what that means: Since Kris and David took the week off, we're bringing you the annual holiday selection of a past Patreon deep dive show a few weeks early. This time, we're bringing you our July 2021 show looking at 2011's "Summer of Punk" in WWE, which ended up being surprisingly topical since news of Punk going to AEW broke around when the show came out. For more than eight years' worth of shows like this, you need to sign up for our Patreon at Patreon.com/BetwenTh...
Dec 09, 2024•4 hr 11 min
Kris and David are guestless as we talk about the almost week that was November 29-December 3, 1998. Topics of discussion include: TV Guide doing a major cover story on pro wrestling, complete with four collectable covers featuring Bill Goldberg, Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, and The Undertaker, plus the differences in how both companies promoted this on TV. WCW promoting a very classy tribute show to Brian Hildebrand in Knoxville during his second battle with stomach cancer. The Giant getting arres...
Dec 02, 2024•5 hr 6 min
Kris Zellner is joined by Rob Naylor and Charles a.k.a. Loss to discuss the month of November 1989 in the National Wrestling Alliance. We talk about Clash of the Champions IX: New York Knockout in Troy, New York with a completely detailed rundown of the show including the iconic Ric Flair vs. Terry Funk “I Quit” match, plus Jim Cornette turning on the Dynamic Dudes and tons more. We also talk about the NWA TV ratings going up in a big way, Buzz Sawyer entering the promotion, Sid Vicious puncturi...
Nov 28, 2024•3 hr 16 min
Kris and David are back to discuss the week that was November 20-26, 2005. Topics of discussion include: Vince McMahon announcing a "strict" drug testing policy in the wake of Eddie Guerrero's death and Nick "Eugene" Dinsmore passing out in a hotel lobby while high on Somas. We have a full transcript of the speech given to the talent — because they posted the video on WWE.com! — and the early reactions. Raw and Smackdown tapings in England while the two rosters are at war with each other as part...
Nov 25, 2024•4 hr 21 min
Kris and David are guestless as we discuss the week that was November 13-19, 1992, a Patreon request from Pete Fusco, who threw down a $25 pledge to pick the week of “The Perfect Angle.” Topics of discussion include: A newsworthy WCW Clash of the Champions in Macon, GA as 2 Cold Scorpio makes his debut, Barry Windham turns heel, and there’s a Johnny Gunn/Z-Man video for the damn ages. The Paul E./Madusa saga climaxes at the Clash. Paul Orndorff makes his return to WCW while they talk about his S...
Nov 18, 2024•6 hr 3 min
David is joined by British wrestling historians Allan Blackstock (@allan_cheapshot), Keith Harris (@glasgowkjh), Tony Earnshaw (@RealErnestARS), and Bradley Craig (@BradleyCraigABZ) to talk about the 2024 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame results...sort of. Allan wanted to do a roundtable and didn't have anyone to record/host it, so David volunteered. It came up on short notice, so he dips in and out while multitasking with Allan leading the panel. We start with a deep dive into the "re...
Nov 16, 2024•2 hr 49 min
Kris and David are guestless as we discuss the week that was November 6-12, 1988. Topics of discussion include: The WWF's involvement in distributing the Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Donny Lalonde boxing pay-per-view event and what kind of impact it made on the finances of Titan Sports. A special three-hour episode of Prime Time Wrestling on Election Night featuring the Paris card from a month earlier, and what a show this was. Roddy Piper getting candid in an interview plugging “They Live” with the Bo...
Nov 11, 2024•5 hr 52 min
Kris and David are joined by Robert O'Connor ( @ghostofquinones ) to discuss the week that was October 30-November 5, 2003. Topics of discussion include: Teddy Hart going completely nuts at the 11/1 Ring of Honor show in Elizabeth, NJ and taking over the wrestling internet with his antics. We talk about the show itself — which gets forgotten because of Teddy and the aftermath, despite some great matches — plus all of the fallout, including Teddy’s “open letter” apology and CM Punk burying Teddy ...
Nov 04, 2024•6 hr 50 min
Kris Zellner is joined by Rob Naylor and Our Good Buddy Charles on the latest episode of Center Stage Chronicles, as we discuss the road to Halloween Havoc ’89 and tons more. We talk about the struggles that the NWA had with TBS over some heat heavy angles like the plastic bag at the Clash and Scott Steiner getting mugged by Kevin Sullivan and friends. We also talk about the start of the Midnight Express/Dynamic Dudes feud, Bret Hart talking about possibly coming in, the TV ratings starting to c...
