The Wrestling Memory Grenade - podcast cover

The Wrestling Memory Grenade

The WrestleCopia Networkwrestlecopia.com
You pull the pin and we’ll pick up the pieces… Join host Ray Russell for an exciting trip down Memory Lane as we analyze and discuss years of wrestling history from your favorite promotions. From Hulkamania to Mulkeymania, from the Four Horsemen to the nWo, from the Midnight Express to the Lex Express. Which promotion are we deep diving into next? What year have we time-traveled back to now? Tune in and find out!
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Episodes

WMG #168: December 1988 WWF TV (Week 3) Royal Rumble Card Announced!

This week on the Grenade, we move another week closer to closing out 1988 in the WWF as we look at the weekend TV for December 17th through the 19th. The entire Royal Rumble card is finalized! Vince McMahon verbally attacks Mr. Fuji's accent to the point that Jesse Ventura has to be the voice of reason. Brother Love finds out what happens when you use the word "SNAKE" in front of Andre the Giant. Tag Champs Demolition continue to demolish & destroy the competition as they prepare for the Pow...

Jun 19, 202557 minEp. 168

WMG #167: December 1988 WWF TV (Week 2) Rockers/Busters Brawl!

This week in the Grenade we continue on through December 1988 in the WWF, looking at another week of TV! The Rockers & Brain Busters continue their issues from the Survivor Series, with a wild brawl around the arena. Randy Savage speaks out on would-be challenger Bad News Brown. Gorilla Monsoon & Bobby Heenan meet the Bushwhackers at Busch Gardens in Tampa. Tag Champs Demolition have words for former manager Mr. Fuji and the Powers of Pain. Ronnie Garvin makes his WWF debut. Lanny Poffo ...

Jun 05, 202550 minEp. 167

WMG #166: December 1988 WWF TV (Week 1) Bushwhackers, Rosatis, & More!

This week on the Grenade we kick off December 1988 TV in the WWF. We get our first glimpse of the Bushwhackers, but they're not the only "team" to debut, as we are also introduced to the Rosati Sisters as part of Prime Time. Plus, Macho Man responds to Bad News Brown's accusations of Elizabeth, Jack Tunney has a ruling on the future of Brown, Andre the Giant has words for Jake Roberts who he feels cost him the WWF Title on SNME, Harley Race is coming for his crown, Red Rooster vs. Sam Houston, t...

May 29, 20251 hr 15 minEp. 166

WMG 165: DECEMBER 1988 WWF NEWS & RESULTS! (Debuts, Returns, & New Feuds Begin)

This week, The Wrestling Memory Grenade looks at DECEMBER 1988 WWF NEWS & RESULTS! Talking Debuts & Returns, Blue Blazer Injury, Sugar Ray/Lalonde revenue, Warrior's Car Stolen at gun point, WWF Champion "Macho Man" Randy Savage takes on all comers from Rick Rude to Bad News Brown, Hulk Hogan continues his feud with the Big Boss Man, Andre the Giant faces Jake Roberts (and Damian), Demolition vs. Powers of Pain heats up as the WWF drives the point home that the PoP are the heels, IC Cham...

May 22, 20251 hr 28 minEp. 165

WMG 164: WWF Saturday Night's Main Event 11/26/88 (Macho vs. Andre, Warrior vs. Super Ninja)

The Grenade is back with the WWF's Saturday Night's Main Event for November 26, 1988. Featuring WWF Champion Randy Savage vs. Andre the Giant, IC Champ The Ultimate Warrior vs. the debuting Super Ninja, Hercules seeks revenge on Ted Dibiase when he faces the bodyguard Virgil, Flag Match - Hacksaw Duggan vs. Boris Zhukov, the newly named "All American Boys" The Fabulous Rougeaus take on the Young Stallions. Plus, Hulk Hogan & Slick join a special edition of the Brother Love Show for a wild ri...

May 01, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 164

WMG 163: Finishing November 1988 WWF TV (Bad News Assaults Tunney, Accuses Liz of Doing "Favors")

With Survivor Series now behind us, the Grenade continues looking at November 1988 WWF TV as we head into the final month of the year. THIS is the week where Bad News Brown finally confronts WWF President Jack Tunney on the Brother Love Show about a WWF Title shot vs. The Macho Man. Brown accuses Tunney of accepting "favors" from Elizabeth and then chokes the President down to the floor. Plus, we talk the fallout of the Survivor Series, the double turn of Demolition & Powers of Pain, Ted Dib...

