Cousins Jordan Kross and Salem Crane join Windy City Slam Podcast to discuss their upcoming main-event match at SSW’s “They’re Here” on Oct. 8 in Kenosha, Wis., growing closer in recent years, Jordan’s big opportunity at Warrior Wrestling, Salem’s reaction to becoming ACW Champion and the inspiration behind his character, and much more. Mike also recaps Freelance Wrestling and Black Label Pro and previews a big weekend of action with Rocket Pro Wrestling, Northland Pro Wrestling, POWW Entertainm...
Sep 27, 2022•43 min•Ep. 138
Crash Tested Wrestling CEO Jed Williamson joins Windy City Slam Podcast to discuss his history in the business, reflect on the passing of Ricky Dunlap and preview CTW’s “Whiplash” event. Mike also breaks down Chicago Style Wrestling’s epic “Falling Down” event, featuring a wild match between Joey “Jet” Avalon and Axel Rico, and previews Freelance Wrestling’s next show and other local events. Mike Pankow is a wrestling super-fan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like ...
Sep 20, 2022•51 min•Ep. 137
Windy City Slam Podcast presents a special episode to preview Chicago Style Wrestling’s “Falling Down” with special guests, Chicago legend Acid Jaz and No. 1 contender Axel Rico. We talk to Jaz about Da Soul Touchaz, character development and goofy humor during his matches, while Rico discusses about his upcoming CSW Championship match against Joey “Jet” Avalon, the youth movement in CSW, GALLI Lucha Libre, and the latest in his career. Mike also recaps Rocket Pro Wrestling's newsworthy “Fall Br...
Sep 13, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 136
Rocket Pro Wrestling owner Bill Schelli joins Windy City Slam Podcast to preview “Fall Brawl,” talk about the Joliet-based, family-friendly company and some character named Chet Gunderson. Meanwhile, Mike recaps a wild week, including The Wrestling Showcase (and we hear from Matt Cardona), AEW All Out, CM Punk and MJF craziness, WWE Clash at the Castle, AAW, Freelance and much more. Mike Pankow is a wrestling super-fan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and W...
Sep 06, 2022•57 min•Ep. 135
Longtime wrestling podcaster, radio personality and Wizard World emcee Mo Lightning joins Windy City Slam Podcast to talk AEW, All Out, WWE, favorite celebrities with whom he’s worked, including Stan Lee, podcasting with D-Von Dudley and more! Plus, Mike recaps covering All Heel Wrestling/Wicked F’n Wrestling in a thunderstorm and previews a huge week coming up in local and national wrestling. Mike Pankow is a wrestling super-fan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions lik...
Aug 30, 2022•51 min•Ep. 134
All Heel Wrestling Commissioner, The Heathen, and “The Voice of Violence” Phil Myers Sr. join Windy City Slam Podcast to preview and break down AHW/Wicked F’n Wrestling’s crossover show in Lake Geneva, Wis., on Aug. 28, plus we talk a little about how Heathen got into the wrestling business. Plus, Mike recaps Chicago Style Wrestling, including Axel Rico’s heartbreak, Black and Brave dominance, DREAMWAVE Wrestling and POWW Entertainment, and provides updates on local talents on the national scene...
Aug 23, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 133
Mario Pardua, who moved to Chicago from Poland to pursue his professional wrestling dreams three years ago, joined Windy City Slam Podcast as “The Polish Powerhouse” discusses his transition to America, his run in Chicago Style Wrestling, seeking out a school and reaching out to Steve Boz, teaming with Bombshell Shelly and Attorney Eric Schultz, working to become a future WWE Superstar, Polish cuisine and more. Plus, Mike recaps Freelance Underground, including Chico Suave’s No Holds Barred matc...
Aug 16, 2022•40 min•Ep. 132
Chicago fan favorite Chico Suave makes his first appearance on Windy City Slam Podcast to preview his No Holds Barred match vs. Project M.O.N.I.X. at Freelance Underground, discuss his roller-coaster relationship with M.O.N.I.X., stories from training and wrestling at GALLI Lucha Libre, influences behind his comedy wrestling, parody characters, Kurt Angle, expanding his travels and more. Plus, Mike recaps the Logan Square Screwjob at Freelance Wrestling and action from POWW Entertainment and pre...
