I Like Wrestling (Rachel Polansky, Ben Smock, and Matt Vogel)
Explorez tous les épisodes de I Like Wrestling
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Aug 2022 | The Godfather of Promos | 00:59:41 | |
The kickoff episode of I Like Wrestling is here. Promos from The Attitude Era and now. Matt reminisces about Jericho’s first live WWE appearance and Rachel breaks down Logan Paul’s kayfabe wedding. Follow us on socials: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilikewrestlingpod #ilikewrestlingpod | |||
| 18 Aug 2022 | You Think You Know Millennials | 00:54:29 | |
Rachel isn’t a fan of Sami Zayn, Pat McAfee, Santino Marella, or Elias/Ezekiel. Matt abhors Edge, The Hardy Boys, and Shawn Michaels. Rachel caught up on some current programming and is impressed with the women’s division, and Matt is finally invested in the Intercontinental Title. FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod | |||
| 25 Aug 2022 | Beyond the Matt | 00:43:55 | |
Rachel and Matt dissect Barry Blaustein’s pivotal 1999 documentary “Beyond the Mat” and the lives of Mick Foley, Terry Funk, and Jake the Snake. Matt delves into his perspectives watching wrestling as a father, and desperately tries to work in Johnny Gargano hot takes to pull us out of Rachel's Kafka-esque outlook on our doomed existence. A bonus history lesson explores the parallels between Diane Arbus’ photography and humans as visual spectacles, plus a Doink reference! FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod | |||
| 01 Sep 2022 | The (Mr.) Perfect Match | 00:56:11 | |
Matt and Rachel break down what makes for a “perfect” wrestling match and they revisit some of the contenders from classics like Steamboat vs. Savage and Nakamura vs Zayn to underrated gems like Molly Holly vs. Victoria in a Hair vs Hair at Wrestlemania. The ILW universe weighs in with their picks as well! Matt has a new favorite wrestler in Luigi Primo, Best Pizza Chef and he is appalled to hear Rachel refer to The Rock as “the epitome of 90s era grunge.” Rachel educates Matt about Cherry, they finally agree on a mutual dislike of Johnny Gargano and Rachel tells us who is the Jane Austen of professional wrestling. FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod | |||
| 08 Sep 2022 | Screwjobs and Schadenfreude | 01:16:38 | |
Rachel and Matt are all about screwjobs this week: Moolah, Montreal, and CM Punk. They kick-off the episode with a Clash at the Castle recap and Rachel’s first PPV live watching experience. Rachel breaks down the oft-forgotten Moolah vs. Wendy Richter screwjob and the impact on both of their careers, as well as the future of women’s wrestling. They talk through the infamous Montreal ScrewJob and contemplate its parallels and connections to today. Matt finally unleashes his dark side and revels in the train wreck that is the CM Punk/Tony Khan AEW “Presser From Hell”. They debate whether or not it was a work and a seltzer side tangent. Millennial Mania rounds out the episode with a brief look into the similarities behind the “Don’t Worry Darling” drama and whether or not Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine. FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 15 Sep 2022 | I'm All About Cool (Intro Songs) | 01:00:12 | |
Rachel and Matt are all about intro music this week: what their underrated favorites are, the importance of the opening needle drop, and if a song can transcend the wrestler. Rachel shows off her vocal chops as she attempts to share her picks with Matt after some real-time audio botches. Matt recounts his 1998 Jamaica Spring break trip and watching Zach Gowen live and the ILW community weighs in on their favorite intros. They kick things off with a rundown of Rachel’s experience playing WWE2K GM Mode and find many comparisons to Matt’s fantasy football league. Millennial Mania caps off a music-filled episode as Rachel awes Matt with a brief (well, as brief as Rachel she could make it) history on the social media icon. FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 21 Sep 2022 | Luigi Primo Likes Wrestling | 00:24:36 | |
Luigi Primo gives us an exclusive look at the promo AEW would have shown if he wasn’t kicked in the face. He delves into the details of Nonna’s weeklong sauce and his opinions on delivery and pizza topping. Rachel and Matt learn about Luigi’s relationship with his son Pastaman and Luigi drops some sage words of wisdom on fatherhood. He reveals his connections to Nunzio and what the future holds for this impressive and talented professional wrestler/pizza chef! BUY LUIGI’S MERCH https://luigiprimo.bigcartel.com/ FOLLOW LUIGI: TWITTER @bestpizzachef INSTAGRAM @luigiprimopwr FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 22 Sep 2022 | SummerSlam (2007) Sadness | 00:55:39 | |
Rachel finally convinces Matt to watch 2007 WWE, starting off a 2007 SummerSlam PPV re-watch. Matt is absolutely appalled at the quality of the party decorations in Mr. McMahon’s office and the looming shadow of Chris Benoit. They walk through all of the matches, with Rachel providing her watching background on previous rivalries and storylines to a bewildered Matt. They’ve never been more divided on why they like wrestling, but they find common ground through their dissection of what many may consider “trash”. Trisha Paytas had her baby and Matt’s shock continues as Rachel reveals the baby’s name. FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 06 Oct 2022 | Reya Rhea Potato Potahto | 00:57:54 | |
Rachel and Matt are back and better than ever and this week they are all about the game and how you play it. Triple H’s reign as the new king of RAW is firing on multiple cylinders as R&M analyze the current programming and the level of mass appeal. Rachel finds new appreciation for Dominik Mysterio and Sami Zayn while Matt vibes out on the classics of 1987 Antonio Inoki vs Dr Death Steve Williams, lamenting Johnny Gargano’s midness in contrast. Plus, the first ILW appearance as we reveal Rachel’s cat’s gimmick! FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 13 Oct 2022 | Festus in the Fight Cell | 00:54:10 | |
Grab your chairs, ladders, and straps because this match is all about Extreme Rules! Rachel and Matt recap last weekend’s amazing and interesting pay-per-view, reveling in the developing factions and theatrical storytelling in the WWE Universe. Rachel regales Matt with some Tales from the Territories Memphis Wrasslin anecdotes, Matt continues to question why Johnny Gargano has a spot on the roster, and they both debate whether or not they would rather be stuck in an elevator with John Cena or The Undertaker. Rachel fires off on Roman Reigns and Matt is in shock of her hot take that The Head of the Table just doesn’t have that “it factor”. FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 20 Oct 2022 | The Pretty Deadly Pop | 00:50:48 | |
It’s Title Thursday on ILW Podcast as Rachel and Matt discuss the current AEW roster and find much to kvetch about: the storytelling (or lack thereof), unmemorable trios, and whether William Regal and MJF really had the best promo of the year. Rachel watches NXT for the first time and can’t stop raving about the incredible charisma and starpower of Pretty Deadly and Matt actually agrees. They question if Baron Corbin is really the Modern Day Wrestling God and Matt drops an incredible heifer impression. FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 27 Oct 2022 | Eric Bischoff’s Ted Talk and Escape the Undertaker | 00:44:56 | |
Choose your own adventure and follow us down the path to escaping The Undertaker, as Rachel regretfully experiences Netflix’s interactive special per Matt’s recommendation. They also analyze the “A Day in the Life of Pretty Deadly” promo frame by frame, lamenting the continual lack of Pretty Deadly merch and captivating promos in general. Rachel introduces Matt to Eric Bischoff’s 2018 Ted Talk, which articulates many of the parallels between news, politics, and wrestling and the emphasis on targeting feelings. Halloween Havoc may be over but spooky season continues on ILW as Matt discloses one of his biggest fears – don’t let the answer escape you! FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 03 Nov 2022 | Bizarre Matches and Crown Jewel Predictions | 00:55:16 | |
