Center of the Ring

Ron Simmons broke a number of barriers in the world of professional wrestlers. He is largely recognized as the first black World Heavyweight Champion for a major American wrestling promotion. He was one of a few black wrestlers who didn't need to pander to audiences in what has become the prototypical standard of black wrestlers shucking & jiving and dancing for mostly white audiences over the years. His athletic ability and ring psychology carried him and in-ring set of skills were not watered down with stereotypical gimmicks generally placed on black wrestlers. Today, we examine the differences between his run in WCW as Ron Simmons and WWE run as Farooq, a member of the APA, & leader of the Nation of Domination.

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Clash of the Champions VI: Ragin’ Cajun was held on April 2, 1989, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. There were 5,300 people in attendance and the show drew a 4.3 rating on TBS. The card featured a main event for the NWA World Title -Ricky 'The Dragon" Steamboat (Champion) vs "Nature Boy" Ric Flair (Challenger). Meanwhile, the World Wrestling Federation presented WrestleMania V on Pay Per View the same day. The event drew a live audience of 18,946 and approximately 767,000 Pay Per View buys for the home audience. D Foley steps into the Center of the Ring to talk about it with the Referee Jonny T.

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Joined by Center of the Ring friend D Foley, the role of Mike Tyson in All Elite Wrestling in 2020 is discussed. Predictions about Tyson's role in AEW, speculation about an actual in-ring wresting match pitting Tyson & Chris Jericho, and predictions about AEW's house show tours looking a year down the road. 

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Misfits of Wrestling founder Webster Ware steps into the center of the ring to discuss the legacy of the late great Owen Hart and to share reactions to the recently aired documentary on Vice Network's Dark Side of the Ring. Plenty of thoughts and opinions shared on this week's podcast.

My good friend Kerry Lawler steps into the center of the ring to discuss the Best of WWE Edge Episode that aired on FS1. Topics also approached include Money in the Bank, AEW-versus-WWE presentation styles during the pandemic, rumors circulating about WWE being bought by FOX and how that might impact the way WWE is produced and much more.

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This episode features special guest the Royal Hawaiian from GLOW. The 1980's saw an explosive interest in professional wrestling. While the World Wrestling Federation became the top promotion worldwide, there were a number of independent territorial promotions that were also popular. One that rose to prominence was GLOW -an all female promotion that aired in syndicated markets nationally. 

The Royal Hawaiian was one of the original Glow Girls and was the second to hold the GLOW Crown -the promotion's equivalent of the world championship. Moreover, she held the crown longer than any other competitor and was the first heel champ. Today, there is a cult following and interest from widespread niche audiences across the internet and social media. Netflix has series that chronicles the promotion. On this episode, we don't cover the GLOW promotion in it's entirety, but we do learn about how it came to be and the process where the roster was established. We also talk about current events surrounding The Royal Hawaiian and we are also joined by Otto Von Clutch - an emerging professional wrestler she manages.  

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Today's episode relives the time the World Wrestling Federation presented Hulk Hogan vs Andre the Giant for the first time on national network television and drew a historic viewership of over 33 million. Also featured on the show was a match between Macho Man Randy Savage vs Honky Tonk Man (Intercontinental Champion) and the introduction for the World Wrestling Federation Tag Team Championship -Strike Force (champs) vs Hart Foundation.  

Referee Jonny T and telephone guest Raquel Ortiz discuss the Fabulous Moolah, Sensational Sherri Martel, and Elizabeth. Their roles in the World Wrestling Federation during the 80's and some of the controversy that came to light upon the passing of the Fabulous Moolah.   

Referee Jonny T and guest D Foley discuss furloughs and layoffs from the WWE, who might be released next, and where some might end up. This episode was recorded by phone versus an "in person" format

Referee Jonny T and guest Earn Dollaz discuss WrestleMania and wrestlers that have recently been released from the WWE amid the COVID19 pandemic. This episode was recorded by phone versus an "in person" format