Aug 09, 2022•52 min•Ep. 131
Chicago wrestling personality Val Capone returns to Windy City Slam Podcast to preview Freelance Wrestling’s “Cheap Pop,” featuring Storm Grayson vs. Robert “Ego” Anthony for the Freelance World Championship with Mick Foley as special referee. Val also discusses Black Label Pro’s “The Gang Crosses the Line,” her affinity for inclusion in wrestling and more. Plus, Mike gives his thoughts on SummerSlam, the WWE shakeup and Ric Flair’s Final Match, and rounds up other news and events in the region....
Aug 02, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 130
She’s just 17, but Billie Starkz is already shining in the independent wrestling scene, including reigning as 2econd Wrestling Champion and making a big splash in AAW Pro. Starkz joins Windy City Slam Podcast for the first time to discuss the growth of her career, balancing high school life with wrestling, experimenting as heel in Black Label Pro while wrestling as a babyface elsewhere, how “Big Starkz Brand” was created and more. In addition, two-time former IMPACT Wrestling Champion Eric Young...
Jul 26, 2022•52 min•Ep. 129
He’s Mr. Warrior Wrestling, the self-proclaimed Freelance Frank Champion, WWE Network and Peacock Megastar and manager extraordinaire. Frank the Clown returns to Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about his takeover of the Chicago independent scene in places such as Warrior Wrestling, Freelance Wrestling and Freelance Underground, his beef with Athena, the upcoming Storm Grayson vs. Robert “Ego” Anthony rematch, his LA Rams winning the Super Bowl and more. Plus, Mike recaps AAW Pro, Chicago Style W...
Jul 19, 2022•58 min•Ep. 128
Newly crowned Freelance Wrestling Champion Storm Grayson, one of the fastest rising stars in the Chicagoland area, joined Windy City Slam Podcast for the first time to talk about the emotion of his victory over Robert “Ego” Anthony, going from a skinny kid in a mask in GALLI Lucha Libre to where he is now through his hard work during the pandemic shutdown, recent work with Warrior Wrestling, WWE and AEW, being “respectfully annoying” in hopes gaining more opportunities, spending time with Mustaf...
Jul 12, 2022•48 min•Ep. 127
Wrestling super-agent Chazz Moretti returns to Windy City Slam Podcast and this time he goes inside the upcoming Midwest Wrestling Reunion, which takes place in Lake Zurich on July 17. Chazz and Mike discuss the honorees and what the MWR is all about. Plus, Mike recaps some great wrestling action from last week, including Freelance Underground, Freelance, Ego Pro Wrestling and an outstanding Money In The Bank show with some great surprises. Mike Pankow is a wrestling superfan who covers local Ch...
Jul 05, 2022•55 min•Ep. 126
He’s a guy with superhuman strength and incredible agility and he has a golden opportunity in front of him. Windy City Slam Podcast welcomes “Iron Demon” Shane Mercer to the show to discuss his upcoming Freelance Underground title match against Calvin Tankman, time with Game Changer Wrestling, training regimen, feats of strength, wrestling inspirations and more. Plus, Mike kicks down the Forbidden Door, previews Money In The Bank, and talks Freelance Wrestling, Freelance Undergound, Warrior Wres...
Jun 28, 2022•33 min•Ep. 125
Windy City Slam Podcast welcomes POWW Entertainment rising prospect “It’s Ya Boi” Mason Percs to discuss his return to the ring from injury as a freshly-minted babyface, his relationship with Jimmy Blaze, upcoming match with Kyzyle, how his time at Full Sail University produced a memorable moment for him during an NXT show and his background in media production. Plus, Mike recaps Freelance Wrestling and Warrior Wrestling, plus talk about IMPACT Slammiversary, Forbidden Door and much more. Mike P...