We’re feeling a little ucey for this week’s episode predicting Saturday’s Crown Jewel card. Rachel and Matt wonder if it’s time for The Head of The Table to be dethroned by Logan Paul, ponder the trajectory of Bray Wyatt’s return, and speculate how Bayley and Damage Control could shift allegiances. Rachel baffles Matt with how she’s consumed a lot of her wrestling media as they run through some unorthodox match types and The Gimmick of All Gimmicks. Matt learns about Love is Blind and Rachel gives herself a new nickname. Download and rate the World’s #1 Pretty Deadly Podcast today! | |||
| 08 Nov 2022 | Jesse Brisendine Likes Wrestling | 01:07:13 | |
Jesse Brisendine, renowned professional speaker and author, joins the I LIke Wrestling tag team to talk about why he likes wrestling. He articulates the importance of promos, takeaways from wrestling that apply to professional skills, and why he still loves Hulk Hogan. Rachel learns about the history of Eugene, Matt gets sandbagged by a lack of Tribal Chief acknowledgement, and they all divulge their Mt. Rushmores of Wrestling. JESSE’S WEBSITE: https://www.jessebrisendine.com/ WATCH JESSE’S TED TALK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJCMnjXPdos FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 11 Nov 2022 | ECW One Night Stand 2005 (?) | 00:56:07 | |
Rachel watched ECW One Night Stand 2005 under the impression that Matt attended it live 17 years ago. Halfway through their rundown, Matt reaches an astonishing conclusion causing a rift in the time and space continuum. The ILW Tag Team reacts to Crown Jewel, as Rachel renders Matt speechless with her Brock Lesnar takes, and Matt recounts his trials and tribulations trying to watch the main event. Rachel teaches Matt about A24 movies, H3’s Frenemies Podcast, and the legacy of Zac Efron. FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 18 Nov 2022 | Charles Robinson in Charge: WCW vs. WWF | 00:52:07 | |
The Monday Night War is alive and well as the ILW tag team travels back to April 26,1999 to compare and contrast WCW and WWF. Rachel gains insight into the origin of Charles Robinson aka Lil Naitch and Matt tells us about his DDP Yoga experience. Is there a connection between Swifties and wrestling fans? How is Vampire the Masquerade related to The Attitude Era? And are we Falling for Christmas? The answers to these questions and more only on this week’s episode of I Like Wrestling. FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 24 Nov 2022 | Evolution and Why Batista Walks Alone | 00:53:20 | |
Join Rachel and special guest co-host Ben aka GrumpHandleSlam as they enter the stable of one of professional wrestling’s most iconic factions. Evolution is a little bit less of a mystery as Ben provides his perspective on watching the formation and dissolution of The Modern Day Four Horsemen in real time since Rachel’s primary background on them comes in the form of an hour-long WWE documentary. Rachel drags Ben into her 2007 Smackdown world as they mull over Teddy Long and Kristal’s wedding, and Millennial Mania caps things off solving the mystery of who wrote the Disney Channel theme song. BEN’S TWITTER: https://twitter.com/GrumpHandleSlam FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 01 Dec 2022 | The Cena Angle | 01:13:01 | |
Rumors of Matt’s death have been greatly exaggerated and he has risen from the grave to reunite with Rachel for this week’s episode. The ILW Tag Team debuts their new Evolution segment where they revisit the past (5:26), marinate on the present (12:10), and ruminate about the future. A partial re-watch of 2007 No Mercy, Survivor Series: War Games reactions and Bautista’s new horror movie segway into a discussion about the legacy and impact of John Cena on the Ruthless Aggression Era (50:00). What 2009 reality TV show caused a creative reckoning for Rachel (63:38) and what non-sponsored beverage is Matt sipping on this week? All this and more, only on the I Like Wrestling podcast! FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 08 Dec 2022 | NXT and Me | 01:08:13 | |
Rachel asked Matt to watch last week’s episode of NXT without having watched first, leading to a nuanced discussion of a subpar episode (November 29, 2022) without any Pretty Deadly in sight. The Audio Ben era continues as they look into the past as Rachel opens her eyes to the world of Howard Stern and his interviews with WWE Superstars. Matt finds connections between The White Lotus and the intentionality of storytelling and Rachel reveals what popular TV show she’s never watched. The ILW twitter community sounds off on their NXT thoughts and the reactions may surprise you. Millennial Mania is more like Boomer Bonanza this week highlighting Monty Python’s “Almost the Truth” documentary and the ultimate kayfabe band Steel Panther. FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 16 Dec 2022 | Stone Cold Hart: Wrestlemania 13 | 01:08:16 | |
Wrestlemania 13 (1997) brought us one of the greatest matches of all time: Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Bret “The Hitman” Hart. Rachel was 3 years old, Audio Ben was a senior in high school, and they both celebrate the importance of a storyline that set the stage for the beginnings of The Attitude Era. NXT Deadline PPV is a surprise hit for both and the lads of Pretty Deadly exceed expectations despite losing the belts. Rachel looks forward to watching her first live WWE John Cena appearance, Ben explains why it should always be Vader Time, and does the future of sports entertainment lie in a Youtube Chess Boxing Tournament? All this and more, only on ILW! FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod | |||
| 23 Dec 2022 | I Love WWE, You Love AEW: The Roast of Matt | 01:12:58 | |
Internet fame comes in all shapes and sizes and this week the bug bit Matt when one of his old Tiktoks went viral. The ILW team reacts to the funniest comments from twitter and reflects on internet trolling, AEW fan rage, and if Matt is really as tired as he looks. Rachel finally watched the first episode of Total Divas, deconstructing the multiple layers of reality within the show, and enjoyed catching the latest Raw live. They tease out some potential Wrestlemania Hollywood Storylines, debate the pros and cons of dispensaries, and the dark side of Barney. FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 31 Dec 2022 | ILW End-of-Year Blind Bag | 01:05:04 | |
What happens when Matt steps on a toy block, leaving Rachel and Audio Ben to fend for themselves in an unplanned end-of-year episode? You enter Rachel’s East Coast Fun House, with a special guest segment where her sister Emily tries and fails to reason why hockey and wrestling have nothing in common. Spur-of-the-moment questions like favorite wrestlers, matches, and WTF moments of the year are pondered and tangents, twists, turns, and tales aplenty await you in a wild episode. We hope that WWE’s New Year Resolution is to finally release some Pretty Deadly merch early next year and see y'all in 2023! FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 06 Jan 2023 | NJPW First Impressions | 01:12:02 | |
The ILW Tag Team is back for the New Year and celebrating over six months of podcasting with a recap of their favorite moments and yearly highlights. They talk about how to deal with family and friends who are quick to dismiss the pros of sports entertainment and react to John Cena’s Smackdown appearance. Special guest Pickle Pete from TikTok joins them to talk about why he likes wrestling and how to be a rational, well-informed wrestling fan. Rachel watched NJPW for the first time, reacting to one of Matt’s favorite matches Tanaka vs. Nagata 2009 and Wrestle Kingdom 2017.Which Disney character does Kenny Omega’s entrance remind Rachel of? Was there more to the story of Matt tripping on a block? Find out only on the I Like Wrestling Podcast! PICKLE PETE’S TIKTOK: @pickle.pete FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 13 Jan 2023 | The Gang Wrestles for the Troops | 01:01:54 | |
It’s Always Sunny in I Like Wrestling land as the two-man power trip of Rachel and Matt revisit an iconic episode from the series. They talk about other TV show/wrestling crossovers, why it matters that Ben the Soldier is given denim shorts, and the gang’s development over the years. Rachel catches us up on Total Divas and wonders why Fandango is even a thing. Matt lives out his Eva Marie Dream gimmick and we chat with Vinny from TikTok. VINNY’S TIKTOK: @vacvcs FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 19 Jan 2023 | Royal Rumble Like It's 1999 | 00:44:21 | |