Apr 24, 20251 hr 17 minEp. 163

WMG 162: WWF SURVIVOR SERIES 1988 REVIEW Part 2 (Mega Powers/Twin Towers, Jake/Andre)

We finish up the DEFINITIVE REVIEW of Survivor Series 1988! I am once again joined by my brother Jesse, as we talk the second half of the PPV event. First, it's Team Jake "The Snake" & "Hacksaw" Duggan vs. Team Andre the Giant & Dino Bravo. Jake's revenge on Rick Rude, Andre's phobia, the return of Harley Race, Mr. Perfect's streak, Vince's obsession with protecting Dino Bravo, Hacksaw always avoiding pinfalls when eliminated, Ken Patera finishing up, Scott Casey replacing a replacement,...

Apr 17, 20251 hr 53 minEp. 162

WMG 161: WWF SURVIVOR SERIES 1988 REVIEW Part 1 (Demolition/Powers of Pain, Warrior/Honky)

It's Grenade #161 as we kick off the Definitive Edition of the WWF's SURVIVOR SERIES 1988 REVIEW! This week Ray Russell is joined by his brother Jesse, as they begin to dissect the PPV and reminisce in between. Talking the LIVE Version vs. Coliseum Video, the Richfield Coliseum, Gorilla & Jesse the Body, Team Warrior/Beefcake vs. Team Honky Tonk/Outlaw, replacements, Jim Brunzell finishes up, Owen Hart's Injury, Bad News walking out, the wired up Ultimate Warrior. Then, it's off to the giant...

Apr 10, 20252 hr 15 minEp. 161

WMG 160: Final Hype For Survivor Series! November 1988 WWF TV (WEEK #3)

Grenade #160 brings you the final week of WWF TV before Survivor Series 1988! It's all the last minute hype, interviews, and warm-up matches as everyone prepares for the big Thanksgiving night event! Plus, Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake battles old nemesis the Honky Tonk Man in a bout that breaks down into a 10-Man brawl! The Big Boss Man readies himself for the PPV with in-ring competition, while The Mega Powers invade The Brother Love Show! Hacksaw Duggan defends the USA vs. the evil foreigner N...

Apr 03, 202558 minEp. 160

WMG 159: November 1988 WWF TV, WEEK #2 (African Dreams, GIANT Tears, More!)

The Wrestling Memory Grenade #159 has arrived, looking at the second week of November TV for 1988 in the WWF! Survivor Series grows closer and the teams come together. The Mega Powers talk about the big PPV event, The Rockers battle the Fabulous Rougeaus, but the Hart Foundation aren't too far away! Plus, Bret Hart faces Greg Valentine, Dino Bravo distracts Hacksaw Duggan, Andre the Giant in tears from his fears, Akeem becomes "The African Dream", Tito Santana gets theme music, The Conquistadors...

Mar 27, 20251 hr 10 minEp. 159

WMG 158: November 1988 WWF TV Begins! (Mr. Perfect Debuts, Survivor Series Takes Shape)

It's Grenade #158 as we kick off November TV for 1988 in the WWF. "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig makes his in-ring debut on both Superstars & Challenge. Survivor Series heats up as all of the teams begin to take form & talk trash! Rockin' Robin the NEW WWF Women's Champion! The Andre/Snake feud kicks off with a bang. The Big Boss Man still looking to put Hulk Hogan in "solitary confinement". Akeem questions The Macho Man's ability to groove. The Baron makes his final appearance. Koko B. Ware ...

Mar 20, 20251 hr 7 minEp. 158

WMG 157: NOVEMBER 1988 WWF NEWS & RESULTS! (Hirings, Firings, Injuries, Lawsuits!)

This week on the Grenade, it's NOVEMBER 1988 WWF NEWS & RESULTS! Talking Hirings & Firings, Injuries, Sugar Ray vs. Lalonde, Lawsuits, "THEY LIVE", Survivor Series Changes, WWF Champion Randy "Macho Man" Savage vs. Bad News Brown, Hulk Hogan vs. The Big Boss Man, Hacksaw Duggan vs. Dino Bravo, Hart Foundation vs. Rougeaus, the Jake Roberts vs. Rick Rude feud comes to a close, Brain Busters geld the Young Stallions, British Bulldogs finish up, Ronnie Garvin arrives, Soundbites, and much m...

Mar 13, 20251 hr 27 minEp. 157

WMG 156: WWF Saturday Night's Main Event 10/29/88 (Andre Has A Phobia!)

