A regular in AAW Pro and DREAMWAVE Wrestling, (Mike) Hartenbower joins Windy City Slam Podcast for the first time to talk working for his home promotion of DREAMWAVE, where he watched shows during his youth, upcoming title matches in DREAMWAVE and Rocket Pro Wrestling, the dynamic of The Bravo Family (John E. Bravo, Davey Vega & Sean Logan) in AAW Pro, his history with Those Damn Coyotes, spearing Cody James into a swimming pool during a ZOWA Championship match and sharing a childhood moment...
Nov 21, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 198
Jordan Kross is celebrating five years as a wrestler and 20 years of SSW this weekend. “The Punk Rock Prince” returns to Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about how special SSW is to him and his family, his latest accomplishments in places such as Warrior Wrestling and Fusion Wrestling Chicago, his bond with Doug Simmons and the craziness of The SuperWrestlers. Plus, Mike previews AEW Full Gear, Chicago Style Wrestling, Freelance Underground, Southland Championship Wrestling and Crash Tested Wrest...
Nov 14, 2023•36 min•Ep. 197
With his days in the ring winding down, legendary Chicago independent wrestler “Ice Pick” Vic Capri returns to Windy City Slam Podcast. Capri downplays his status of being a “legend,” referring himself to being an “indie guy” while talking about giving back to the business in training emerging local star Shelly “The Bombshell” Benson, dealing with some late-career injury issues while still churning out some great matches with guys such as Ricky Reyes, Christian Rose, Connor Hopkins, Conan Lycan ...
Nov 07, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 196
He’s performed just about every role in pro wrestling, including being an in-ring worker, manager, referee, videographer, and a podcaster. He’s Nick Headford, who has nearly 25 years in the business under his belt. Headford joins Windy City Slam Podcast to preview POWW Entertainment’s WrestleRage 21, discuss his son Chris’ foray into managing The Reckoning, growing up in the Southern wrestling scene before moving to the Chicago area, being a historian for local independent wrestling, advice for ...
Oct 31, 2023•57 min•Ep. 195
Windy City Slam Podcast welcomes back “Hawaiian Hitman" Koa Laxamana to discuss his run in the NWA and the upcoming Samhain pay-per-view, his match vs. Terry Allen at POWW Entertainment’s WrestleRage 21, how Robert “Ego” Anthony helped with getting opportunities with AAW Pro and the NWA, working with Rocket Pro, Midwest Championship Wrestling and other Chicago-area promotions, why wins and losses don’t matter as much as telling a good in-ring story and entertaining the fans, and giving back to t...
Oct 24, 2023•42 min•Ep. 194
Windy City Slam Podcast welcomes Pat Ackerman (aka “Podcast Papa” and “P-Ax”) to the show for a full-fledged interview, including a recap of Rocket Pro Wrestling’s “Darkness Falls.” P-Ax also talks about the origin of the Lovely Intoxicated Men and other fan groups associated with Rocket Pro, his interactions with The Fabulous Idols, his “internship” into some of the behind-the-scenes work he does and talks about what he enjoys about Illiana Pro Wrestling and The SuperWrestlers. Plus, Mike recap...
Oct 17, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 193
Much has happened since Cody James last appeared on Windy City Slam Podcast. He details his rise upon his return to the show, including becoming “The Barker” in the NWA as part of Magic Inc., making the most of opportunities in Billy Corgan’s company, winning the Crash Tested Wrestling Championship, breaking away from Chris Miller in Chicago Style Wrestling, and his trials and tribulations in Northland Pro and All Heel Wrestling. Plus, Mike recaps highlights from Warrior Wrestling 31 and POWW En...