The 1999 Royal Rumble has it all: peak Austin/McMahon feud, Sable vs. Luna Strap Match, Rock vs. Mankind I Quit, and plenty of DX. Rachel royally stumbled upon it late at night and was soon royally riveted by peak Attitude Era work from some of wrestling’s greats. Matt “claims” he watched it live and comes to a powerful realization about how watching matches from the past can be so transcendent. We go way back to the past discovering Andre the Giant’s wrestling roots in Burlington, VT, check in on Total Divas and Pretty Deadly merch, and briefly dive into “Titanic Fever”. We give respect and honor to Jamin Pugh (Jay Briscoe) and talk about how to stay well during grief. FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 27 Jan 2023 | RAW: Triple Threat | 01:16:02 | |
The stars have aligned to bring the entire ILW team together to celebrate the upcoming Royal Rumble and Raw’s 30th anniversary. We start things off with the Bloodline and predictions for Sami Zayn’s future but are diverted away before Audio Ben can make Rachel cry. They all agree that Raw failed to acknowledge the importance of women in professional wrestling, make a case for Paul Heyman’s spot on the Mt. Rushmore of wrestling, and reveal the recent scams of Ted DiBiase. FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 03 Feb 2023 | Pandemic Wrestling: Bray Wyatt vs. John Cena (Wrestlemania 2020) | 01:03:22 | |
While the rest of the world shut down in March 2020, WWE pivoted their crowds but not their content and delivered one of the most unique Wrestlemania’s in history. Rachel and Matt analyze the surrealism of John Cena’s swan song farewell match vs. Bray Wyatt (The Fiend) and why pandy wrestling is so divisive. They’re joined by special guest @ImBoredBrother to recap his experience attending the Royal Rumble live last weekend and future booking predictions for The Bloodline. Rachel’s accelerating her way through season two of Total Divas and Matt already forgets things from the beginning of the episode. SEAN’S TWITTER: @ImBoredBrother FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 10 Feb 2023 | V Is for Vengeance Day | 01:07:01 | |
The energy was electric at NXT’s first touring PLE in over two and a half years and all 3 members of The ILW Team are ready to discuss their favorite moments. Matt and Audio Ben re-contextualize the importance of Charlotte Flair’s opening, Rachel finds new appreciation for Toxic Attraction, and Pretty Deadly continue to dominate despite not winning the belts *sadplate check*. Rachel thinks Batista is the best actor to ever come out of the WWE and each member of the ILW Team weighs in on their Roman vs. Sami Elimination Chamber finisher predictions. FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 17 Feb 2023 | Tag Teams Draft | 01:17:14 | |
Rachel, Audio Ben, and returning guest co-host Sean AKA I’mBoredBrother are here to draft the first (and probably only) ILW Tag Teams! We’re all over the board, from odd couples to memorable gimmicks and quite a few that Rachel has never even heard of. They contemplate the history of Daniel Bryan and the virality of The Yes Movement and what worked (and what didn’t) for them in The Undertaker vs. AJ Styles Boneyard Match from Wrestlemania 2020. We’re the only podcast to take you from the 2015 John Cena in Trainwreck to John Cena in 2023 Ricky Stanickity, ending in the 1500s Bavarian Swiss Alps with the revelatory new adventure game Pentiment. SEAN’S TWITTER: @imboredbrother FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 24 Feb 2023 | Elimination Chamber 2023 | 01:05:28 | |
The road to Wrestlemania is fully paved with the blood, sweat, and tears of Sami Zayn and Roman Reigns in last week’s Elimination Chamber. The ILW Trio reunites to discuss the implications of Roman retaining and long-term storytelling for Sami and The Bloodline, and Rachel might finally be ready to start acknowledging the Tribal Chief. We trace Roman’s heel line back to the beginnings of Pandemic Wrestling as Matt enlightens us with unabashed passion for a unique time not just in wrestling but in overall society. Rachel questions if Total Divas might just be fool’s gold, but immediately digs to find solid gold in the layers of reality. Audio Ben can’t get over Karl Frederick’s new name and introduces the other 2 members of The Hart Foundation to NXT Level Up. FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 03 Mar 2023 | King of the Ring 1998 | 01:15:14 | |
The 1998 King of the Ring PPV is peak Attitude Era – mannequin heads, sexually ambiguous cowboys, and a supernatural family feud. The infamous Mankind and Undertaker Hell in a Cell match could be a main event in itself, but we supersized our episode to bring you a run-through of the whole card. Ben laments the All-Star booking of Wrestlemania Hollywood, Matt praises Pandy Era Asuka, and Rachel disovers “How Low Will America Go?” with Tiger Ali Singh on Sunday Night Heat. What do Terry Funk and Squishmallows have in common? Who is Dick Togo? We explore these questions and more, only on ILW! FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 10 Mar 2023 | The Rhode to Wrestlemania's American Nightmare | 01:08:08 | |
Sometimes in wrestling (and life), we have to pivot, and that’s exactly what the ILW team does when presented with guest-turned-main-event Ron Wilson. We’ll bring you Pandy MITB next week, but this week, the ITCOG’s very own Nostradamus joins Rachel, Matt, and Audio Ben to talk about Cody Rhodes. They examine his trajectory leading up to his match against The Tribal Chief, bemoan the eyesore of his infamous neck tattoo, and how Sami Zayn’s entire Bloodline path may have been forged from The American Nightmare’s pec injury. Natalya meets Grumpy Cat on Total Divas and we graciously allow an alternate perspective on Pretty Deadly. RON’S TWITTER: @ronwil96 FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 18 Mar 2023 | Bar Mitzvah in the Bank ft. Andrew Goldstein | 01:21:46 | |
Rachel and Matt are joined on the bimah by long-awaited guest Andrew Goldstein to break down the biggest moment in Jewish wrestling history, MJF’s Re-Bar Mitzvah. Andrew takes us back to his time writing for WWE in 2006 and provides insider knowledge on the catering services and shocks The ILW Team with a connection between the VonErichs and Israel. We climbed the corporate ladder for a Super Sized Super Pandy Party re-visiting Money in the Bank 2020 and the unique production that gave us an insider look into the WWE Headquarters. From the Zoom promos to fake Doink cameo, this MITB PPV is one worth cashing in on. ANDREW’S TWITTER: @AngeGold FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 25 Mar 2023 | Kofimania | 01:10:16 | |
Wrestlemania is coming to Hollywood next week and the ILW Team is main eventing an iconic moment in Wrestlemania History, Daniel Bryan vs. Kofi Kingston at Wrestlemania 35. The world went crazy for Kofimania and the ILW is joined by Ron Wilson to discuss the road to Kofimania and the emotional journey leading to his much-deserved championship win. Rachel is mesmerized by the odd-couple match-up of Mick Foley vs. Coachman refereed by Hornswoggle on 2007 Smackdown, Audio Ben talks about the internet discourse surrounding the KO/Sami Zayn hug, and Matt weighs in on some directly from the sewers of NYC. RON’S TWITTER: @ronwil96 FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 30 Mar 2023 | Wrestlemania is Coming to Hollywood | 01:10:37 | |
We’re just a few days away from the biggest wrestling weekend of the year and the ILW Team is stoked to predict what will go down in the ring. Matt has a hard time getting behind the opening match of John Cena vs. Austin Theory, Ben thinks that Gunther vs. Drew vs. Sheamus could be the biggest sleeper match, and Rachel loves the idea of Rhea and Bianca as dual champions. They time travel back to the 1980s as Rachel discovers “Tuesday Night Titans” and we can’t believe it’s been 22 years since WWE bought WCW. | |||
| 07 Apr 2023 | Rachel Goes Live at the Raw After Wrestlemania | 01:22:21 | |
