First impressions are a precious commodity -- so what's the best way to introduce a new wrestler to your audience? What about an old wrestler with a new character -- how to emphasize the fresh coat of paint without drawing attention to what's familiar underneath? This week we look at some of the great debut successes and failures in WWE and WCW history.

This time we relive the long, strange journey of NXT, WWE's once-beloved developmental program. We cover it all -- from a weird showcase for televised workplace bullying to the hottest wrestling show around to a shell of its former self. And after all that, what's nxt for NXT? Also: Eli Cottonwood! Don't miss it!

This week's all about defections -- those moments when stars from one promotion leave for greener pastures in another. We cover the 1990's WCW to WWE exodus, and the current influx of WWE talent into AEW. Also: the Muhammad Hassan theme! Don't miss it!

Episode two is here! This time we're discussing the Face Who Runs the Place, the Champ That Runs the Camp, the very protagonist of WWE: the top babyface. We do a complete historical rundown from Rogers to Reigns, and explore what it means for your roster when your promotion has a main character. Also: Aleister Brown becomes Scott Halal, and "Big Beef" Buff Boyardee makes his debut. Don't miss it!

From the host of I Hate Wrestling, it's the first episode of your new favorite podcast. Why start small? For the first episode, we decided to tackle one of the biggest spectres hanging over pro wrestling today: the very specific way WWE has come to book their shows and stars, and what that insistence means for the art form as a whole. Plus: the man who would become Scott Halal searches for a new identity. Don't miss it!

IHW is back to explore the intricacies of WWE's recent masterpiece, the Firefly Funhouse Match from WrestleMania 36. It will forever be remembered as the first WrestleMania held during quarantine, but also as the first WrestleMania where John Cena had to battle a shadow clown inside his own psyche.

The saga of the Rhodes family continues --or rather begins, as Nicole joins me to travel back to the 80's, where patriarch and blue collar hero Dusty Rhodes does battle with his blood rival, the white collar champion Ric Flair. Along the way, Dusty cuts what's often called the greatest wrestling promo of all time.

Jinx Strange returns to the show to discuss the life and adventures of Bobby Heenan, pro wrestling's greatest insult comic. We fawn over his trash talk, marvel at his ability to make audiences love to hate him, and pitch an Oscar bait drama film about his forbidden passions.

It's a very special episode of IHW as I'm joined by Dan Roman of the Spook Squad podcast to talk about the impact and legacy of The Undertaker, pro wrestling's all-time champion in terms of cribbed horror movie tropes. We also discuss the blurring of lines between performers and characters, the nature of copycats in film and wrestling, and more!

Jason Berk returns to the show for another new episode concept: an exploration of some of the wildest and strangest theme songs in wrestling history. We've got Sexy Boys, Ass Men, Real Men's Men, All American Boys, and the finest bootleg Evanescence 2005 had to offer!