Jun 21, 2022•57 min•Ep. 124
The men behind the action-packed Warrior Wrestling promotion, Steve Tortorello and Eric Hamilton (who has a late run-in), join us on Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about the busy times for Warrior, including taking their show on the road, upcoming dates in Grand Rapids, Mich, and in Chicago on the afternoon of the Forbidden Door show, the return of the Stadium Series, and shoehorning all the preparation for their shows with their real-life jobs and family responsibilities. Plus, Mike takes a qu...
Jun 14, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 123
You’ve seen him around ringside at many of Chicago’s independent wrestling shows. Wrestling With Unicorns was established with (literally) the blood, sweat and tears of Martin Carrillo and his brother Jon Huerta. Carrillo joined Windy City Slam Podcast and explained how attending an AAW show as a fan in 2015 started the empire of WWU, how he got on the other side of the barrier, working for AAW, Warrior Wrestling, Freelance Wrestling and finally many promotions across the country, including Game...
Jun 07, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 122
The Master of Team Alfonso Dojo, Freelance Wrestling Academy prospect Alfonso Gonzalez joins Windy City Slam Podcast to discuss why he’s “the best around,” basing his character from an iconic 80’s movie, plus his early success in Freelance, which includes victories over the likes of Project M.O.N.I.X. and Kylie Rae, scramble matches, his upcoming appearance for Black Label Pro, his short-term goals and much more. Plus, Mike recaps AEW Double or Nothing and CM Punk’s title win, Freelance Undergro...
May 31, 2022•44 min•Ep. 121
In a much-anticipated interview, Project M.O.N.I.X. returns to Windy City Slam Podcast to peel back the curtain on “The Final Phase” and “The Ultimate Swerve,” discusses his match with Matt Knicks at Freelance Underground’s “Four Quarters,” how his beef with Knicks began, his thoughts on Isaias Velazquez, Xavier Sky and Kylie Rae and more. Plus, Mike previews AEW Double or Nothing, recaps Freelance’s “Over The Top Rope” and discusses other local companies such as Berwyn Championship Wrestling, W...
May 24, 2022•54 min•Ep. 120
One of Chicagoland independent wrestling’s most-known voices, Kirby “The Voice” Alexander, joins the show to discuss ring announcing for Freelance Wrestling, Freelance Underground and Warrior Wrestling, juggling ring announcing with broadcasting, not using note cards, a personal story about Nick Gage and upcoming Freelance and Freelance Underground events. Plus, Mike recaps Rocket Pro, Rockford Damage Inc., GALLiversario 15 and Control Your Narrative/GLCW and previews Chicago Style Wrestling, Fr...
May 17, 2022•59 min•Ep. 119
Four-year veteran THE Ryan Matthews grants Windy City Slam Podcast his first pro wrestling interview. Matthews talks about his time with Chicago Style Wrestling (where he trained), Berwyn Championship Wrestling and Rocket Pro Wrestling, upcoming matches with Damien Deschain, Chico Suave and Vic Capri, his vocal and musical talents, arm wrestling, TJ Steel, Skye Blue, screaming, big heads and more. Plus, Mike recaps WrestleMania Backlash, POWW Entertainment and previews Rocket Pro, Squared Circle...
May 10, 2022•40 min•Ep. 118
He’s a late bloomer to the wrestling business, but Counselor Eric Schultz is making a name for himself around the Chicago scene in places such as Chicago Style Wrestling, Northland Pro and Crash Tested Wrestling. Schultz joined Windy City Slam Podcast to discuss how going to an indie show in 2019 and a talk with a local star steered him to start in the wrestling business, his relationship with Mario Pardua, clashes with Steve Ahrendt, matches with Cody James and Shawn Danger and much more. Plus,...
May 03, 2022•45 min•Ep. 117
Emerging Chicago independent wrestling superstar Mateo Valentine returns to Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about the evolution of his career, his crazy Beauty Supply Match against Joey Mayberry at Chicago Style Wrestling, series with Scott Spade at POWW Entertainment, working at NLS Is For Everyone, his upcoming appearance at All Heel Wrestling and the inspiration that Mickie James vs. Trish Stratus had on him. Plus, Mike recaps CSW, Freelance Wrestling and Warrior Wrestling and previews anothe...
