Scottish Smarks

WWE has always been, and probably always will be, the benchmark for professional wrestling in terms of audience size and longevity. The only viable alternative to the McMahons in the 2000s and 2010s was a little known company called Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, or TNA. 

In our 25th episode, Chris and Tony take a dive into the brand that was started by Jeff Jarrett after WCW folded, and helped launch the careers of many of today’s top names. 

Covering the Sacrifice pay per view from 2007, we talk about how the X Division compares to 2019’s high flying style, what made TNA different and unique, and the pros & cons of AJ Styles. 

There’s also a monologue from Chris on his love for Kurt Angle, a chat about accents in the world of pro wrestling, a breakdown of a Texas Death Match, and a pondering about why Christian and Edge never faced off with one another in any promotion. 

A landmark episode to celebrate our quarter century. Check out TNA at impactplus.tv and enjoy something a little different! 

The year 2000 is somewhat of an overlooked year in the history of the WWF. Wrestlemania was underwhelming, Stone Cold Steve Austin was sidelined, and many of the pay per views seemed to blend in together with few truly standout shows...and then there was Judgement Day. 

Join Chris and Tony this week after a small hiatus to discuss one of the semi-forgotten gems of the Attitude Era. Topics this time include Gerald Brisco’s run as the Hardcore Champion, the state of the internet and what was classed as clickbait at the turn of the millennium, the Radicalz as a group and as individuals, and why Rock vs HBK never materialised. 

There’s also a bit of a recap of the last few weeks of NXT/WWE vs AEW, our feelings toward each brand, and who would win in a bidding war between Shahid Khan, Vince McMahon and Dixie Carter...

In the summer of 1998, the Monday Night Wars were in full swing and the Attitude Era was on the horizon, but for those who preferred something a bit more gritty, there was now another alternative. Extreme Championship Wrestling. 

ECW presented Heatwave 1998 in the shadow of the two big guns, and set their stall out to be different, innovative and thought provoking. This week, the Scottish Smarks give their own views on their first original ECW review. 

Join Chris and Tony as they chat through the alternative presentation style, the jabs aimed from the talent (and the crowd) to the sports entertainers, the ripped off theme tunes, the aptly named Mike Awesome, and the reasons why a whistle has no place in professional wrestling.

In 1997, the WWF stumbled upon one of the most uniquely paradoxical angles of all time. Bret Hart vs Steve Austin switching between babyface and heel roles depending on whether they were in the USA or Canada. It was a goldmine of a storyline which culminated at the In Your House : Canadian Stampede pay per view. 

This week, the Scottish Smarks explore the show in great detail, including the excellent main event featuring 10 hall of fame level talents. 

There’s also a discussion about the Light Heavyweight division, Mick Foley’s early career highlights, Vince’s obsession with muscles, and what it really means to be a true wrestling fan through adversity.

On April 1st 2001, the WWF presented the greatest overall professional wrestling card of all time. A truly spectacular and revered show that set the benchmark for all pay-per-views to come. 

This week the Scottish Smarks, Chris and Tony, are joined by Jamie, the host of the excellent Twenty Minute Tims podcast, to break down Wrestlemania X-Seven. 

Jamie gives us his memories of being a young Scottish fan that was lucky enough to attend the Showcase Of The Immortals, and his own insight into the show from a 2019 perspective. 

We also discuss the iconic image of Raven with the shopping cart, Jacqueline’s breasts, Kamala’s breasts, Chyna cosplaying as Cher, and the sale of binoculars in the stadium.

Do not miss this bumper episode of the Scottish Smarks! And if you’re of a certain footballing persuasion, check out Jamie’s Celtic FC podcast at @20MinuteTims on Twitter, and www.patreon.com/20minutetims 

“Hogan’s a colourful guy, but his nightmare’s black and white”....

In 1997, WCW presented their annual Starrcade event, showcasing Hollywood Hogan vs Sting in a main event for the ages. On the back of an 18 month build, WCW had the makings of a true classic. 

But why did it fail? Chris and Tony break down everything that happened in the infamous main event, the controversy surrounding the refereeing situation, and try to fathom out Sting’s “MAMACITA” moment.

There’s discussions involving 1997’s version of clickbait, Goldberg’s invention of brand new wrestling holds, Chris Benoit’s physique and Perry Saturn’s surprise hair. 

We also fantasy book Bret Hart’s 97 WCW debut, and The Fiend vs Seth Rollins in 2019. One for fans of all ages!

"Shane McMahon has screwed his old man, and now the fight at Wrestlemania means so much more" 

A departure of sorts for the Scottish Smarks this week, as Chris and Tony delve into two separate time period in wrestling, to cover the first and last episodes of WCW Monday Nitro. 

Which of Hulk Hogan's theme songs is the best? Why was Mongo McMichael allowed to sit in the commentary booth alongside Eric Bischoff? Was Steve Borden the ultimate company man for WCW? How awesome are Omaha Steaks? 

There's also a discussion about TNA's failings with WCW alumni, Conrad Thompson's contribution to the wrestling industry in the late 2010's, Tony Schiavone not quite getting the send off he should have had, and Rey Mysterio being particularly horny on the last Nitro! A podcast filled with tangents, rabbit holes and off-topic chat with two reviews crammed into one on this week's bumper episode.  

In 1994, the Deadman arose...twice, to compete with...himself...at Summerslam! 

This week on the Scottish Smarks, Chris and Tony are back to discuss all things WWF. Was Diesel’s entrance music the worst of all time? Was 1994 the best year in wrestling for Scott Hall? Did Vince make a mistake moving Randy Savage into a hosting role? 

There’s also a pretty emotional debate about 5 star ratings, subjectivity, online peer pressure and the opinion of a certain Mr Meltzer.

On August 31st 2019, AEW presented their flagship show, All Out, almost a year to the day after the ground breaking All In pay-per-view. 

This week the Scottish Smarks break away from classic material and cover a modern day show, a show which would see Chris Jericho crowned as the inaugural AEW champion. 

Are the elite booking themselves as Supermen? Will PAC consider signing on full time for AEW? Are the Jurassic Express the greatest tag team of all time? What is Orange Cassidy’s gimmick? 

All of these questions are explored on this week’s episode, as well as live breaking news regarding the status of the AEW championship belt.

“Are you telling me that the WWF Title is now in enemy hands?”

At the height of the Attitude Era, WCW folded and were bought over by the WWF. A few months later, the WWF presented their Invasion pay-per-view. A one-dimensional show that certainly divided opinion at the time, and still does all these years later. 

In this episode, Chris and Tony revisit this pivotal time in the pro wrestling world. We discuss RVD’s impressive debut, the decline of X-Pac’s creative in 2001, and a very surprising Intercontinental Championship reign. 

There’s also some shadow boxing, Sunday Night Meat, PG softcore pornography, and William Regal’s Battle of Blackpool...all broken down in great detail by the Scottish Smarks!