Love him or hate him, Roman Reigns is still your undisputed champion and Rachel might finally be ready to acknowledge him after his divisive win over Cody Rhodes at Wrestlemania Hollywood. Matt and Ben voice their disappointments over the Cena/Theory match and they all agree that the family matters match with Dom and Rey sponsored by Cinnamoji Toast Crunch was the highlight of the weekend. Rachel runs through the Stand and Deliver card, having been April Fooled on a live Pretty Deadly experience, and discusses the differences between that crowd and the RAW after Wrestlemania. Plus, a deep-dive into how Paul Heyman may be orchestrating the entire Brock betrayal and a theory on the future of Solo Sikoa. FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 14 Apr 2023 | Hunter Gallagher Likes Wrestling | 01:04:29 | |
Step into the ring for this week’s main event with indie wrestler Hunter Gallagher aka Jet Jameson. He shares stories about his career and training with Rikishi, developing a unique character and wrestling style, and how LGBTQ representation in professional wrestling has shifted over the years. Rachel threw a dart into the multiverse and stumbled upon the quietly iconic WCW Superbrawl 8, Matt bemoans AEW’s burying of Jay White, and Ben questions if Matt is living inside a U-Haul. Live from two basements and one apartment, it’s ILW! HUNTER’S INSTAGRAM: @hunterjgallagher @jetjamesonwrestles FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 20 Apr 2023 | Shootin' the Shit with Rachel and Audio Ben | 00:38:48 | |
The first official Pretty Deadly shirt finally dropped and Rachel is underwhelmed to say the least. We provide some constructive criticism for the current lackluster WWE merch (shruggies and hairbrushes, anybody?) that would make this a “Yes, Boy!” in Rachel’s book. Audio Ben enlightens us with some background on the deceptively titled Main Event. Matt declined to join us after failing to finish Wrestlemania for the third week in a row and we question Ric Flair’s social media presence. FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 28 Apr 2023 | Victoria vs. Trish Stratus Chicago Street Fight (2003) | 01:13:17 | |
This week’s main event is brought to you Solo-Sikoa style as Rachel reacts live to her second viewing of the recently discovered Victoria vs. Trish Stratus Chicago Street Fight from 2003 Raw. She’s witnessing the formation of Evolution in real-time and praises the new TV show “Jury Duty”. Matt joins for the second half and they both agree that the Pretty Deadly trunk match almost makes up for their terrible shirt. Is Bad Bunny the most important celeb to ever join professional wrestling? Does the new championship belt matter? And how did bread and butter pickles get their name? We answer these questions and more, only on ILW! FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 04 May 2023 | The Ballad of Eric Bischoff (2003 RAW) | 01:07:30 | |
We’re blasting back to the past again, landing on the countdown to Eric Bischoff’s firing and quest to sign Stone Stone Cold on Monday Night Raw from February 2003. Rachel, Audio Ben, and Sean discuss the disappearing art of on-location promos, the fast-paced storytelling and development of Booker T and Goldust, and why Molly Holly would thrive today. They question the presentation of the recent draft and Sean tells us what it was like to hear the choral next-level crowd booing of Domink Mysterio. And if you haven’t watched Jury Duty yet, what are you waiting for?? SEAN’S TWITTER: @Imboredbrother FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 16 May 2023 | Luke "Twitch" DiSangro Likes Wrestling | 00:42:40 | |
Luke “Twitch” DiSangro joins Rachel to discuss mental health in professional wrestling and his experience filming the hit Apple TV show “Monster Factory”. Rachel puts Twitch’s publicity training to the test when bringing up a polarizing topic and discovers a potential mob connection. LUKE’S TWITTER: https://twitter.com/lucastwitch318 LUKE’S INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/lucastwitchdisangro/ MONSTER FACTORY YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCanPPFoWc0pxyNgmJ_WtzaA WATCH MONSTER FACTORY ON APPLE TV: https://tv.apple.com/us/show/monster-factory/umc.cmc.38kf4x2lvqiqdb0up8kcptnd BUY LUKE’S SHIRT: https://www.prowrestlingtees.com/mrfanspastic FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 19 May 2023 | Backlash Bunny | 01:01:46 | |
Chambea, ¡jala! We can still hear the crowd cheers reverberating through our ears over a week later as the I Like Wrestling trio returns to react to Backlash. Shawn Michaels may have lost his smile but Rhea Ripley could barely contain hers during Zelina Vega’s entrance, just one of many memorable moments in a night filled with blood and Bad Bunny. Matt and Ben are feeling the “Jury Duty” vibes as they introduce Rachel to Wrestler’s Court. Matt further emphasizes the importance of a hot crowd as he recounts his experience attending a GCW live show in Brooklyn, Rachel enjoys more of 2007 Smackdown, and Audio Ben keeps us afloat. | |||
| 22 May 2023 | Bobby Buffet Likes Wrestling | 00:37:25 | |
Get ready to feast and eat eat eat with the one and only Bobby Buffet! Bobby joins Rachel to talk about his experience on Apple TV’s hit show “Monster Factory”, the moment he discovered wrestling wasn’t real, and the origins of his name. He revisits some of his career highlights, including headlining the iconic 2300 arena and composing his intro music. BOBBY’S TWITTER: https://twitter.com/BobbyBuffetMFPW BOBBY’S INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/realbobbybuffet MONSTER FACTORY YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCanPPFoWc0pxyNgmJ_WtzaA WATCH MONSTER FACTORY ON APPLE TV: https://tv.apple.com/us/show/monster-factory/umc.cmc.38kf4x2lvqiqdb0up8kcptnd FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 27 May 2023 | Shawn Michaels vs. Randy Orton (Survivor Series 2007) | 01:10:45 | |
What happens when you take away a wrestler’s signature move? It’s not quite the Chekhov’s Gun comparison Matt claims, but taking away Shawn Michael’s Sweet Chin Music at his Survivor Series match against Randy Orton adds a unique level of storytelling and finesse to this oft-forgotten banger. Rachel finally impresses Matt and Audio Ben by redeeming the so-called “unwatchable era” as the gang talks through the blood, guts, and pretzel of it all. We react to Pretty Deadly’s cheeky debut on Friday Night Snackdown, Rachel watches a 2014 Lana/Rusev and Jack Swagger/Zeb Colter promo, Audio Ben made some nice tables, and Matt turns heel on GCW. FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 02 Jun 2023 | Battleground of Champions | 01:10:18 | |
From Night of Champions to NXT Battleground, last weekend was filled with premium live wrestling, and the ILW Team is here to recap, review, and share their hot takes. Matt takes us for a spin on commentary for a live watch-along of Rhea Ripley vs. Natalya’s match. Evolution is as strong a segment as ever, with another heated discussion on the merits of 2007 Smackdown to the futures of Mustafa Ali and Baron Corbin in NXT. Rachel explains Barbiecore to the clueless guy, we predict the future for Ilya Dragunov, and Audio Ben considers Brock Lesnar for his Mount Rushmore. FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 06 Jun 2023 | Matt Makes His In-Ring Debut | 00:00:30 | |
Catch Matt LIVE for his in-ring announcer debut at World of Hurt Wrestling presented by Vermont Entertainment Wrestling on Saturday, June 17 in Burlington, VT! Buy tickets at: https://sevendaystickets.com/events/vermont-pro-wrestling-entertainment-presents-world-of-hurt-wrestling-6-17-2023/tickets | |||
| 10 Jun 2023 | Great XPac-Tations | 00:59:01 | |
1-2-3 Kid, Shawn Waltman, X-Pac, Syxx… it doesn’t matter what your name is when you face the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be, Bret Hart. This week’s match from the past is brought to you courtesy of Audio Ben and Rachel took approximately one note on the actual moves, though there’s still plenty of discussion to be had surrounding this 1994 diamond in the rough. Is LA Knight’s character too derivative of the past? Which woman from Total Divas set a groundbreaking precedent with her entrance? And does Matt make an appearance on this episode? You’ll have to listen to find out! TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 15 Jun 2023 | Jinder Mahal vs. Roman Reigns (Money in the Bank 2018) | 01:10:26 | |