Oct 30, 2024•3 hr 16 min
Kris and David are guestless as we discuss the week-plus that was October 21-31, 1987. Topics of discussion include: The Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission coming down hard on pro wrestling, especially the WWF. Strike Force winning the WWF Tag Team Titles from the Hart Foundation. The debut of the Glamour Girls in that gimmick. Hacksaw Jim Duggan and King Harley Race kicking off their feud. Riki Choshu’s return to NJPW TV not reaping the ratings rewards that NJPW and TV Asahi were hoping for...
Oct 28, 2024•5 hr 52 min
Kris and David are joined by Dr. Keith Lipinski ( @KeithLipinski ) to discuss the week that was October 16-22, 2007, an episode requested on our Patreon page by "Terry Taylor,” who dropped $25 to pick this week. Topics of discussion include: An in-depth look at the failed fan convention that became known as the "Cow Palace Disaster,” featuring some insane stories from both the newsletters and Dr. Keith himself, as he was part of the festivities. This is a MUST-LISTEN segment!!! A totally crazy e...
Oct 21, 2024•5 hr 35 min
Kris and David are guestless as we discuss the week that was October 9-15, 1994. Topics of discussion include: The real reasons why WCW was trying to "retire" Ric Flair at Halloween Havoc 94. WCW’s Hulk Hogan vs. Ric Flair house show tour, with Dave Meltzer attending the show in Oakland and giving a detailed rundown of the show and the issues the tour had drawing. The Hogan/Flair feud and why Dave Sullivan being so heavily involved was a negative. Chris Candido's only tour of All Japan. The awes...
Oct 14, 2024•6 hr 5 min
Kris and David are guestless as we discuss the week that was October 2-8, 1992. Topics of discussion include: The curious story of WWF Montreal promoter Louis Acocella (Gino Brito Sr.) being arrested in Montreal over his involvement in a loan shark operation and how it came a few months before Dino Bravo’s murder relating to other mob activity. The weekly cable TV wrestling shows hitting all-time lows in the Nielsen ratings and why that might be happening. Just who was the creative force behind ...
Oct 07, 2024•4 hr 56 min
Kris Zellner is joined by Rob Naylor and Our Good Buddy Charles to discuss the state of the NWA during the Summer of 1989. We pick up where we left off at the end of the Great American Bash PPV and we talk about the road to Clash of the Champions VIII: Fall Brawl. We talk about Ric Flair & Terry Funk's feud progressing even with Funk going through major injuries and fatigue, the departure of Ricky Steamboat, major issues with TBS and their production of the TV, Tom Zenk coming into the promo...
Oct 02, 2024•3 hr 9 min
Kris and David are joined by Kaia McKenna ( @KaiaMcK ) to discuss the week that was September 25-October 1, 2006. Topics of discussion include: Vince Russo making one of his many returns to TNA creative the same weekend that Kurt Angle made his surprise debut. Dixie Carter giving a crazy interview about TNA's drug policy in stemming from concerns about Angle coming in. Buff Bagwell and Lex Luger showing up on Impact to support their buddy Sting. Lots of questions about Antonio Pena's health popp...
Sep 30, 2024•6 hr 12 min
Kris and David are guestless as we discuss the week that was September 18-24, 1989. Topics of discussion include: Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, and The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers all give notice to the WWF amidst rumors of the company having some cashflow issues. Earthquake Evans makes his dark match debut at the WWF TV tapings. Randy Savage joins the Cincinnati Reds radio booth, which pisses off owner Marge Schott. The story of the Dusty Rhodes/"Big Daddy" lawsuit in Florida. THE ULTIMATE GIANT...
Sep 23, 2024•3 hr 40 min
Kris and David are guestless as we discuss the week that was September 11-17, 2003. Topics of discussion include: Hulk Hogan being courted by both the Jarretts and Masahiro Chono to return to the ring. Dutch Mantell entering the TNA creative scene and what that meant for Vince Russo and Glenn Gilberti. After the infamous Shane Douglas vs. Raven hair vs. hair match, the Sinister Minister shaves Raven's head and causes some major issues with how he did it. NOAH puts on a tremendous Budokan show wi...
Sep 16, 2024•6 hr
Kris and David are joined by Al Getz ( @AlGetzWrestling ) to discuss the week that was September 4-10, 1986. Topics of discussion include: Details on Jim Crockett's plans for taking over the Central States territory. Changes in the TBS weekend shows and why they are happening. Some really great promos from JCP TV, including TWO separate ones from the dynamic duo of Sam Houston and Todd Champion that you don't want to miss. Bruiser Brody settling his differences with New Japan, as they announce h...
Sep 09, 2024•6 hr 28 min
In this episode of Center Stage Chronicles, Kris Zellner is joined by Rob Naylor and Our Good Buddy Charles to discuss the state of the NWA/WCW from mid-June through late July of 1989. We go over the backlash from the Clash of the Champions in Fort Bragg all the way to the Great American Bash PPV, which includes Lex Luger being an amazing heel, Terry Funk battling injury issues, the fans' love for The Great Muta & Sid Vicious, the Great American Bash tour, the birth of the Power Hour, Gordon...
