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Ah, the pro wrestling referee. Often vilified, rarely vindicated, frequently blamed for not catching the heel wrestlers cheat... but in reality, the unsung heroes--the heartbeat--of professional wrestling. If it weren't for the referee, how would wrestlers know to throw an opponent out of the ring and mug for the hard camera right before a commercial break? Who would throw up the "X" when a wrestler breaks his ankle? Even more, who would ask a wrestler if they want to submit, count them out of the ring, disqualify them for breaking the rules, or count a wrestler's shoulders to the mat--1, 2, 3? Referees play an important role in the drama of a wrestling match. But who were the best of the best? Which referees were trusted with the money-drawing main events? Who were on our television sets for years if not decades due to their skills? Who created their own memorable moments or trademarks? (Or who infringed on trademarks and sold knockoff T-shirts in the parking lot?) Nate and Eric count down their Mount Rushmores of Referees... make a clean break and listen!

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SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS:

When Earl Hebner Fought Back!

The Rock & Earl Hebner Vs DX Part 1 - SMACKDOWN!

Tony Schiavone accuses Referee Nick Patrick of being in the NWO! 1996 (WCW)

Nick Patrick On Being The nWo Heel Referee

The greatest run in WrestleMania history

Charles Robinson: WWE's GOAT Referee On Brutal Bumps, His Viral Ramp Run, Iconic Matches, John Cena

Red Shoe Unno Diaries

Jim Cornette on Tommy Young: https://youtu.be/vtVG7ulUMdo?si=Sookunvxvopy6JE-&t=95 

Arn Anderson on Tommy Young: https://youtu.be/NBT57Kv_uBk?si=OQjXcpZiAwky2vgi&t=31 

Ric Flair on Tommy Young: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DwKVUmO6Tw 

Shawn Michaels paying tribute to Earl Hebner: https://youtu.be/TTArBJAVZog?si=sELvKXvw5F5uqYQl&t=230 

Bret Hart on Earl… oops! https://youtu.be/U9ob-BZnhBQ?si=sSpJI4lEvsGam8XB&t=4309 

Steve Austin on if Earl Hebner should go into the Hall of Fame: https://youtu.be/JiUTwJP-7mE?si=u28X9gNg_cyALs2F&t=19

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

Hello, boys and ghouls! (Not sure any ghouls listen to this show.) It's Halloween, so Eric tricked Nate into giving you listeners this treat: It's the Mount Rushmore of Scariest Wrestlers! But as psychotic, blood-thirsty, and stark-raving mad as these wrestlers were, our guests this week are anything but:

• Barbara Goodish, none other than the wife of Bruiser Brody, joins us to talk about her beloved husband.
• Brian R. Solomon, author of "Blood and Fire," talks about that book's subject matter, The Sheik.
• Evan Ginzburg, associate producer of "The Wrestler" and "350 Days," joins us to reminisce about Ox Baker.
• Tony Richards, all-around historian and host of the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel, talks "The Madman from the Sudan," Abdullah the Butcher.

If Nate and Eric didn't already scare you out of your pants, these guests will. Tuuuuuuune iiiinnnnnn.... if you dare!!!!!!!!!!! Muahahahahahaha!!!!

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SHOW NOTES:

"Brody" by Barbara Goodish: https://amzn.to/3LCLy1h

"Blood and Fire" by Brian R. Solomon: https://amzn.to/4nz8z2F

"Irresistible Force" by Brian R. Solomon: https://amzn.to/43MT5km

"Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets" by Evan Ginzburg: https://amzn.to/3LemZI0

Tony Richards' Substack - "Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel" - https://tonyrichards4.substack.com/

Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyRichards

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

Before first-class flights, before tour buses, and before chartered planes, professional wrestlers spent hours and hours traveling miles and miles on the road. What would it have been like to be a passenger in those cars? Listening to guys rebook the territory... passing them cans of beer... getting pulled over and the boys being recognized by the cops who suddenly mark out and want to get pictures with their favorite wrestlers... who would make the best road trip buddies in pro wrestling? Nate and Eric discuss, so let us take the wheel while you listen in!