It’s Matt’s week to choose our match from the past and we were forced to suffer through the atrocity that is the Midcard Maharaja vs. The Not-Yet-Tribal Chief. It may not be the worst thing ever but it’s certainly not good and we talk through why, along with the absurdity of the rest of the four hours and counting that is Money in the Bank 2018. At least we had Alexa Bliss.Audio Ben considers Triple H’s plans with the new belts, Matt gets ready for his in-ring announcing debut this weekend, and Rachel finally gets to talk about the parallels between “Jury Duty” and professional wrestling. FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 22 Jun 2023 | VerMatt Pro Wrestling Entertainment, Sponsored by McDonald’s | 01:16:45 | |
Wipe off your shoes before you step into the ring, because Matt’s here to tell us all about his official in-ring professional wrestling debut last weekend at Vermont Pro Wrestling Entertainment. From an eye-opening interaction with Punk (no, not that one) to an impromptu catering business, we’ve got a maple-soaked behind-the-scenes peek into the wood and steel of the indie wrestling scene. Rachel tries the new McDonald’s Grimace Shake, Audio Ben recalls his solo White Stripes concert experience, and we are officially approved by the cast of Jury Duty! FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 29 Jun 2023 | Natalya vs. Naomi (SummerSlam 2017) | 00:56:02 | |
The following episode is scheduled for one-fall, brought to you by KFC and Cricket Wireless. Natty’s claws are out and ready to pounce onto Naomi’s Smackdown Women’s Championship during arguably one of the best matches on the card of a rough SummerSlam 2017. Rachel brings her Total Divas context and insight into the history of their feud and whether or not there was real animosity in that slap. Matt is fresh off meeting Mick Foley after his live show recounting the famous Hell in a Cell Match and Audio Ben gets a new mic. It’s glow time baby! FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 05 Jul 2023 | Post to Post with Matt Vogel | 00:04:18 | |
Matt takes a hot minute for a hot take about what Ronda Rousey and Shayna Bayszler’s feud could mean for the future of combat sports. He projects the upcoming Endeavor era and makes a strong case for why it will be better than anyone thinks. TWITTER @ilwpod INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 07 Jul 2023 | Rondamania and Money in the Bank 2023 | 01:21:06 | |
Ronda Rousey may not give a damn about her reputation but all eyes were on her during Wrestlemania for her mixed tag-team match with Kurt Angle against Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. Does the ILW Team buy her face? Rachel watches the full match for the first time after seeing teasers on Total Divas and the ILW Team recalls their experiences watching live and the reverberations of Ronda’s career. We cash in on Evolution, spending a good chunk of change discussing last weekend’s Money in the Bank PLE and we discover a surprise comedian on Celebrity Family Feud. FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S TWITTER @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 10 Jul 2023 | WATCH ALONG BONUS: Mick Foley vs. Edge Wrestlemania 22 (2006) | 00:45:33 | |
Watch along live for Rachel's first reactions and Matt/Audio Ben's reliving of Mick Foley vs. Edge at Wrestlemania 22 (2006). Queue it up on Peacock at 1:02:18 and let the hardcore madness begin! | |||
| 14 Jul 2023 | The Many Faces of Mick Foley | 01:11:57 | |
Foley Week continues on ILW as our Main Event centers on the man, the myth, the legend - Mick Foley! From Cactus Jack to Mankind to Dude Love and back again, we revisit iconic matches like Cactus Jack vs. Sting at Beach Bash, Cactus Jack vs. Triple H, and the revolutionary Mankind/JR Interview. We may disagree if he’s a heel or a face but either way, we’re having a nice day. Rachel revists a romantic date between Jamie Noble and Michelle McCool, Audio Ben connects with a custodian on Alice in Chains, and Matt shows off his Kabuki Warriors shirt to the invisible viewers.
TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S TWITTER @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 20 Jul 2023 | The New Day vs. The Usos (Hell in a Cell 2017) | 01:02:00 | |
Bang your cymbals, play your trombones, it’s time for The New Day vs. The Usos in the electric opening match from 2017’s Hell in a Cell. The first and only tag team match in a cell is deservingly iconic of its many dramatic spots, fluid choreography, and electric tension between two of the most important tag teams in history. Evolution takes us back to the dark side of Adrian Adonis’s past through booking the end of the Roman’s reign in the future. Meanwhile in the present it’s G1 season and Matt takes us through what he’s loving in current NJPW from A (Alex Coughlin) to Z (Zach Sabre Jr). Ben ate Little Caesar’s in the Navy and drops and in this week’s Millennial Mania Rachel watches “Apocalypse Now” for the first time; does it compare to the Bloodline? More importantly, is Rick Rude proud of his son Bobby? Find out on this week’s I Like Wrestling! FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S TWITTER @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 27 Jul 2023 | Bobby Matthews Likes Wrestling | 01:02:02 | |
The first official I Like Wrestling x I Like to Read collab is here as journalist Bobby Matthews joins Rachel to discuss his book “Living the Gimmick”. Bobby shares tales from the territories he’s watched and worked in, thoughts on Cody Rhodes, and what it means to fully live the gimmick. BOBBY’S TWITTER: https://twitter.com/bamawriter?lang=en BUY “LIVING THE GIMMICK”: https://www.amazon.com/Living-Gimmick-Bobby-Mathews-ebook/dp/B09XFDLRQK FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S TWITTER @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 28 Jul 2023 | The One With the FIBs | 00:57:39 | |
Rachel is Lost in LA with her family so the FIBs (Matt, Ben, and Ron) linked up to discuss The Bloodline, New Japan, and more. Ron drops a surprising take that makes a ton of sense and we book the Elders as Jey gears up to take on our Tribal Chief at SummerSlam. Ben steers us through the past, present, and future in our Evolution segment and Matt stays back on his BS as usual. The boys finish off the pod with a frank talk about violence in pro wrestling and why strong style resonates with some but not with Ron. Next week: The 50th Episode featuring THE BRIAN CAMPBELL! Download, rate, review @ilwpod @ilwpod @ilwpod FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S TWITTER @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 06 Aug 2023 | THE Brian Campbell Likes Wrestling | 01:23:46 | |
It’s Episode 50!!! And what better way to celebrate than by opening the new I Like Wrestling studio headquarters with an exclusive interview featuring THE Brian Campbell! Audio Ben and Producer Jason join us on the mics for a hot fire discussion about professional wrestling, combat sports, why stupidity and levity are just as important as violence, and what it might take to get Brian to relapse back into that secret sauce. We’re all in for the importance of community and This Corner OG’s (ITCOGs) give their flowers to the OG of OG, The BC. Matt is happy for a super duper Summerslam. It’s Producer vs. Producer as Jason responds to Audio Ben’s takes on Roman Reigns. Does Rachel break Brian with her final question? Listen (and rate, review, subscribe) to find out! FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: BRIAN’S TWITTER: @BCampbell TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S TWITTER @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 12 Aug 2023 | Slim Jim SummerSlam 2023 | 01:15:28 | |
Fresh off their live in-studio episode with THE Brian Campbell, the ILW Team and guest co-host/face of the pod ImBoredBrother are here to bring you their highs, lows, and woahs of Summer Slam 2023. They celebrate LA Knight’s Slim Jim Battle Royale win and subsequent promo with The Miz, reveal some fun facts about Cody Rhodes that may or may not be true, and Iyo Sky’s MITB Cash-In literally brings tears to Rachel’s eyes. Who should break Gunther’s Intercontinental Championship Streak? Was that Brock and Cody hug actually unscripted? And how much Bloodline is too much Bloodline? All this and more, only on I Like Wrestling!