This week on the Grenade we close out October of 1988 in the WWF as we look at the October 29, 1988 edition of the WWF's Saturday Night's Main Event. Featuring the final showdown of Jake "The Snake" Roberts vs. "Ravishing" Rick Rude, Tag Champs Demolition vs. The Hart Foundation, Hulk Hogan vs. King Haku, Dino Bravo vs. Ken Patera, Big Boss Man vs. Jimmy Powers, Andre the Giant has a fear of snakes, Cheryl Roberts final WWF appearance, Jimmy Hart and the Fabulous Rougeaus cause issues for the Ha...

Feb 27, 20251 hr 13 minEp. 156

WMG 155: FINISHING OCTOBER 1988 WWF TV (Macho Endorses Herc, Hogan Vows Revenge!)

This week on the Grenade, we look at the weekend of OCTOBER 29, 1988 WWF TV. The Macho Man endorses the Mighty Hercules! Hulk Hogan vows revenge on the Big Boss Man. The Red Rooster promises to prove to Bobby Heenan that he is in fact a "good wrestler". All Survivor Series matches are announced with some interesting original team lineups. The Baron speaks for the Powers of Pain. Rick Rude & Jake Roberts prepare for their final showdown at Saturday Night's Main Event. IC Champ The Ultimate Wa...

Feb 20, 20251 hr 7 minEp. 155

WMG 154: OCTOBER 1988 WWF TV (Boss Man Destroys Hulk Hogan, Brain Busters Debut!)

A NEW GRENADE HAS ARRIVED! LOOKING AT THE WEEKEND OF OCTOBER 22, 1988 WWF TV. FEATURING A MAJOR ANGLE, AS THE BIG BOSS MAN ATTACKS HULK HOGAN ON THE BROTHER LOVE SHOW... PLUS, THE WWF DEBUT OF ARN ANDERSON & TULLY BLANCHARD, THE BRAIN BUSTERS! TITO SANTANA HAS A RUDE AWAKENING FOR RAVISHING RICK! WE HAVE A PORK CHOP CASH SIGHTING! HEAR WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A RED ROOSTER BATTLES A JUNKYARD DOG! THE BARON STILL WITH THE POWERS OF PAIN. TED DIBIASE VOWS TO ENSLAVE THE MIGHTY HERCULES. GORILLA &amp...

Feb 13, 20251 hr 19 minEp. 154

WMG 153: OCTOBER 1988 WWF TV - WEEK 3 (More PERFECT Vignettes, Survivor Series Returns)

This week on the Grenade, we continue into the month of October 1988 in the WWF history books. Mr. Perfect shoots hoops... Perfectly, Bobby Heenan's "Little Red Rooster" makes his in-ring debut, Jake & Cheryl Roberts make a promise to Rick Rude, Hacksaw Duggan & Dino Bravo go nose-to-nose on the set of the Brother Love Show, Hercules makes his babyface debut in the ring (complete with Theme Music), Rick Rude has new tights, The Big Boss Man is primed & ready for a big push, Jesse Ven...

Jan 30, 20251 hr 11 minEp. 153

WMG 152: With Guest JOHN POZ! (OCT. 88 WWF TV - RED ROOSTER DEBUTS)

It's a monster-sized 2+ Hour edition of the Grenade this week as the Poz-man cometh! We're joined by Special Guest John Poz of the "Two Man Power Trip" Podcast Empire as he joins the show to talk the week of October 8th, 1988 in the WWF and all of the current goings on in the company! Listen in as the "little Warrior" in Ray works side-by-side with the longtime Hulkamaniac in Poz as they discuss a variety of topics, including the introduction on the Brother Love Show of Bobby Heenan's latest cha...

Jan 16, 20252 hr 23 minEp. 152

WMG 151: Mr. Perfect Arrives, Hercules Turns Face, Akeem Dances (WWF TV 10/1/88 Weekend)

Business picks up as we kick off October 1988 WWF TV this week on the Grenade. Featuring the Mighty Hercules babyface turn, refusing to be a SLAVE for the Million Dollar Man. We witness the first two vignettes for Curt Hennig, but you can call him "Mr. Perfect"! Akeem dances his way to the ring for the first time. The Hart Foundation and Blue Blazer receive theme music. Brother Love is moving to Superstars, as Mean Gene comes to Wrestling Challenge. Bad News Brown is coming for the Macho Man and...

Jan 09, 20251 hr 26 minEp. 151

WMG 150: OCTOBER 1988 WWF NEWS & RESULTS (THE DYNAMITE/JACQUES ROUGEAU FIGHT!)