Oct 10, 2023•54 min•Ep. 192
It’s been a rough 2023 for Trevor Outlaw in a lot of respects. “Yours Rudely” returns to Windy City Slam Podcast to discuss his slump in Freelance Wrestling, culminating in a loss to Referee Dan Perch during Trevtember, of all months. Outlaw also talks Black Label Pro, Warrior Wrestling, 2econd Wrestling, Skye Blue, Kylie Rae, Jordan Kross and Richard Holliday, what he needs to do to get back to his winning ways, family issues in FTC LLC between Frank the Clown and KC Navarro, and how 2024 will ...
Oct 03, 2023•49 min•Ep. 191
One of the Chicagoland area’s fastest rising stars, “Sharpshooter” James Creed joins Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about his recovery from ACL surgery, his seemingly never-ending rivalry with JPH (which has crossed multiple promotions), training under Angel Armani and Hunter Paine and teaching wrestlers himself at the Southland Championship Wrestling training school, winning the ARW Championship twice, lasting 95 minutes in Squared Circle Megastars’ Mega Rumble, wrestlers who he emulates and S...
Sep 26, 2023•53 min•Ep. 190
A blend of inspiration from horror movies with ring training from Tracy Smothers, “The Slaughterville Plague” Gavin Alexander joins Windy City Slam to talk about his two-decade career, influences, his passion for Eddie Kingston, recovering from a gunshot wound he suffered this spring, who he wants to face next in WAW North America, his issues with WCPW, eclectic music tastes and a little word association. Plus, Mike tips his cap to locals ranked in the PWI 500 and previews shows such as Freelanc...
Sep 19, 2023•47 min•Ep. 189
The imposing Chris Miller joins Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about his run in Chicago Style Wrestling, his best friend, Kristine – a sledgehammer, training some younger talents at the CSW school, his issue with the women’s wrestlers in CSW, Cody James, a high-stakes match in Crash Tested Wrestling and some menacing character named Metalhead, who is the current All Heel Wrestling Champion. Plus, Mike talks a little ARW, CSW and POWW Entertainment and Pat Ackerman of the Lovely Intoxicated Men ...
Sep 12, 2023•47 min•Ep. 188
In a big week for Chicago wrestling, Windy City Slam Podcast welcomes Rocket Pro co-owner Will Schelli (aka Maximus Orion) to the show to preview RPW’s “Fall Brawl” in depth, discusses getting a 20x20 wrestling ring for his high school graduation (which laid the foundation for RPW), how the Maximus character came about and what influences it drew from, paying his dues, and how his mother went from being critical of buying the wrestling ring to a main-event performer last Spring. Plus, Mike tackl...
Sep 05, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 187
One of Chicago’s biggest LGBTQ+ wrestlers, The “Dad-Bod Demigod” Joey Mayberry joins Windy City Slam Podcast for the first time to talk about his journey from Florida to Chicago, working with some notable names, what helped rekindle his passion for wrestling during some dark times, background in theater, being a part of welcoming locker rooms in places such as Chicago Style Wrestling and POWW Entertainment, how and he and Jillian got together, participating in “EFFY’s Big Gay Brunch” and more. P...
Aug 29, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 186
He’s been a belt collector over the last year or two in the Midwest scene, he’s “Sexy Violence” Quinn Whittock and he holds the Frontline Pro Championship and Frontline Pro Battle Championship and Wrestle League Championship and is a former Rocket Pro Wrestling Champion. Whittock makes his debut on Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about his career, being a coach for some younger wrestlers, emulating Jeff Hardy, meeting Ben McCoy and helping mold Shaq Jordan, his upcoming Tables, Ladders and Chair...
Aug 22, 2023•47 min•Ep. 185
From under the learning tree of Chicago Style Wrestling and “Ice Pick” Vic Capri comes Michael “Vice Grip” Gonzalez, who joins Windy City Slam Podcast for the first time to discuss his training, how ‘90s wrestling inspired him to get into the business, best advice he’s received from Capri, Alpha Zeta Zeta, recovering from knee surgery, his time at the Super Bowl as a Chiefs fan and much more. Plus, Mike recaps 2econd Wrestling’s festive “Half Nelson. Full Force” event, talks POWW Entertainment, ...