SEAN’S TWITTER @imboredbrother RACHEL’S TWITTER @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 16 Aug 2023 | Chad Kultgen Likes Wrestling | 00:20:13 | |
Rachel is joined by Chad Kultgen, renowned Bachelor expert and co-host of Dudesy, to discuss the parallels between reality TV and wrestling, why he’s able to go all in for The Bachelor community but not for WWE, and how both universes are really all about the game and how you play it. FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS: TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S TWITTER @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 19 Aug 2023 | “Rowdy” Roddy Piper vs. Goldust Hollywood Backlot Brawl (1996) | 01:12:13 | |
Rev up your engines and get ready to race down the 405 as we travel from the backlot of Universal to the stage of Wrestlemania 12 in an epic, multi-part brawl between “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Goldust. The ILW Trio discuss why this match still holds up almost 20 years later, the importance of Goldust’s character, and how OJ Simpson might have played an even bigger role in Wrestlemania. It doesn’t matter if Jey is quitting the WWE - we know he’ll still be there, but can’t say the same for Lacey Evans as Matt salutes her departure. We talk about our current favorite in-ring talent, with Audio Ben spotlighting Ilya Dragunov, and Rachel provides a close analysis of the next lyric in “Line in the Sand”. TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S TWITTER @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 25 Aug 2023 | The Legacies of Bray Wyatt and Terry Funk | 00:56:40 | |
The professional wrestling community lost two legends this week and we pivot our Main Event to honor their impact and legacies. Producer Jason joins Rachel and Ben to recount the many stages of Terry Funk’s career and his parallels with iconic figures like Jake the Snake. We discuss the importance of Bray Wyatt’s promo skills and creativity and look back on what was far too short a run. Millennial Mania caps things off with R&J’s review of Twisted Metal and Rachel tries her best with transitions. TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S TWITTER @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 02 Sep 2023 | Friday Night Frenemies: MVP and Matt Hardy (2007-2008) | 01:24:08 | |
Stone Cold vs. McMahon. Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart. MVP vs. Matt Hardy. Feuds between superstars is an ancient tenent of professional wrestling, a storyline as old as time, and we’re here to revisit an underrated, nuanced feud between Montell Vontavius Porter and Matt Hardy. The wacky antics of this odd couple gave us iconic moments like a boxing match with Evander Holyfield, beer drinking contest with Stone Cold, and an eventual dissolution with one of the most eccentric losses in wrestling history. Producer Jason joins us to recount his experience watching the story unfold back when it first aired, Audio Ben feels all the feelings from LA Knight’s promo tribute to Bray Wyatt, Matt provides color commentary from the car, and Rachel analyzes the 2011 WWE Documentary “Randy Orton: The Evolution of a Predator”. This episode of ILW is brought to you by Sikk the Shokker. TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S TWITTER @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 07 Sep 2023 | Payback Playback 2023 | 01:20:29 | |
Lower the steel cage chamber and get ready for a new episode of ILW reacting, recapping, and proselytizing about last weekend’s Payback PPV. Rachel and Audio Ben are your tag team representatives this week and they rave about Becky vs. Trish, celebrate the new Undisputed Tag Team Champions, and try not to get too excited when discussing Rhea vs. Raquel. Amidst a discussion about mid-2000s action figures, Rachel makes a purchase live on-air with Audio Ben’s encouragement, and Producer Jason quickly stops by to discuss his future booking for Rhea Ripley. TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S TWITTER @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 16 Sep 2023 | Pierre Noujaim Likes Wrestling | 01:34:40 | |
Nothing brings people together like wrestling and thanks to a friend of a friend (hi, Addy!), sports reporter and broadcaster Pierre Noujaim joins the ILW team for a discussion full of surprises and hot takes. He takes us through experiencing The Attitude Era as a teenager, seeing the iconic Kurt Angle Milk Truck incident live, and shocks us with his favorite interview experience. Pierre thinks about Jeff Hardy on a daily basis and we attempt to understand why. Audio Ben revisits his own WWE action figure collecting past and Rachel finally appreciates Tropic Thunder. PIERRE’S TWITTER @thenoujfox9 PIERRE’S INSTAGRAM @the_nouj TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S TWITTER @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 21 Sep 2023 | The Shield vs. The Wyatt Family (Elimination Chamber 2014) | 01:16:40 | |
Grow out your beards, lather yourself in grease, and get ready to watch along in real time with the ILW trio as they revisit The Shield vs. The Wyatt Family. Audio Ben keeps us on track with the proper times, while Matt is derailed by ads and Rachel overzealously fast forwards a couple of minutes ahead. We talk about the trajectories and tragic endings of the iconic trio's careers and The Shield’s fashion choices spark almost as many tangents as Seth’s vest pockets. The Rock’s return to Smackdown has us torn on whether or not he should have acknowledged The Bloodline, and we book a fictional Brawl at the Mall PPV. Listen now to find out how Matt is connected to Dink the Clown, Audio Ben’s throwback to Limewire days, and which action figure Rachel added to her collection this week! TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S TWITTER @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 28 Sep 2023 | Mike Hollow Likes Wrestling | 01:28:26 | |
What do Kofi Kingston, Damian Sandow, and Tommaso Ciampa have in common? They were all trained by legendary coach Mike Hollow, who joins the ILW Team today to talk about his coaching career, the independent wrestling scene and how it has and hasn’t evolved throughout the years, and what gets him to tune in on a weekly basis. He weighs in on the divisive Roman Reigns vs. Rock debate and the effects of shows like Monster Factory and Wrestlers. Rachel watched the Andre the Giant documentary and realizes things like the importance of cable TV in developing the WWF while Audio Ben recounts his experience tuning in as a child. As always, we continue to remain #EltonStrong. MIKE’S WEBSITE https://hollowsstable.net/ MIKE’S INSTAGRAM @hollowsstable TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S TWITTER @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 05 Oct 2023 | Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero (Halloween Havoc 1997) | 01:08:58 | |
Dust off your tombstones, unlock the mausoleum, and get ready to watch along in real time with Rachel and Audio Ben as they revisit WCW’s iconic 1997 Halloween Havoc match between Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero. The iconic props and backgrounds immediately captivate us, and the high-flying acrobatics and electric chemistry between two legends proves why this is such a legendary match. After watching The Godfather for the first time, Rachel has some thoughts on how the Corleone Family parallels The Bloodline and we book the damn family. Audio Ben has a Tiffany Epiphany after watching NXT No Mercy and Trick Williams wins us both over. TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S TWITTER @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 12 Oct 2023 | Life in the NXT Fastlane | 01:00:21 | |
It was a big week for wrestling, from Fastlane to a star-studded episode of NXT, and your trusty ILW team is here to talk about it with you. The surprising new Universal Tag Team Champs Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso prove their buddy-cop status with hilarious chemistry during a yeet-filled press conference, especially in contrast to the stilted awkwardness of John Cena and LA Knight together. NXT’s star-studded episode hits the right mix of cameos and spotlighting new talent, though we can’t say we’ll be tuning in to next week’s Bada Bing Bada Boom Battle Royale. Rachel reflects on her experience as she approaches the final few episodes of Total Bellas, Matt finds parallels between important losses for Shinsuke and Sami, and Audio Ben successfully battles Covid. TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S TWITTER @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 19 Oct 2023 | Evolution PPV (2018) | 01:29:01 | |
Fresh off of finishing the entire series of Total Bellas and Total Divas, Rachel is finally ready to experience Evolution and recount the first (but hopefully not last) all-women PPV on WWE. Audio Ben and Matt watched live when it first aired and look back five years later on some new and old faces that still hold up today. Roman Reigns returned to Smackdown and in true ILW fashion, we all have different opinions on his face-off with LA Knight. Rachel actually took one of Matt’s suggestions and went to an indie wrestling (GCW) show. She relives the joy of seeing electrifying performers like iconic gay wrestler Effy, Michael Jackson impersonator Santana Jackson, Dark Sheikh, and more in the beautiful Ukrainian Cultural Center. We discuss our favorite karaoke songs and Audio Ben discloses the last song he remembers performing.
