Being the Extreme: A Backyard Wrestling Story

What does it take to build a wrestling character? The Zeitgeist and The French Wonder discuss the slips and stumbles that, overtime and mostly by accident, form a blueprint for taking your character to the next level. In this episode, Mike and Brian dig into their early days in the EWA, sharing firsthand lessons on character development, improvising promos, and learning to sell even the clumsiest moves.

About the EWA: https://ewabackyardwrestling.com/

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In this episode of Being the Extreme, the crew takes a trip down memory lane, sharing stories from their high school days. From hallway stunners and inside jokes to the bonds that wrestling culture forged during their teenage years, learn how they went from high school degenerates and the self-proclaimed NWO to the backyard wrestling innovators that built the Extreme Wrestling Alliance (EWA). Hollywood Pinto, Chris Anthony and Claudio Cacciatore, with The Zeitgeist as their guide, recount their wildest antics, the friendships they fostered, and how those formative experiences influence their perspectives today. Don't miss this entertaining blend of nostalgia, wrestling passion, and extreme storytelling!

In this special bonus episode of Being the Extreme, The Zeitgeist and "The Mayor" dive deep into the highly anticipated debut of WWE Monday Night Raw on Netflix. From the ratings buzz to fan reactions, they break down the show's impact.

Ever have a jar of pasta sauce dumped on your head? 

In this episode of Being the Extreme, we step into the mind of Claudio Cacciatore to relive his side of the explosive rivalry with Gregdust. With help from The French Wonder and The Zeitgeist, Claudio relives the fiery promos, unforgettable matches — bookended by the infamous Pasta Sauce Match and the Halloween classic Pumpkin Head Match.  He also shares how this feud redefined the EWA's mid-card and sparked a new creative direction for the company. 

Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most iconic rivalries in EWA history.

Listen to Part 1 of this Rivals Series to hear Gregdust's perspective on their food-based feud:

About the EWA: https://ewabackyardwrestling.com/

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What do pumpkins and pasta sauce possibly have to do with each other? You wouldn't put pasta on (or in) a pumpkin. Nor would you chop up some pumpkin into your pasta (right?). The only conceivable connection has to do with a series of matches between arch rivals Gregdust and Claudio Cacciatore, which took place years apart in the greatest backyard wrestling organization in the world; the Extreme Wrestling Alliance (EWA). Join us for this deep dive on a classic EWA rivalry. 

About the EWA: https://ewabackyardwrestling.com/

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Watch-a-long with even more of EWA's top stars as they relive The Condiment Wars. This live Times Square wrestling show took place on May 3, 2024. In Part 2 of this podcast Watch Party, you'll hear from (in order of appearance) Greg "The Mayor" Maker, Hollywood Pinto, the French Wonder, Claudio Cacciatore, The Zeitgeist and Christopher Anthony. 

Watch the video version of this Watch-A-Long (available Saturday, Nov. 8). 

Watch the video version of this episode of Being The Extreme on YouTube.

Chapters: 

• 17:38 - We hit play on The Condiment Wars. Video timecode - 06:00 (Match 1 - Punisher vs The Golden Nugget)

About the EWA: https://ewabackyardwrestling.com/

Follow the EWA on social:

• Instagram:   / ewa__wrestling  

Watch-a-long with EWA stars The Zeitgeist and Hollywood Pinto as they relive The Condiment Wars. This live Times Square wrestling show took place on May 3, 2024. To follow along, go to the EWA website and find the video of The Condiment Wars: https://ewabackyardwrestling.com/condiment-wars/

We'll count you down to synch you up as we hit play together with you, our adoring fans, on this triumphant EWA spectacular. 

Timecodes (podcast, not video): 

• 03:10 - We hit play on The Condiment Wars (video timecode - 00:00)

This is Part 1 of this Watch Party. Check back next Monday, Sept. 16 for Part 2. In that bonus episode, the Zeitgeist and Hollywood Pinto are joined by the French Wonder, Greg "The Mayor" Maker, Claudio Cacciatore and Christopher Anthony. 

Welcome to the official podcast of the Extreme Wrestling Alliance. In this episode Brian and Mike look ahead to the EWA’s final show, The Condiment Wars, delving deep into how this once-in-a-lifetime show in the heart of Times Square on Friday May 3 came to be, putting it all together and trying not to die in the process. 

This podcast was recorded on Friday, April 26, one week before the big show.