Vince Russo makes his TIJ debut to talk about his role in bringing Chris Jericho to the WWE, what happened when Vince jumped ship to WCW, and when he knew it was the end there! Vince is also talking about his relationship with Vince McMahon, his relationship with Eric Bischoff, and his tenure at TNA. He’s sharing some of his favorite storylines and angles with talent like The Rock, Goldust, and Steve Austin, how and why Russo believes he became so hated by wrestling fans, and what he really thin...
Dec 18, 2019•1 hr 24 min
Michael Sweet returns to TIJ to celebrate his 10th solo album, “Ten,” and the 33rd anniversary of Stryper’s most popular album, “To Hell With The Devil!” Michael talks about the album’s controversial album cover that got them banned from some retailers, and ultimately had to be replaced. He also talks about the power of MTV, and how Stryper went from clubs to arenas overnight with virtually no radio play. He speaks about the songwriting and creative process, the many bass players during that era...
Dec 13, 2019•1 hr 27 min
The Highway Man James Storm makes his TIJ debut with some great stories about turning down both WWE and Impact to do his own thing on the indie scene! He talks Beer Money with Bobby Roode (and whether a reunion may be in the works), America’s Most Wanted with Chris Harris (and how a night of partying turned into that tag team), and what he learned from the late, great Dusty Rhodes (Cowboys don’t do moonsaults). James also remembers working Hulk Hogan in London, fist-fighting a fan who entered th...
Dec 11, 2019•1 hr 8 min
First he was hand-picked to be part of the Inner Circle, and now he’s been hand-picked to appear on TIJ! The Spanish Sex God, Sammy Guevara, talks about his journey to AEW, and what it’s like being part of Le Sex Gods, the hottest new tag team at the company. Sammy’s talking Pandas, vlogging, and meeting his heroes. He also recalls his WWE experience, getting booked on Lucha Underground, wrestling in Japan, and training at Booker T’s wrestling school. To learn more about listener data and our pr...
Dec 06, 2019•1 hr 11 min
Legendary songwriter Desmond Child has 70 Top 40 hits to his name, a GRAMMY, and a Songwriters Hall of Fame induction! He’s written huge tunes with Bon Jovi (“Livin’ On A Prayer”), Aerosmith (“Dude (Looks Like A Lady)”), Ricky Martin (“Cup Of Life”), KISS (“I Was Made For Lovin’ You”), Katy Perry (“Waking Up In Vegas”), Joan Jett (“I Hate Myself For Lovin’ You”), and Alice Cooper! And he’s sharing all the stories behind the songs, and explaining how Paul Stanley of KISS was instrumental in pivot...
Dec 04, 2019•1 hr 12 min
Lance Storm is closing the Storm Wrestling Academy this year after an amazing 15-year run! He’s talking about the timing of his decision, the new adventure he’s about to undertake with WWE, and what prompted him to open the wrestling school in the first place! He’s also talking about the hundreds of students who have come through his doors – his favorites, the ones who got away, and the ones who should have made it but didn’t for whatever reason. He’s sharing stories about some of the legends wh...
Nov 29, 2019•1 hr 19 min
It’s Le Champion’s favorite era of KISS – 80's KISS! So much so that he wrote the forward to a new book called “Take It Off: KISS Truly Unmasked!” Greg Prato wrote the book which features interviews with Bruce Kulick (who was KISS’ lead guitarist for much of that time period), video director Paul Rachman (who did the “Unholy” and “Domino” videos), producer Ron Nevison (who helmed the “Crazy Nights” album), and TIJ alum and rock expert Eddie Trunk! So today, Greg and Eddie Trunk join Chris to tal...
Nov 27, 2019•1 hr 25 min
NZO and CazXL (formerly Enzo and Big Cass) are back in a big way! They recount what’s happened since their respective firings from WWE, the personal fallout of their own friendship, and the scary seizure that Cass suffered at a House of Hardcore signing. Cass speaks candidly about his battle with alcohol, his unbelievable recovery, and how he and Enzo were able to fix their friendship. Plus, Enzo tells his hilarious Survivor Series story, talks about his music career, and explains what finally b...
Nov 22, 2019•1 hr 23 min
Hans Holzer was the first American ghost-hunter, who investigated thousands of paranormal hauntings. His books and case files inspired Dan Aykroyd to write the hit movie, “Ghostbusters!” And now some of Hans’ most intriguing cases are being examined and re-investigated on the new Travel Channel TV show, “The Holzer Files,” by two longtime friends of TIJ, investigator Dave Schrader (of Beyond The Darkness podcast fame), and researcher Gabe Roth (horror filmmaker Eli Roth’s brother). Dave and Gabe...
Nov 20, 2019•1 hr 8 min
Comedian Ryan “Cripple Threat” Niemiller came in 3rd on “America’s Got Talent,” but always dreamed of being a professional wrestler! That’s how he ended up getting some great coaching and training from Le Champion during Ryan’s AGT finale appearance! Hear that story along with what it took to make AGT, why it’s harder than it might seem, and what the judges are really like when the cameras aren’t rolling. Plus, Ryan talks about his foray into professional wrestling before starting in standup, hi...