It's Grenade #150, featuring OCTOBER 1988 WWF NEWS & RESULTS! The return of the "Break It Down" segment as we look into the backstage issues and fight between The British Bulldogs' Dynamite Kid and Jacques Rougeau! Plus, Harley Race returns... to dance with Akeem(?!), Bad News Brown challenges WWF Champion Randy Savage, the 1988 King of the Ring is crowned, the arrival of Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard, the dismissal of Don Muraco & JYD, Warlord Injured, The Baron already gone, Hulk ...

Dec 19, 20241 hr 39 minEp. 150

Episode 149: Behold... The Debut of... AKEEM!!! (WWF TV 9/24/88 Weekend)

IT'S GRENADE #149. COVERING THE WEEKEND OF SEPTEMBER 24, 1988 WWF TV! BEHOLD... the debut of... AKEEM!!! The Baron makes another rare appearance as the manager of the Powers of Pain. Craig DeGeorge makes his final WWF appearance when he interviews "Outlaw" Ron Bass (and the Maverick Brothers!). The Fabulous Rougeaus show off their new manager Jimmy Hart, both in the ring, and on the Brother Love Show. Dino Bravo taunts Hacksaw Duggan & the USA. Ted Dibiase teases his new "possession". Rick R...

Dec 05, 20241 hr 22 minEp. 149

Episode 148: The Rougeaus' Surprise & Bad News for Macho Man! (9/17/88 WWF WEEKEND)

IT'S GRENADE #148, COVERING THE WEEKEND OF SEPTEMBER 17, 1988 WWF TV! Just some of the stuff discussed this week... The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers introduce their SURPRISE to the world, their new manager Jimmy Hart... Find out how will the Hart Foundation respond! Ted Dibiase is preparing to purchase his next big "possession", but what or WHO will it be? The Blue Blazer makes his Superstars Debut, while George "The Animal" Steele makes his final appearance in a WWF ring for 9 years! Plus, Vince M...

Nov 21, 20241 hr 20 minEp. 148

Episode 147: JAKE STRIPS RUDE NEKKID! BLAZER DEBUTS! (9/10/88 WWF WEEKEND)

IT'S THE WRESTLING MEMORY GRENADE #147. COVERING THE WEEKEND OF SEPTEMBER 10, 1988 WWF TV! Jake "The Snake" Roberts STRIPS "Ravishing" Rick Rude of his tights in a fun angle! Plus, The Blue Blazer makes his TV debut, The Fabulous Rougeaus begin taunting the Hart Foundation. A more aggressive Honky Tonk Man prepares to get "his" belt back from The Ultimate Warrior. President Jack Tunney fines "Outlaw" Ron Bass. Demolition calls out The British Bulldogs. Dino Bravo appears on the Brother Love Show...

Nov 14, 20241 hr 26 minEp. 147

Episode 146: SUMMERSLAM FALLOUT, HONKY SMASHES WARRIOR (9/3/88 WEEKEND)

IT'S THE WRESTLING MEMORY GRENADE #146. COVERING THE FIRST WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 1988 WWF TV, DEALING WITH THE FALLOUT FROM SUMMERSLAM! Hulk Hogan shows off his brand new look.. complete with mineral water from Mars, BROTHER! The Honky Tonk Man seeks revenge as he smashes his guitar over the head of the NEW IC Champion Ultimate Warrior. Brutus Beefcake also seeking revenge on the "Outlaw' Ron Bass. Speaking of Bass, he introduces us to "The Maverick Brothers" on the Brother Love show this week as we...

Nov 07, 20241 hr 8 minEp. 146

Episode 145: SEPT. 1988 WWF NEWS & RESULTS (HULK HOGAN FIST HELMET, DUDE!)

GRENADE #145 LOOKING AT SEPTEMBER 1988 WWF NEWS & RESULTS! HULK HOGAN returns to the House Show loop with his brand new "War Bonnet" (AKA, the Fist Helmet)! Hogan meets new foes in Bad News Brown, King Haku, & The Big Boss Man! "Macho Man" Randy Savage defends the WWF Title against Andre the Giant, and also against Ted Dibiase inside a Steel Cage! Curt Hennig becomes Perfect, while Terry Taylor becomes a Rooster. Honky Tonk Man chases the Ultimate Warrior to regain the IC Title. The Kill...