Aug 15, 2023•39 min•Ep. 184
Windy City Slam Podcast gets into the VIP room when we welcome “The King of Clubs” Jason Midas to the show for the first time. We talk about Midas’ experience as a circus and burlesque performer, deciding to get into the wrestling business in his 30s, his wrestling influences, his utility roles as a manager, ring announcer and broadcaster, getting a golden opportunity in 2econd Wrestling, a little bit of Freelance and Freelance Underground and a preview this weekend’s 2econd show, “Half Nelson. ...
Aug 08, 2023•46 min•Ep. 183
A graduate of the famous Black and Brave Wrestling Academy, “Sabotage” Sean Logan is on the rise on the local scene with promotions such as AAW Pro, Freelance Underground and 2econd Wrestling and is currently one-half of the Iron Spirit Pro Tag Team Champions with Gunner Brave. Logan joins Windy City Slam Podcast to discuss being trained by Harley Race and Seth Rollins, teaming with Gunner Brave, being a part of John E. Bravo’s crew in AAW, his “Sean Login” character in 2econd Wrestling and more...
Aug 01, 2023•55 min•Ep. 182
You saw her shine in World Class Championship Wrestling and Jim Crockett Promotions (of the NWA) in the ‘80s. The “Perfect 10” Baby Doll joins Windy City Slam Podcast to help preview WAW North America’s “A Knight To Remember” event, her daughter, Samantha Starr’s match against Stacy Shadows, working in the red-hot WCCW territory, hot she got into the business, her family lineage in wrestling, getting advice from Jake “The Snake” Roberts, time in Crockett with Tully Blanchard and the crazy travel...
Jul 25, 2023•47 min•Ep. 181
Legendary manager and wrestler C.Red and “Da Kang” Myles Mercer of The A.R.C. join Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about their appearance at WAW North America’s “A Knight To Remember” event and break down some of the main matches on the show, how Mercer got his nickname “Da Kang of the Whole Show,” C.Red’s recent experience with the NWA, Mercer’s upcoming Crash Tested Wrestling Championship defense against Marshe Rockett and Cody James and more. Plus, Mike discusses AAW Pro’s “Never Say Die” and...
Jul 18, 2023•51 min•Ep. 180
Longtime Chicago-area manager The Sinister Minister of Fear and the newest member of his "Evil Hoard," “It’s Ya Boi” Mason Percs, join Windy City Slam Podcast to talk WAW North America’s “A Knight To Remember” event and Percs’ match against Mustang Mike for the vacant WAW North American Championship, some of the other matches on the show, the chemistry building between Minister and Percs, what Percs has learned in the last year while Minister shares a piece of his history with men such as Bob Lu...
Jul 11, 2023•36 min•Ep. 179
Former WWE referee Justin King, who will be part of the officiating team at WAW North America’s “A Knight To Remember” later this month, joined Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about the star-studded event in Tinley Park on July 28 and who he’s looking forward to working with, his relationship with Thom Latimer, working with fellow Illinois guys Jack Doan and Chad Patton, working under Dusty Rhodes at FCW, working as a Da Cobra’s manager with Resistance Pro, being honored at the Midwest Wrestling...
Jul 04, 2023•39 min•Ep. 178
The men behind the phenomenon known as Warrior Wrestling, Steve Tortorello and Eric Hamilton, return to Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about the fifth anniversary of Warrior, their favorite moments, being a stepping stone for tomorrow’s stars, what’s next for the company and a breakdown of “Friday Night Lights” back at the football stadium at Marian Catholic – the swan song for the original home for Warrior – a show that includes talents such as Matt Cardona, KC Navarro, Gringo Loco, El Hijo De...
Jun 27, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 177
Wrestling superagent Chazz Moretti returns to Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about and break down WAW North America’s “A Knight To Remember” coming to Tinley Park on July 28. Moretti discusses several of the top matches, including WAW World Champion Zak Zodiac against Thom Latimer and Kamille defending her NWA World Women’s Championship against “Sweet” Saraya Knight, his relationship with the Knight family and working shows for them in the UK and much more. Plus, Mike talks CM Punk and Skye Blu...