Apr 26, 2022•45 min•Ep. 116
Former WWE Superstar James Ellworth joins Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about his upcoming appearance at Project Revolution Wrestling, his run with WWE, wrestling David Arquette at Warrior Wrestling and working with Grim’s Toy Show (GTS Wrestling). Plus, Mike recaps POWW Entertainment and New Japan’s “Windy City Riot” and previews a huge weekend around the region, including Chicago Style Wrestling, Freelance Wrestling, Warrior Wrestling, Berwyn Championship Wrestling, Big Time Wrestling and mo...
Apr 19, 2022•43 min•Ep. 115
Windy City Slam Podcast welcomes Chicago Style Wrestling promoter, trainer and current Metra Division Superstar Steve Boz, who previews CSW’s next event, “Bad Friday,” talks about coming through Windy City Wrestling, working with guys such as Christopher Daniels and Acid Jaz and the satisfaction of training emerging young talent. Plus, Mike talks Rocket Pro Wrestling, POWW Entertainment and New Japan’s “Windy City Riot.” Mike Pankow is a wrestling super-fan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling...
Apr 12, 2022•43 min•Ep. 114
Windy City Slam Podcast breaks down the top moments of WrestleMania weekend – including the WWE return of Cody Rhodes, Steve Austin, Vince McMahon, celebrity involvement, the women’s matches and what’s next for Roman Reigns – with All Heel Wrestling’s “Voice of Violence” Phil Myers Sr. and former WWE.com writer Jordan Garretson. Plus, local indie wrestler Cody James joins the show to talk about his in-person experience in Dallas while Mike discusses POWW Entertainment and Rocket Pro Wrestling. M...
Apr 05, 2022•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 113
With the amount of quality independent promotions in the Chicagoland area, Windy City Slam Podcast welcomes Pro Wrestling Enforcer Podcast host Sean Lennon to break down the best companies and wrestlers around Chicago and we also talk a little WWE and WrestleMania. Plus, Mike previews WrestleMania and recaps news from local promotions, including Black Label Pro and POWW Entertainment. Mike Pankow is a wrestling super-fan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and...
Mar 29, 2022•56 min•Ep. 112
Taught by WWE Superstar Seth Rollins and Marek Brave, Joliet native Gunner Brave is quickly ascending in the wrestling business, already winning the Rocket Pro Wrestling Outer Limits Championship and the “Best In The Midwest Tournament,” We talk to Gunner about his “unsanctioned match” against Brooks Berna in Rocket Pro, debut in Freelance Underground against his good friend, JJ Garrett, getting advice from Becky Lynch and recovering quickly from a scary injury last year. Plus, Mike recaps a hug...
Mar 22, 2022•46 min•Ep. 111
He’s the Father of Freelance Wrestling and has enjoyed over a decade in the wrestling business. “The Purple Papi” Matt Knicks joined Windy City Slam Podcast to discuss the evolution of Freelance, the start of his career while training under Steve Boz, liking music that came before his time, his experience on AEW Dynamite, his rivalry with Project M.O.N.I.X., and the youth of Freelance. Plus, Mike reflects on Scott Hall, recaps Warrior Wrestling 20 and previews an action-packed weekend in Chicago...
Mar 15, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 110
Longtime Chicago independent wrestler “The Underwear Model” Eric Priest joined Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about the different stages of his wrestling career, working with AAW Pro, Steel Domain, Lunatic Wrestling Federation, as well as WWE, why he decided to come back for one last run, strange places to change clothes and more. Plus, Mike recaps AEW Revolution and 2econd Wrestling, talks Freelance Wrestling, POWW Entertainment and NLS Is For Everyone and previews Warrior Wrestling 20. Mike P...
Mar 08, 2022•52 min•Ep. 109
