Talk Is Jericho

Nick Gage is the “The King” of death match wrestling, and he’s challenging to reclaim the GCW World Championship from Jon Moxley this Saturday 10/9/21 at GCW Fight Club (you can stream it on Fite TV). Nick run downs his preparations for the match, what GCW and the MDK Gang mean to him, and what inspired his love of death match wrestling in the first place. He also recounts his nearly 7-years in jail, the lessons learned and friends he made there, how the farm work he did impacted his wrestling career, and what that first match post-jail was like. He also details the night he wrestled David Arquette (who almost died of his injuries), the night Nick himself almost died of his own injuries, and the craziest weaponry he’s used in the ring. And of course, he tells the full story of his AEW experience and his role in the Labors of Jericho.

Robert Hansen (or “Butcher Baker” as he was known in the media) is a serial killer who’s fascinated Hollywood for years! He and his gruesome crimes have inspired movies (“The Frozen Ground”) and TV shows (“Mind Hunters,” “Criminal Minds”). Robert kidnapped his victims, tortured and sexually assaulted them, and then turned them loose in the Alaskan wildnerness in order to HUNT THEM DOWN like animals! It’s believed that he raped 30 women, and abducted and murdered another 17 between 1971 and 1983 though he was only convicted (and ultimately sentenced) for 4 murders total. Jamie and John from True Crimecast return to discuss Robert’s background and life, details of the case, stories of the victims, and explain how Robert Hansen was finally captured and why prosecutors only tried him for 4 murders. 

The Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 has been released (get yours at pwi-online.com), and Editor Kevin McElvaney and Senior Writer Al Castle defend the mag’s pick for this year’s #1, Kenny Omega. They reveal the heated debate that went on amongst their own staff when it came down to Kenny Omega vs Roman Reigns for the top spot, and what ultimately tipped the scales in Omega’s favor. They share the process, timeline, and sheer man power required to put this special issue together, and talk about some of the big changes they made in the issue and list for this year. They discuss the illustrious #500 slot and some of the wrestlers who’ve landed there in the past, and run down Jericho’s rankings over the course of his career. 

Original Woodstock co-founder Michael Lang and veteran concert promoter John Scher staged Woodstock ’99 at the Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original festival. Some 400,000 fans turned out that August for the three-day event that quickly devolved into complete chaos and destruction. Now notorious for the riots, violence, fires, sexual assaults, inhumane conditions, and lack of water, the new HBOMax documentary “Woodstock ’99: Peace, Love and Rage,” attributes the concert failure to the angry, white boy, misogynist mob-mentality that was fueled by the nu metal music scene of the time. Longtime Fozzy manager and Chris Jericho business partner, Mark Willis, and longtime TIJ producer, Stacie Parra, were both at Woodstock ’99. They share their stories from the disastrous festival.

It’s Adam Cole Bay Bay, and his AEW debut at the All Out PPV came together just a few days before the big event! Adam recounts the story of his AEW signing, why it was so close to the wire for All Out, the near-disaster with his new gear day-of show, and the surprise reaction of fans to his appearance. He explains what tipped the scales for him to pick AEW over WWE, and what both Triple H and Vince McMahon said to him when he announced he was leaving. He also shares stories from his 4-year run at NXT including the Undisputed Era, his favorite matches, and the close friendship he built with Shawn Michaels, his NXT coach and mentor. Plus, he speaks to the origin of his name and his Bay Bay catchphrase, and what he thinks about all of the recent changes at NXT.

Iron Maiden’s “Senjutsu” is out, and now that everyone’s had a chance to digest this 82-minute opus, it’s time to review it! Metal Blade Records founder Brian Slager and Metal Hammer editor Merlin Alderslade join to share their thoughts on Maiden’s latest studio offering! They dissect the artwork, Eddie, the performances, the production, and the songwriting. They do a track-by-track breakdown, and an ultimate comparison to see how “Senjutu” stacks up against the rest of the Maiden catalogue. And you’ll also get plenty of great trivia, behind-the-scenes info, and killer personal stories about Maiden and their music.

Ruby Soho said she’s never been as nervous to hit the ring as she was at her AEW debut at All Out 2021! She shares what Tony Khan said just before she walked out, when she first heard the crowd chanting her name, and why she’s still pinching herself! She has thoughts on the AEW Women’s Division, the locker room, and why she calls the company “such a special place.” She talks about her friendship with Rancid guitarist/singer Lars Frederiksen and the very cool thing he did for her when he found out she signed with AEW. Plus, Ruby speaks candidly about her release from WWE, her close bond with her fellow Riott Squad members Sarah Logan and Liv Morgan, and what she learned from Robbie Brookside (besides the history of punk music and bands). 

It’s the return of the Classic Album Clash, and this time it’s a battle between Guns N’ Roses “Use Your Illusion I” and “Use Your Illusion II”! AEW’s Frankie Kazarian is back along with Jojo Feeney from the Keepin’ It 100 podcast to debate the two albums under some slightly different rules!  There are adjustments to the track listings, and each debater creates a final “Super Illusion” album at the end choosing 14 songs from both albums to make one super version!  There’s the usual discussion about artwork, songwriting, and performances coupled with GNR trivia, concert tales, stories about the band members, and thoughts on Steven Adler and Izzy Stradlin. And you can weigh in on twitter @TalkIsJericho!

Mark Henry is All Elite, and is part of the broadcast team for AEW RAMPAGE. Mark details his journey to AEW, what he hopes to accomplish while he’s there, and why he’s looking forward to coaching young talent like Darby Allin, Will Hobbs, and Riho. Mark speaks about his disappointing departure from WWE, his Wrestlemania moment with the Undertaker, and how the Hall Of Pain Mark Henry character was born from an in-ring rib that Vince McMahon played on Mark. Plus, Mark shares a few of his favorite matches, and explains how he came to co-host Busted Open Radio.

Stephen Amell was the Green Arrow/Oliver Queen on the CW superhero series, “Arrow,” and now he’s Jack Spade on the new Starz scripted pro-wrestling drama, “Heels.” Stephen talks about the story, the role, and what it was like working with writer/director Michael Waldron. Stephen also recounts his real-life wrestling experience at WWE, ROH, and AEW! He talks about his friendship with Cody Rhodes, how Christopher Daniels helped him in the ring at ROH, the invite he got from the Young Bucks to participate in All In, and the feedback he received from Triple H after a specific WWE house show. Stephen also shares the story about meeting Vince McMahon, and the move he tried to steal from Jericho to use in episode 1 of “Heels!”