Order "Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon" by Brian R. Solomon: https://amzn.to/3WT8fAI

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SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS

Steve Austin Shoots on Dallas Page - YouTube

The Very Best Of Bobby The Brain Heeenan Wrestling Commentary Gold #WWF #WCW

Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov host a tea party with Sheamus in England: Raw, Nov. 8, 2010

Santino Marella On Mispronouncing Names, Stone Cold, The Cobra, Comedy Wrestling, TNA

Sting joins the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2016: Raw, January 11, 2016

Jim Cornette at Dairy Queen: https://youtu.be/qVZAa1kxngw?si=Hk_voOzuFN4DIChg&t=80

Cornette and Percy Pringle 1: https://youtu.be/o7Cg1N4AMFw?si=V8FYlpHwyAtbPn9b&t=223

Cornette and Percy Pringle 2: https://youtu.be/kzMe_6UUod8?si=2-4iGKZn5mtULP0S&t=267

JBL tells road stories about him and Ron Simmons: https://youtu.be/R__wy1Z2IF0?si=htCK_CELlBhZj9bu&t=30

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

In this episode of The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling, Eric and Nate welcome author and wrestling historian Brian R. Solomon—former WWF Magazine and WWE.com writer, current journalist, and host of Shut Up and Wrestle. Brian joins the show to discuss his new book, Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon, a definitive look at one of wrestling’s most respected figures inside and outside the ring.

From Gorilla’s unexpected path from the squared circle to the commentary booth, to the stunning revelation that he was once earmarked to take over the WWF from Vince McMahon Sr., Brian shares his deep research, interviews, and personal insights into what made Gorilla Monsoon both a giant in stature and a giant in legacy.

The conversation explores:

• Brian’s lifelong love of writing and wrestling
• How WrestleMania III sparked his fandom
• The lost archives of 1960s wrestling footage and how historians preserve the past
• What might have happened if Gorilla had inherited the company
• The making of Irresistible Force and the surprising “gorilla-isms” appendix fans demanded

Brian also opens up about what didn’t make the book—including Gorilla’s old-school values and a telling story from a party at Hulk Hogan’s house.

Listen for: Brian's Mount Rushmore of wrestling play-by-play announcers, the secret side of Gorilla Monsoon, and the enduring art of telling wrestling’s greatest stories.

Get Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4oeNhIs

Follow Brian R. Solomon:

• 🎧 Shut Up and Wrestle podcast — wherever you get your podcasts
• 💬 Twitter / Instagram: @BrianRSolomon
• 💻 Patreon: patreon.com/shutupandwrestle

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

Pro wrestling’s play-by-play announcers have shaped how we remember the biggest matches and wildest moments, turning our absurd fascination into lasting memories. From thunderous calls to smooth credibility to down-home honesty, these voices were the soundtrack of wrestling history.

On this episode of The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling, Eric and Nate ask: Who belongs on the ultimate monument of play-by-play announcers? Which voices defined eras, elevated stars, and connected fans to the action like no one else? And which near-misses and honorable mentions sparked the fiercest debate? Listen in!

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SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS

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Jim Ross' Greatest Calls: "Shaking Hands With Satan Himself!"

Jim Ross Being A National Treasure For 25 Minutes Straight

Heenan Tributes Monsoon

Gorilla Monsoon & Bobby Heenan: Laughing Compilation

Lance Russell Tribute 1926-2017

Gordon Solie: WWE Hall of Fame Video Package [Class of 2008]

Ric Flair on Solie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOz2Q9f8r1w 

Kevin Sullivan on Solie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FsrGELy9AM  

Best of Lance Russell Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTS3JDUwzD0&list=PLrceIZkpzcEtdd-LRQj_NyQV_dGG0a4G5 

Jim Cornette and Jerry Lawler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWfwiiQ7eNw

Tons of Joey Styles links:

Shane Douglas: https://youtu.be/6cyPCx80e98?si=7tEyXIo9u-IaW5wf&t=87 to 4:55, kinda long

RVD: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qZPhkPeXm5U 

Stevie Richards: https://youtu.be/lKsXHPJI1E4?si=RVN2QEoN-gXa6QGe&t=11 

Jim Ross: https://youtu.be/i-yTV81EfOM?si=jlkxVjM5S57G91DR&t=103 to 2:12

"One Night Stand" intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deqJCOsqjqU 

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

IMPORTANT NOTE: In this episode, I (Eric) was struggling to think of another way of saying a wrestler was being held down in terms of booking, and, like an idiot, I made a “put a knee on his neck” reference. I swear there was something else on my mind, but I couldn’t think of it, like a body part on another body part. And in my haste and confusion, I said it again. And as I was saying it, I felt 10 times stupider. I really do apologize for making that reference. I think the real-life scenario was absolutely awful, and I’m dumb for using it as an analogy for anything, let alone on this show.