Oct 24, 20241 hr 49 minEp. 145

Episode 144: WWF SUMMERSLAM 1988 REVIEW- Part 2 (MEGA POWERS, MEGA BUCKS, MEGA BIKINI)

IT'S THE WRESTLING MEMORY GRENADE #144. FINISHING THE DEFINITIVE EDITION OF SUMMERSLAM 1988 (PART DEUX!) Featuring The Mega Powers vs. The Mega Bucks, Elizabeth in her bikini bottoms, Jesse "Mega Ref" Ventura, Tag Team Champions Demolition vs. The Hart Foundation, "Rock" Don Muraco vs. Dino Bravo, The Big Boss Man vs. Koko B. Ware, Jake "The Snake" Roberts vs. The Mighty Hercules, SummerSlam soundbites from Honky Tonk Man & NEW IC Champ The Ultimate Warrior, we talk buy rates, & more! Pl...

Oct 17, 20241 hr 11 minEp. 144

Episode 143: WWF SUMMERSLAM 1988 REVIEW- Part 1 (Warrior vs. Honky Tonk, IC Title Change)

This week on the Grenade, we begin the DEFINITIVE EDITION of the WWF's SUMMERSLAM 1988 REVIEW! Featuring The British Bulldogs vs. The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers, Bad News Brown vs. Ken Patera, "Ravishing" Rick Rude vs. The Junkyard Dog, The Powers of Pain vs. The Bolsheviks, a breakdown of the attack from "Outlaw" Ron Bass on Brutus Beefcake, The Brother Love Show w/Special Guest "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, IC Champion Honky Tonk Man meets the new challenge of the ULLLLLTIMATE WARRIOR!!! Plus, Baron Vo...

Oct 10, 20241 hr 14 minEp. 143

Episode 142: FINAL SUMMERSLAM 88 HYPE (AUGUST 88 WWF TV, OUTLAW MAIMS BEEFCAKE)

IT'S THE WRESTLING MEMORY GRENADE #142. COVERING THE FINAL TWO WEEKS OF AUGUST 1988 WWF TV, LEADING INTO THE FIRST-EVER SUMMERSLAM! Tons of last minute hype for the Mega Powers vs. Mega Bucks, as the heels allude to having Guest Referee Jesse Ventura in their pocket. Macho & The Hulkster respond with a secret weapon... Miss Elizabeth in a "string bikini". Brutus Beefcake picks a fight with "Outlaw" Ron Bass, destroys the cowboy's hat and bullwhip "Miss Betsy". Then the following week, the Ou...

Oct 03, 20241 hr 39 minEp. 142

Episode 141: AUGUST 1988 WWF TV (Mega Powers, Mega Bucks, Rude Tights, Scary Terry)

This week on the Grenade we look at the first two weeks of AUGUST 1988 WWF TV! The Mega Powers vs. The Mega Bucks build intensifies for SUMMERSLAM 88, while "Mega Ref" Jesse Ventura's integrity is put into question. Rick Rude shows off his new tights in the likeness of one Cheryl Roberts (the wife of Jake "The Snake")! Brutus Beefcake comes after the Honky Tonk Man's IC Title one final time. Jimmy Hart aligns with Demolition & Mr. Fuji in order to screw his former team The Hart Foundation. T...

Sep 19, 20241 hr 41 minEp. 141

Episode 140: AUGUST 1988 WWF NEWS & RESULTS (Macho vs. Andre, Warrior Chasing Gold)

GRENADE #140 LOOKING AT AUGUST 1988 WWF NEWS & RESULTS! Mean Gene Returns, SummerSlam rumors, Iron Sheik Fired (again), Baron Von Raschke headed in, Rod Trongard joins commentary, WWF Champ "Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. Andre the Giant, Hulk Hogan returns to action against some new opponents, Ted Dibiase & Andre injure Elizabeth, Brutus Beefcake introduces GEORGIA "The Animal" Steele in his fight against IC Champ Honky Tonk Man, Tag Champs Demolition vs. British Bulldogs, Dial 1-800-Fabul...

Sep 12, 20242 hr 2 minEp. 140

Episode 139: Featuring Longtime PWI Editor, Bob Smith! (Creator of the PWI 500!)

IT'S THE WRESTLING MEMORY GRENADE #139. Featuring a SPECIAL INTERVIEW with current host of the Outdated Wrestling Hour, and the former Managing Editor of Pro Wrestling Illustrated.. The man who INVENTED the PWI 500!!! We welcome BOB SMITH TO THE SHOW! Bob joins to talk his fandom growing up, watching the old NWF Cleveland territory, seeing Vince McMahon's DEBUT as a commentator on WWWF Championship Wrestling, being the very first host of ECW TV, creating the rankings for the PWI Magazines, inven...

Sep 05, 20241 hr 27 minEp. 139
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