Jun 20, 2023•48 min•Ep. 176
Two years ago, pro wrestling was just a dream for Warren C. Freiberg III, Esq. Now Freiberg is the High Voltage Champion in Southland Championship Wrestling after a seemingly improbable journey of dropping 140 pounds and starting his wrestling training in his late 30s. Freiberg joined Windy City Slam Podcast to share his story of sheer persistence and dedication, proving to Hunter Paine that he can hang, influence behind his promo work, what era drew him to wrestling, the latest with Punitive Da...
Jun 13, 2023•46 min•Ep. 175
Freelance Wrestling World Champion Storm Grayson returns to Windy City Slam Podcast to discuss his title match against Craig Mitchell at Freelance Vs. The World 9, working as a heel in Warrior Wrestling alongside Frank the Clown and Trevor Outlaw, getting a seal of approval from Robert “Ego” Anthony, getting more opportunities as an extra for AEW and WWE, his typical week and more. Plus, Mike recaps POWW Entertainment’s weekend of shows, including the “You Better Work” Pride show with reaction f...
Jun 06, 2023•56 min•Ep. 174
Chicago Style Wrestling Tag Team Champion Mateo Valentine returns to Windy City Slam to discuss and preview POWW Entertainment’s first-ever Pride show, “You Better Work,” coming to Lombard on June 4. Valentine tells the story of how the show came about, his upcoming dream match against EFFY, going from ring crew to main event in POWW, competing in an all-queer main event at All Heel Wrestling against Dog-Faced Bastard Greg Murray, his recent match against Pauly Thomaselli in Fusion Wrestling Chi...
May 30, 2023•48 min•Ep. 173
The No. 1 contender to the POWW Heavyweight Championship and multi-time former champ Scott Spade joins Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about his championship match against Hunter Paine on June 3 during POWW Entertainment’s double-shot weekend, his match against “Golden Boy” Greg Anthony at WAW North America’s “A Knight to Remember,” being a fighting champion, helping train NXT star Tony D’Angelo and his vintage mint-on-card Masters of the Universe collection. Plus, Mike digs deep into Chicago St...
May 23, 2023•42 min•Ep. 172
The Symbols, Joey Roth and Roxi Heart, join Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about what they have in store for WAW North America’s “A Knight to Remember” and some of the top talent on the show, what happened at Rocket Pro’s “Kicks on 66” and some thoughts on “Rockstar” Jonny Nigh, Damien Saint and Bruiser Mass Index. Plus, Mike recaps Freelance Wrestling and Freelance Underground and previews Chicago Style Wrestling, Southland Championship and All Heel Wrestling. Mike Pankow is a wrestling super-...
May 16, 2023•48 min•Ep. 171
Based in Northeastern Illinois and Southeastern Wisconsin, Black and Brave graduate Perfection is on the rise and the cocksure one joins Windy City Slam Podcast for the first time to talk about possibly being the influence for Seth Rollins’ WWE wardrobe, the inspiration of a WWE legend who made his debut on the day Perfection was born, Zeke Zeeshe, Jordan Kross, Shinsuke Nakamura, his infatuation with bringing a full-length mirror to the ring, upcoming matches for All Heel Wrestling and The Heat...
May 09, 2023•59 min•Ep. 170
Eight years into the business, “Dream Breaker” Aaron Stone has found some success over the last couple of years, winning championships and rising up the ranks of several Chicagoland independent promotions. Stone joins Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about the chase for the Rocket Pro Wrestling Championship and his upcoming match against Quinn Whittock at “Kicks on 66,” trying to spoil the plans of RPW General Manager Damien Saint, wrestling in GALLI Lucha Libre against stars such as Sam Adonis, ...
May 02, 2023•40 min•Ep. 169