RACHEL’S TWITTER @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 26 Oct 2023 | Chamber of Horrors (WCW Halloween Havoc 1991) | 00:56:24 | |
Spooky season continues on ILW as we travel deeper into the past and revisit the electrifying Chamber of Horrors match between eight legends on WCW’s 1991 Halloween Havoc. We question the origin of Cactus Jack’s leopard print pants, how Abdullah the Butcher can bleed so much and still be alive, Sting’s tight bod, and the shocking ending to a chaotic match. In true Everything Everywhere All At Once Fashion, Evolution is all over the map: starting with Stone Cold’s origins at 1996 King of the Ring, to Cena vs. Orton at 2008 No Way Out, to 2010 heel Michael Cole on NXT, and 2023 NXT Halloween Havoc. Badabing BadaBeSure to Rate, Review, and Subscribe! TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S TWITTER @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 01 Nov 2023 | The Halloween Episode | 00:59:20 | |
This week’s episode is full of tricks and treats, from The Curse of Camp Cornette to Hornswoggle vs. McMahon in a Steel Cage. Rachel offers periodic updates from watching NXT Halloween Havoc live and we book The Crown Jewel Card with some extra-spicy takes from Audio Ben. We find out how much vintage Shawn Michaels merch hats currently go for and speculate the booking for Jade Cargill’s opening run. Audio Ben poses a tough question about today’s commentators, Rachel finds a moment of endearment in Santino Marella, and Lola Vice dances her way into all of our hearts. TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S TWITTER @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 09 Nov 2023 | Danny Cage Likes Wrestling | 00:42:10 | |
You’ve heard from some of his students (Lucas “Twitch” DiSangro, Bobby Buffet) and now it’s time to hear from the master. We’re joined by Danny Cage, owner and head coach of Monster Factory Professional Wrestling Training Center to discuss how professional wrestling has shaped his life and career. He talks about his experience filming the Apple TV show Monster Factory, how to embrace the entertainment and theatrical elements of pro wrestling, and the real skills you need to succeed inside and outside of the ring. MONSTER FACTORY WEBSITE https://www.monsterfactory.org/ DANNY’S INSTAGRAM @coachdannycage DANNY’S TWITTER @thedannycage TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S TWITTER @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 09 Nov 2023 | HBK Vs. Owen Hart (Raw 1996) | 01:13:54 | |
Caught in between The Golden Age of Wrestling and The Attitude Era, 1996 Raw was a unique time with more bad than good, but some of that good includes an underrated match between Owen Hart (RIP) and HBK. Rachel loved it so much she got the rest of the gang to watch along with us and we encourage you to follow along for our play-by-play of a surprisingly top-notch match. We bring you our Crown Jewel Highs, Lows, and Woahs, with Matt filling us in on the JD vs. Sami pre-show match and his controversial thoughts on LA Knight, and Audio Ben introduces a new gimmick. TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S TWITTER @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 13 Nov 2023 | Ben Bishop Likes Wrestling | 00:10:16 | |
Matt aka Max Vocal took the time to interview wrestler and fellow podcaster Big Trouble Ben Bishop during Matt’s last ring announcing gig for Vermont Pro Wrestling! | |||
| 17 Nov 2023 | Brock Lesnar vs. Daniel Bryan (Survivor Series 2018) | 01:05:12 | |
As we gear up for this year’s Survivor Series, Audio Ben introduces Rachel to one of his favorite Brock matches and we shake things up again by putting the last match first. Cue up your Peacock, grab your (non-sponsored) Jimmy John’s, and watch this David and Goliath Main Event in real time with us. The ITCOGs make a compelling case for why NXT is actually the best product right now and we speculate on the next steps for Damage Ctrl and Judgement Day. SummerSlam 1996 makes its way into the boiler room, Rachel reveals the movie that broke her cinema drought, and Audio Ben gets really into Threads. 33:52 Fan Corner <working title> ~Evolution~ 41:46 Past 48:38 Present/Future 1:01:45 Millennial Mania TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S TWITTER @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 23 Nov 2023 | It's Time, It's Turkey Time | 00:55:09 | |
It’s all about the past, present, and future in this year’s Thanksgiving Evolution Episode as the OG duo Rachel and Matt spend some time dissecting the meat of 1996 Raw and the stand-out moments. Audio Ben joins the second half to talk about Survivor Series predictions and we all ponder the impact of hypothetically removing one superstar from professional wrestling history. It’s 2023 and we still aren’t tired of talking about Bret Hart, yet the same can’t be said about DIY. Let us know your thoughts on how many shirts make a stack and we hope you enjoy your (vegetarian friendly) Thanksgivings! THREADS @ilwpod TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S TWITTER @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 30 Nov 2023 | Survivor Series 2023 | 01:03:04 | |
The Three ILW Amigos are joined by The Face That Runs the Place to discuss Survivor Series past and present. The timing of Rachel’s Attitude Era Raw watchalong journey coincided with 1996 Survivor Series, bringing fresh perspectives to viewing iconic moments like the debut of Rocky Malvino and The Nation of Domination, as well as The Real Double J lip sync scandal. Mami’s interaction with Daddy Randy Orton sparks a conversation about other memorable reactions between two personal favorites and we all feel some type of way about CM Punk’s return. THREADS @ilwpod TWITTER @ilwpod SEAN’S TWITTER @imboredbrother RACHEL’S THREADS @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 07 Dec 2023 | From (2023) Dusk Till (1997 Attitude Era) Dawn | 00:59:57 | |
The dawn of The Attitude Era is finally here as Rachel continues her Raw episodic journey into 1997. Moments like Stone Cold cheating and breaking the rules with his Royal Rumble win and Bret Hart’s unraveling just might inspire Audio Ben to start following along and get inspired to think about questions like is White Goodman from Dodgeball inspired at all by Marc Mero? We have differing opinions on this week’s Raw, Ben updates us on current NXT, and we kickoff the contenders for Match of the Year. THREADS @ilwpod TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S THREADS @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 15 Dec 2023 | NXT Deadline and GCW Highest in the Room 2 | 01:00:40 | |
This past week was filled with iconic wrestling moments and personal life updates - Rachel is now a fiancé, went to her second live GCW show, and both her and Matt had a grand ol’ time watching NXT Deadline. The thrilling energy of the GCW show brought back some returning and new favorites, as Rachel takes us through a moment between Santana Jackson and George South and the surprise of seeing John Morrison in arguably the best match of the night. Matt is finally buying NXT’s face, with Deadline surpassing all expectations and delivering killer Iron Survivor matches for both the men and women. We reveal a secret Wendy’s fast food hack, acknowledge Masha Slamovitch, and traverse the Mojave Desert on the way to New Vegas. THREADS @ilwpod TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S THREADS @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 28 Dec 2023 | ITCOG Takeover | 01:03:12 | |
While Rachel Polansky is living the gimmick at a live WWE event, Audio Ben and Matt hold it down with an ITCOG Takeover episode feature Sean, Ron, and introducing Shinsuke Blackamura aka Black Sabre Jr! For Evolution this week, we reflect on the year in WWE (past), our current takes on the reigning champs (present), and booking the damn territory entering 2024 (future). | |||
| 31 Dec 2023 | WWE Boston Live Show and 2023 Yearly Highlights | 00:59:20 | |
The stars aligned when Rachel’s visit back to Boston coincided with the WWE Live Tour and a last-minute decision to go with her dad provided lots of spectacular wrasslin’. From an opening banger between Becky Lynch vs. Zoey Stark, a Last Man Standing Match between Cody Rhodes and Dominik Mysterio, and seeing Mami defend her title in the flesh, we give you an exclusive look into the full house show experience. Matt revisited the 2014 Royal Rumble and controversial Batista win leading to an even more controversial Wrestlemania that currently remains unknown to Rachel. Audio Ben leads us through our yearly highlights and memorable moments, spotlighting his favorite match between Gunther and Drew McIntyre at Wrestlemania, and we all want more Bad Bunny. THREADS @ilwpod TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S THREADS @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 04 Jan 2024 | If Ya Smell What The ILW Universe Is Cooking | 01:04:08 | |
The man, the myth, the legend, THE ROCK called out The Head of The Table and it has sent shockwaves across the ILW Universe. We’re joined by fellow ITCOG Uncle Naitch to talk about how The Bloodline storyline compares to The Megapowers, the importance of an intentional ending, and a new path for Wrestlemania. Naitch takes us for a walk down memory lane with his experience living through The Attitude Era, Rachel is back to regularly watching NXT, and we all bask in the community of ITCOGS and ILWers. UNCLE NAITCH’S SOCIALS @Uncle_Naitch THREADS @ilwpod TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S THREADS @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 12 Jan 2024 | Last Minute Booking: Threads, NJPW, and Ready to Rumble | 00:50:10 | |