Sep 06, 2024•2 hr 53 min
Kris and David are guestless as we discuss the week that was August 26-September 3, 2000, a Patreon request from Ted Bell, who dropped the $25 for us to cover this week. Topics of discussion include: Changes coming for the WWF creative staff, which comes at an interesting time because.... Raw and Smackdown focusing on Triple H and Chyna interacting on TV for the first time in almost a year, which angers their onscreen significant others, Stephanie McMahon and Eddie Guerrero. We talk about how in...
Sep 02, 2024•6 hr 22 min
Kris Zellner is joined by Rob Naylor ( @NINaylor ) to discuss wrestling life and times of the awesome Sid Vicious. We go over his entire wrestling career in a way that only we can, as we were both HUGE fans of Sid. We hope that this love letter to Sid's career will make everyone realize what an amazing performer he was. RIP "Ruler of the World." --- 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/Betwee...
Aug 30, 2024•2 hr 32 min
Kris and David are joined by Tom Green ( @NotThatTomGreen ) to discuss the week that was August 21-27, 1996. Topics of discussion include: A wild Monday Nitro featuring the most heated nWo beatdown to date, plus the WCW debuts of Juventud Guerrera, Chris Jericho, and Ted DiBiase, memorably terrible post-match promos from Juvi and Jericho, and much more. Lots of other WCW drama, which is, as always, to be expected. Rumors of Nobuhiko Takada joining AJPW in 1997. Jushin Liger's successful brain su...
Aug 26, 2024•4 hr 40 min
Kris and David are guestless as we discuss the week that was August 11-17, 1991, a Patreon request from William Lanham, who dropped the $25 to pick this week. Topics of discussion include: An ominous blurb in Matwatch about the Ultimate Warrior and his contract demands to the WWF weeks before SummerSlam. Dave Meltzer getting praise from a mainstream sports media newsletter for his coverage of the Zahorian trial and steroids in general. Randy Savage's bachelor party on Prime Time Wrestling, which...
Aug 19, 2024•5 hr 45 min
Kris and David are guestless as we discuss the week that was August 7-13, 1998. Topics of discussion include: WCW Road Wild featuring Jay Leno teaming up with Diamond Dallas Page against Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff, including all of the insanity surrounding that match, plus the rest of that show, which was one of the worst PPV's of all time. Running through Nitro and Thunder, which were filled with wackiness as you would expect. Rick Martel officially retires from wrestling due to an injury suf...
Aug 12, 2024•5 hr 50 min
Kris Zellner is joined by Rob Naylor and our good buddy Charles (a.k.a. Loss from Pro Wrestling Only) as we present another great episode of the Center Stage Chronicles.On this episode, we pick up where we left off last month, at Music City Showdown in Nashville, with Terry Funk subsequently running wild on NWA TV while Ric Flair is "injured," plus we also look at Lex Luger getting his U.S. Title back from Michael Hayes and the NWA World Tag TItles Tourrnament taking place, which all leads up to...
Aug 08, 2024•3 hr 27 min
Kris and David are guestless as we discuss the week that was July 31-August 6, 1997, a Patreon pick from Christian de la Cruz, who dropped the $25 for us to do the show. Topics of discussion include: SummerSlam ’97 at the Meadowlands featuring Owen Hart injuring "Stone Cold" Steve Austin with a seated tombstone piledriver, Mankind and Hunter Hearst Helmsley doing battle in a steel cage match, Bret Hart winning the WWF Championship from The Undertaker with Shawn Michaels as the special referee, a...
Aug 05, 2024•5 hr 36 min
Kris and David are joined by Beau James ( @kingofkingsport ) to discuss the week that was July 24-30, 1995. Topics of discussion includes: WCW trying to bring in top flight in-ring workers to fill out their roster before the first episode of Nitro and why it isn't working out like they hoped. Hulk Hogan giving one of the strangest interviews of his career on WCW Saturday Night. The real story behind the Col. Parker/Sister Sherri angle. Mitsuharu Misawa going over Toshiaki Kawada again for the Tr...
Jul 29, 2024•6 hr
Kris and David are guestless as we discuss the partial week that was July 17-21,1999, a Patreon request via William Lanham who threw down the $25 pledge to pick this week. Topics of discussion include: UPN President Dean Valentine answering tough questions about putting SmackDown on his network considering the WWF's content at that time. The WWF trying to tone down their content as Jeff Jarrett won't let Debra “show off the puppies" anymore. Shane McMahon trying and failing to get Stephanie to d...
Jul 22, 2024•6 hr 8 min