Nov 15, 2019•1 hr 19 min
Kia Stevens is Awesome Kong in AEW, The Welfare Queen on the Netflix series GLOW, and she was Karma at WWE. She also from suffers from coulrophobia (fancy word for legit fear of clowns, and she’s got the stories to back it up)! Kia got her wrestling start in Japan with All Japan Women, lived in the dojo for years, and speaks fluent Japanese. She spent some time in TNA and talks about her historic match against Gail Kim, and recounts her jump to WWE and the birth of Karma! Plus, Kia takes us behi...
Nov 13, 2019•1 hr 13 min
Donald Trump Jr. drops by in what’s sure to be the most controversial episode in TIJ history. Yes, he speaks about Russia, Jussie Smollett, and his father, the most polarizing President in American history. He addresses impeachment, the 2020 election, the “leftist media,” and his own political aspirations. Donald Jr. also remembers his father’s WWE run, the Battle of The Billionaires, the family friendship with the McMahons, and the moment that Stone Cold Steve Austin gave his father a stunner! ...
Nov 08, 2019•1 hr 1 min
Wendy Dio, wife and manager of the late, great, legendary, Ronnie James Dio, is sharing stories from her life with Ronnie! She’s talking about how they met, why he left Black Sabbath to start his own band, what inspired the swords and dragon imagery of Dio’s early days, and about his stomach cancer diagnosis. She also explains why she was shocked by his passing, and how she’s keeping his memory and legacy alive through is music and philanthropy (the 5th Annual Bowl For Ronnie is tomorrow night, ...
Nov 06, 2019•1 hr 8 min
Halloween week concludes with paranormal stories about the King of Rock, Elvis Presley! Jeff Dougherty of the Christian Whistleblower YouTube channel spent time around Elvis and the Memphis Mafia. Jeff’s childhood friend, Charlie Hodge, was close to Elvis and actually lived at Graceland! Jeff shares stories about Elvis’ ghost haunting Graceland after his death, the real reason Elvis wanted to meet the Beatles, and what he warned John Lennon and Paul McCartney about. Jeff’s also talking about the...
Nov 01, 2019•1 hr 9 min
"We Need To Talk About Ghosts" podcast host Kevin Eustace lives in Liverpool and is an expert on all things paranormal Beatles! He’s collected and researched paranormal stories about the Fab Four for years, and now he’s sharing them with Chris and fellow Beatles fanatic, Charlie Benante of Anthrax. Kevin speaks to sightings of John Lennon’s ghost, weird experiences at the famous Cavern Club, and other well-known Beatles locations like Strawberry Field and Penny Lane (home of the Penny Lane Polte...
Oct 30, 2019•1 hr 8 min
Court Bauer is the founder of MLW: Major League Wrestling, and getting ready for his promotion’s big “Superfight” PPV event on November 2nd! Court shares what he learned as a WWE writer working directly under Stephanie and Vince McMahon for two years, and how that experience shaped his thoughts on promos and in-ring storytelling. He talks about working with Edward Fatu (aka Ecky), and how he helped develop the Umaga gimmick. He remembers the Battle of the Billionaires between Vince and Donald Tr...
Oct 25, 2019•1 hr 9 min
Shhhhhh! AEW’s resident librarian, Peter Avalon, makes his TIJ debut! He’s talking about how a career in books and reading lead him to the AEW ring, and who exactly offered him the roster spot. He’s also got stories about meeting The Young Bucks in wrestling school, working with and learning from the late, great Roddy Piper, what happened during his WWE tryout, how he and his tag partner Ray Rosas make a little extra cash during Bar Wrestling shows, and why he agreed to help David Arquette make ...
Oct 23, 2019•57 min
Artimus Pyle played drums in Lynyrd Skynyrd with original frontman (and band founder) Ronnie Van Zant, and Artimus survived the tragic plane crash that took Ronnie’s life at the height of Skynyrd’s popularity almost 42-years ago to the day. Artimus relives that fateful October day in 1977, and details both the circumstances leading up to it, and the events that immediately followed. He remembers the bandmates and friends lost, and explains why no one should have survived that crash. He also reca...
Oct 18, 2019•1 hr 35 min
Don Callis and Paul Lazenby return to help Chris pay tribute to their old friend and fellow Calgary wrestler, Rick Bognar, who passed away unexpectedly last month at the age of 49. They remember their training days together, Rick’s first success in Japan, his Big Titan gimmick, and his brief stint at ECW with Paul Heyman. They also talk about Rick’s WWE gimmick as the “Fake Razor Ramon,” his relationship with Bret Hart, and why Rick’s career didn’t prove to be as successful as it should have bee...
Oct 16, 2019•1 hr 7 min
Bryan Alvarez from the Wrestling Observer has written a new book, “100 Things WWE Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die,” and he’s sharing more details about some of the items on his comprehensive list! He’s explaining how he narrowed down the events, superstars, and even the controversies featured in the book including the obvious stuff like Wrestlemania, the Monday Night Wars, Vince McMahon and Hulk Hogan, the not-so-obvious stuff like the Intercontinental Championship and indie wrestling, a...
