Talk Is Jericho

Vince Russo makes his TIJ debut to talk about his role in bringing Chris Jericho to the WWE, what happened when Vince jumped ship to WCW, and when he knew it was the end there! Vince is also talking about his relationship with Vince McMahon, his relationship with Eric Bischoff, and his tenure at TNA. He’s sharing some of his favorite storylines and angles with talent like The Rock, Goldust, and Steve Austin, how and why Russo believes he became so hated by wrestling fans, and what he really thinks about today’s wrestling product.

Michael Sweet returns to TIJ to celebrate his 10th solo album, “Ten,” and the 33rd anniversary of Stryper’s most popular album, “To Hell With The Devil!” Michael talks about the album’s controversial album cover that got them banned from some retailers, and ultimately had to be replaced. He also talks about the power of MTV, and how Stryper went from clubs to arenas overnight with virtually no radio play. He speaks about the songwriting and creative process, the many bass players during that era, the inventive black and yellow stage costumes, and the stigma and discrimination they faced as a Christian rock band.

The Highway Man James Storm makes his TIJ debut with some great stories about turning down both WWE and Impact to do his own thing on the indie scene! He talks Beer Money with Bobby Roode (and whether a reunion may be in the works), America’s Most Wanted with Chris Harris (and how a night of partying turned into that tag team), and what he learned from the late, great Dusty Rhodes (Cowboys don’t do moonsaults). James also remembers working Hulk Hogan in London, fist-fighting a fan who entered the ring, and how he became such good friends with Ric Flair. Plus, James reveals the inspiration behind his awesome Django Django videos.

First he was hand-picked to be part of the Inner Circle, and now he’s been hand-picked to appear on TIJ! The Spanish Sex God, Sammy Guevara, talks about his journey to AEW, and what it’s like being part of Le Sex Gods, the hottest new tag team at the company. Sammy’s talking Pandas, vlogging, and meeting his heroes. He also recalls his WWE experience, getting booked on Lucha Underground, wrestling in Japan, and training at Booker T’s wrestling school.

Legendary songwriter Desmond Child has 70 Top 40 hits to his name, a GRAMMY, and a Songwriters Hall of Fame induction! He’s written huge tunes with Bon Jovi (“Livin’ On A Prayer”), Aerosmith (“Dude (Looks Like A Lady)”), Ricky Martin (“Cup Of Life”), KISS (“I Was Made For Lovin’ You”), Katy Perry (“Waking Up In Vegas”), Joan Jett (“I Hate Myself For Lovin’ You”), and Alice Cooper! And he’s sharing all the stories behind the songs, and explaining how Paul Stanley of KISS was instrumental in pivoting Desmond’s music career from that of bandmember to songwriter and producer. You’ll discover the songs he likes, the ones he’s not too fond of, and the few that find new life in new forms (can you say NFL Sunday Night Football theme?). Plus, Desmond talks about the time he met Michael Jackson, and why they never ended up writing together.

Lance Storm is closing the Storm Wrestling Academy this year after an amazing 15-year run! He’s talking about the timing of his decision, the new adventure he’s about to undertake with WWE, and what prompted him to open the wrestling school in the first place! He’s also talking about the hundreds of students who have come through his doors – his favorites, the ones who got away, and the ones who should have made it but didn’t for whatever reason. He’s sharing stories about some of the legends who’ve visited the school to offer advice and tips (like Bret Hart, Rey Mysterio, Edge, and Don Callis), and some of the second-generation wrestlers he’s instructed over the years (like Dominik Mysterio, Brian Pillman Jr., and Rachael Ellering).

It’s Le Champion’s favorite era of KISS – 80's KISS!  So much so that he wrote the forward to a new book called “Take It Off: KISS Truly Unmasked!” Greg Prato wrote the book which features interviews with Bruce Kulick (who was KISS’ lead guitarist for much of that time period), video director Paul Rachman (who did the “Unholy” and “Domino” videos), producer Ron Nevison (who helmed the “Crazy Nights” album), and TIJ alum and rock expert Eddie Trunk!  So today, Greg and Eddie Trunk join Chris to talk 80's KISStory, including a breakdown of the 12 non-makeup albums, the big tours, late, great drummer Eric Carr (who was a close personal friend of Eddie’s), Vinnie Vincent’s contribution to the band during his short tenure, Gene Simmons’ run of 80s films, and the role that MTV played in keeping the band alive.

NZO and CazXL (formerly Enzo and Big Cass) are back in a big way! They recount what’s happened since their respective firings from WWE, the personal fallout of their own friendship, and the scary seizure that Cass suffered at a House of Hardcore signing. Cass speaks candidly about his battle with alcohol, his unbelievable recovery, and how he and Enzo were able to fix their friendship. Plus, Enzo tells his hilarious Survivor Series story, talks about his music career, and explains what finally brought him back to the ring.

Hans Holzer was the first American ghost-hunter, who investigated thousands of paranormal hauntings. His books and case files inspired Dan Aykroyd to write the hit movie, “Ghostbusters!” And now some of Hans’ most intriguing cases are being examined and re-investigated on the new Travel Channel TV show, “The Holzer Files,” by two longtime friends of TIJ, investigator Dave Schrader (of Beyond The Darkness podcast fame), and researcher Gabe Roth (horror filmmaker Eli Roth’s brother). Dave and Gabe share a behind-the-scenes look at some of the spookier moments that occurred during filming along with some of the terrifying experiences that happened off camera! They talk about the infamous Rye House in New York, the ghost crew of the USS Constellation Warship, and the Whaley House.

Comedian Ryan “Cripple Threat” Niemiller came in 3rd on “America’s Got Talent,” but always dreamed of being a professional wrestler!  That’s how he ended up getting some great coaching and training from Le Champion during Ryan’s AGT finale appearance! Hear that story along with what it took to make AGT, why it’s harder than it might seem, and what the judges are really like when the cameras aren’t rolling. Plus, Ryan talks about his foray into professional wrestling before starting in standup, his friendship with the Young Bucks and Peter “The Librarian” Avalon, and how it was not his disability that prevented him from pursuing that dream but something else entirely! He also speaks to developing his standup act, why his self-deprecating jokes always seem to get the best response, and the one joke he’ll never be able to tell again.