This week’s episode has it all: Matt’s rundown of NJPW, Rachel’s thoughts on the film “Ready to Rumble” (2000), and The Internet Wrestling Community took our Threads and wove them with lots of hot takes on what moment they would change in professional wrestling history and what their favorite WWE intro song is. Audio Ben redeems us from our early episode (6, for the record) about our personal picks and everyone’s talking about Aswang. We shake things up with an early Millennial Mania discussing the ubiquitous drink vessel taking the internet by storm and tease some upcoming watch-alongs. THREADS @ilwpod TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S THREADS @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 18 Jan 2024 | Wrestlemania 13 and 2002 Royal Rumble | 01:09:25 | |
Stone Cold vs. Bret Hart is pretty much the only memorable part of Wrestlemania 13 - in fact, it’s so iconic we already talked about it way back in Episode 18, but Rachel’s sequential viewing lead her to revisit watching the entire card and help fill Audio Ben in on missing storytelling pieces from his own re-watch. We travel five years into the future, which is also still the past, as we talk about the 2002 Royal Rumble and Matt keeps us up to date in the present with some NJPW updates. If you’ve lived in a vault for the past 10 years or you’re over the age of 40, you might be asking “Who or What is a Gypsy Rose Blanchard?”. Don’t worry, Millennial Mania has got you covered! TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S THREADS @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 25 Jan 2024 | Legion of Doom vs. Owen Hart and British Bulldog (1997) | 00:54:32 | |
WHAT A RUSH to experience this live watch-along for Audio Ben’s first and Rachel’s repeat viewing of a well-crafted tag team match. Crowd favorite Legion of Doom hopes to win the titles from the shiny brother-in-laws Owen Hart and British Bulldog and this tightly choreographed opening match keeps us on our toes and provides a nice contrast to the tag-team doldrums of Wrestlemania 13. It’s been a wild week in the present - from a long-awaited Cody Rhodes and CM Punk face-off, an unexpected twist in the story for Seth Rollins and Gunther, and The Rock’s move to the TKO table proves he’s more important to professional wrestling than Roman Reigns. THREADS @ilwpod TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S THREADS @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 01 Feb 2024 | Royal Rumble 2024 | 01:20:37 | |
Rachel is so impressed by this year’s Women’s Royal Rumble that Cody Rhodes’ win almost feels like a let-down. Matt recounts his crazy week talking about life with Matt Riddle and working with Hacksaw Jim Duggan. Audio Ben opens up about his conflicted feelings for his cat. THREADS @ilwpod TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S THREADS @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 08 Feb 2024 | Card Subject to Change (Side A) | 00:40:18 | |
Matt and Audio Ben drop their origin story on Side A of this week’s ILW. We cover what everyone wants to talk about with Rock/Roman/Cody, head overseas for some NJPW action, and break the news of a bro-tacular guest interview for next week. TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S THREADS @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 09 Feb 2024 | GCW Crowds and Evolution 2.0 Booking (Side B) | 00:51:22 | |
Rachel’s power has returned and she’s ready to talk about her third GCW show experience. Audio Ben loves both sides of the Carmelo Hayes coin. We all book our dream Evolution 2.0 cards and fulfill our fantasies. THREADS @ilwpod TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S THREADS @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 14 Feb 2024 | My Dawgs for Real | 00:48:05 | |
Matt has a new contender for Match of the Year. Rachel is entranced by Rob Van Dam’s 1997 RAW debut and takes us back to Vader’s arrest in Kuwait. Audio Ben is there via soundboard and spirit. THREADS @ilwpod TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S THREADS @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 22 Feb 2024 | Diamond Dallas Page vs. Macho Man (WCW 1997) | 01:03:52 | |
This week’s main event is a live watchalong of Diamond Dallas Page vs. Macho Man at WCW’s 1997 Spring Stampede. Rachel covets Miss Elizabeth’s sparkly NWO dress, Matt is crushed by the thought of The Rock betraying Roman Reigns, and Audio Ben makes some fresh sandwich bread. THREADS @ilwpod TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S THREADS @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 27 Feb 2024 | Elimination Chamber with Lachie Meloni | 00:51:57 | |
We interrupt your feeds for a very special Elimination Chamber bonus episode with foreign correspondent and ILW’s Biggest Fan Lachie Meloni. He talks about his experience at the chambah down undah, what it was like to see Mami in her hometown, and reveals which action figure of The Bloodline he refuses to buy. LACHIE’S SOCIALS @lachiemeloni TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S THREADS @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 01 Mar 2024 | Stone Cold vs. HBK (King of the Ring 1997) | 01:11:36 | |
The 90s was full of odd-couple tag teams and unlikely partners Stone Cold and HBK face-off against each other at the 1997 King of the Ring. We watch along live with special guest Uncle Naitch who brings his unique perspective having watched this PPV when it first aired in 1997. Naitch tries his best to spread the Johnny Gargano love, Rachel struggles to adjust to Morrowind, and Matt and Audio Ben round out the usual shenanigans. This episode is dedicated to Jason Richardson AKA Jaws. UNCLE NAITCH’S SOCIALS @uncle_naitch THREADS @ilwpod TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S THREADS @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 07 Mar 2024 | WCW Slamboree (1995) | 01:11:22 | |
Sting’s final match and the rudimentary Peacock search feature lead Matt to watch the 1995 WCW Slamboree and we’re here to run through the card. Rachel hits Bret Hart’s return at the 1997 Calgary Stampede and questions if The Hart Foundation is better than The Bloodline. Audio Ben inspires a conversation about experiencing live shows without commentary and Millenial Mania flies us home with some hot takes on Masters of the Air. THREADS @ilwpod TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S THREADS @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 14 Mar 2024 | GOAT Wrestlemania Matches | 01:08:48 | |
Audio Ben asked us to create our fantasy Wrestlemania cards filled with our favorite matches and his preemptive confidence in his booking may have come back to bite him. Sean AKA The Face of ILW joins us for his takes (including an incorrect one about The Rock) and his recent live experience at Smackdown. Rachel surprises everyone with not only the potentially strongest card of the four but also a shocking reveal about makeup returns. Matt manages to watch more Wrestlemanias than anyone in the past week and is uncharacteristically succinct in his takes. SEAN’S SOCIALS @imboredbrother THREADS @ilwpod TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S THREADS @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 21 Mar 2024 | Wendy Richter vs. Leilani Kai (Wrestlemania I) | 00:54:48 | |
Wrestlemania 40 is fast approaching and last week’s GOAT Fantasy Wrestlemania Cards inspired a look back at the historic match from the inaugural Wrestlemania featuring Wendy Richter, managed by Cyndi Lauper vs. Leilani Kai, managed by The Fabulous Moolah. Matt and Audio Ben get into a heated debate about where this match ranks among other women’s matches while Rachel experiences the rise and fall of the ring announcer dream. THREADS @ilwpod TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S THREADS @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 22 Mar 2024 | ILW Lounge Episode 1 | 00:46:26 | |
Welcome to the ILW Lounge! In this new spinoff show, Audio Ben hosts a round table | |||
| 28 Mar 2024 | Batista vs. MVP (Smackdown 2008) | 01:08:16 | |
Rachel invites the other two members of the tag team to watch Batista vs. MVP for the United States Championship and it spurns a discussion on MVP’s unique ring gear, believability of a champion, and if we should care about male ring announcers. Audio Ben tells us about the time Earthquake acknowledged his sign back in the days of yonder past and Matt struggles to keep his limited edition Rob Gronkowski figure in the box. THREADS @ilwpod TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S THREADS @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 29 Mar 2024 | ILW Lounge Vol. 2 | 00:52:37 | |
Audio Ben and Rachel welcome the ITCOGs back to The Lounge for more current event conversations about the wrestling landscape. We discuss the Final Boss, if Cody will “assemble his Avengers”, and the state of women’s wrestling across the board. Plug it into your veins, hit the feel spot, crack open your favorite beverage, and join us in The Lounge! THREADS @ilwpod TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S THREADS @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||
| 03 Apr 2024 | Wrestlemania 40 Predictions | 00:53:33 | |
Wrestlemania is so close we can taste it and we’re here with our final match predictions for both nights. Rachel reaches SummerSlam in her 1997 Raw journey and reacts to Brett Hart’s surprising win thanks to Chippendale Ref Shawn Michaels. Audio Ben thinks about a future where Big Strong Boys and Tiny Dunnes win the tag team belts. THREADS @ilwpod TWITTER @ilwpod RACHEL’S THREADS @rpolansky77 BEN’S TWITTER @grumphandleslam MATT’S TWITTER @maxvocalmedia INSTAGRAM @ilwpod #ilikewrestlingpod #ilwpod | |||