Oct 11, 2019•1 hr 14 min
It’s time to meet Kick Axe… one of Chris Jericho’s favorite heavy metal bands! Founding bassist Vic Langen along with drummer Brian Gillstrom and guitarist Ray Harvey talk about the band’s early days gigging in their hometown of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, how they broke into the metal scene in the 80s, and why they all but disappeared just as their careers were taking off in the States. They share stories about being signed by Spencer Proffer of Pasha Records, recording in Hollywood, hanging ...
Oct 09, 2019•1 hr 31 min
Heavy Metal Rules! So say Steel Panther! Singer Michael Starr and drummer Stix Zadinia talk a little sex, drugs, and rock and roll, and how ALL that played into their brand-new studio album, “Heavy Metal Rules!” In between bites of a delicious room service lunch (on Jericho’s dime of course), they discussed favorite frontmen (shout out to David Lee Roth), awesome rock singers (shout out to Sebastian Bach), first celebrity crushes (shout out to Charlize Theron), and rehab (shout out to Lexxi Foxx...
Oct 04, 2019•1 hr 24 min
It’s episode 600, and there’s only one guest and event big enough to mark this momentous occasion – Kevin Smith and a “Pulp Fiction” watch-along! It’s the 25th anniversary of the Quentin Tarantino classic film so this watch-along starts right here and is jam-packed with plenty of trivia and behind-the-scenes info about the making of this movie, and why it was so groundbreaking in cinema when it was released in 1994. Kevin Smith was releasing “Clerks” at Miramax at the same time Quentin was relea...
Oct 02, 2019•2 hr 20 min
We’re celebrating the premiere of AEW’s “Dynamite” TV show Wednesday at 8pm on TNT with Luchasaurus! He tore it up with Jungle Boy and Marko Stunt at “All Out Chicago,” and now you get to meet the man behind the dinosaur mask! Austin Matelson (formerly known as Judas Devlin at NXT) explains why he owes his gimmick to the late, great Dusty Rhodes, how a friendship with Johnny Mundo saved his wrestling career, adapting to working under a mask, when he knew the WWE/NXT system was not for him, and h...
Sep 27, 2019•1 hr 10 min
Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias is the new host of the upcoming Chris Jericho Rock & Wrestling Rager Sea Part Deux (setting sail January 20th), and you’ll hear exactly how Fluffy landed this choice gig! He’s also talking about opening for Robin Williams and George Carlin, why he wants to share a stage with country great Willie Nelson, and how come he has absolutely no desire to be Kevin Hart! Fluffy’s talkin’ wrestling too, and all the things he learned about showmanship and merchandising from WWE’s V...
Sep 25, 2019•1 hr 16 min
The PWI Top 500 issue is out now, and writer Dan Murphy, who spearheads the list each year, is on to discuss this year’s new #1, the Top 10, number 500, and a few interesting rankings in between. He’s also recounting the #1s and #500s of all previous years (let’s see how many 500s he remembers), and sharing the criteria that goes into making the selection. He also talks about how the advent of the internet has changed the list, the magazine, and even wrestling as a business, and he reveals the O...
Sep 20, 2019•1 hr 9 min
The Storm Area 51 raid may have been cancelled and remaining festivities moved to Las Vegas, but we’re still talking about the historic 1947 UFO sighting and crash in Roswell, New Mexico that started the whole alien conspiracy theory surrounding the top secret military base in rural Nevada. Lenny “Dr. Luther” Olson returns with his friend, Bryan Ward, owner of the Roswell UFO Spacewalk Museum in Roswell to share their own UFO encounters, the military’s recent admission about the existence of UFO...
Sep 18, 2019•1 hr 5 min
Impact Wrestling is coming to AXS TV this Fall, and EVP Don Callis and EVP Scott D’Amore share the whole story behind what it took to make that happen! They’re also talking about the changes they’ve been able to effect at Impact in the ring, in the creative, in the management style and philosophy, and in the locker room. They explain why Impact is now a destination place for wrestlers, what signing Michael Elgin away from New Japan has done for the company’s future and reputation, and how they p...
Sep 13, 2019•1 hr 11 min
#ALittleBitOfTheBubbly has gone viral, and no one’s more surprised than Chris himself! Hear the AEW Champ recount the story of the “bubbly,” including the movies that inspired the improved backstage performance at Chicago’s All Out. Chris also walks through the anatomy of a catchphrase, some of the most popular of his career, some of the most popular catchphrases in entertainment history, and a few that didn’t quite make the viral cut. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices ...
Sep 11, 2019•57 min
It’s the 30th anniversary of Skid Row’s self-titled debut album, and founding members, guitarist Dave “Snake” Sabo and bassist Rachel Bolan, share all the dirty details of what it took to make it happen! They explain the help and support they received from childhood friend Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, how they ended up being managed by Doc McGhee, what went into the search for a singer that eventually led them to Sebastian Bach, and why the album cover didn’t clearly feature the band’s pictu...
Sep 06, 2019•1 hr 35 min