Isn't it frustrating to see a pro wrestler on your screen who you know has the whole package: they can wrestle, they can talk, they don't look like a schlub, and they clearly want to grab that brass ring... but the front office keeps yoinking it away. When the gap between ability and booking is too hard to overcome, you've got an underutilized wrestler, and that's what Nate and Eric discuss in this episode. Who are the shoulda woulda couldas of pro wrestling--the ones who were around but not used as well or as much as they should have been? Who had more than just potential but *proof* that they could go, but they weren't allowed? Listen in and find out!

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SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS

Larry Zbyszko on Lord Steven Regal in WCW

Arn Anderson On Why William Regal Ranks In His Top Ten

RVD on Bam Bam Bigelow

The perfect Mr. Perfect Tribute Video

Jim Cornette on If The Great Muta Could Have Been A Babyface World Champion

Shane Douglas on Why Great Muta is so Respected

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

When you're a huge, dorky, nerdy wrestling fan like Nate and Eric, you often end up where the wrestlers are. In this episode, the guys remember their favorite interactions with professional wrestlers over the years. At the arenas, conventions, halls of fame, airports, parking lots... even over the phone? Listen in for some incredible, ridiculous brushes with pro wrestling greatness.

ALSO:

"The Tecmo Bowl" documentary lawsuit has been dropped, and the trailer is back up and live on YouTube! Watch Nate superkick a steel chair into Eric's face, among other Tecmo footage, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAaVt4Waceo

SHOW NOTES:

Bruiser Brody vs Bulldog Bob Brown Feud. 1986

IPW - Woodward Academy Highlights - Nov 15, 2014

Eric's "artistic success and financial failure" only show he's ever promoted: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-HMdFFqQAw&list=PLidcTPhAYcQuyKTEyW4yQZMp_fXQwu8c3&pp=gAQB

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

We're back! We're here, we're finally not too tired to record, and we're chatting about what we did during our eight-or-so-week hiatus this summer. What kept Nate and Eric busy? Who reached out wondering if we were OK? And what's coming in the near (and a little farther out) future with the boys and the show? Stay tuned!

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SHOW NOTES

Public Access Wrestling, our basement wrestling league from high school: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCqAUynM2is

"The Tecmo Bowl" documentary IMDB listing: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15366926/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1

Eric's silly commercial for his copywriting book: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ericdnelsonin_what-did-i-do-oh-yeah-i-wrote-a-book-activity-7357026928911900672-K6iH?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAPx49cBslTS-ggU2qoPdbIifARrs6eZFGY

Tragos/Thesz Hall of Fame: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeTragosLouTheszProWrestlingHallOfFame/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

Get ready for a blazing conversation as this week's episode sparks an explosive debate: Who belongs on the Mount Rushmore of Pyro in pro wrestling? From fireballs to fireworks, we’re breaking down the entrances that lit up arenas—and left lasting impressions. We’re talking fiery finishes, iconic eruptions, and the flames that fueled larger-than-life characters. Whether you're into hellfire, spark curtains, or smoke-breathing spectacles, this one brings the heat. Tune in for bold picks, hot takes, and maybe a few sick burns along the way.

SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS

Baptista: https://youtu.be/fWaCzY5xf8A?si=aWA3O7twdB_jm33k&t=242

A fan sneaks backstage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeTMkRKqmkw

Duane Gill "Gillberg" entrance on RAW 1/11/1999 - YouTube

That's gotta be... that's gotta be KANE! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASmdxXaOzd4

Kane New entrance 2012 - YouTube

Kane's Pyro Scared Coach Out Of His Chair  YouTube

The Brood's Gothic Entrance

The Brood Entrance Was DANGEROUS 

Gangrel Explains The Brood’s EPIC Entrance 

Bill Goldberg's Greatest entrance - YouTube

Batista's Epic Entrance on RAW (Oct. 6, 2008) - YouTube

Edge returns at the Royal Rumble 2020: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrLt2KGRMPs

Edge uses all the pyro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GFVJHCF0UQ

Edge's WrestleMania 24 entrance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRDZCg69lj8

Booker T's best entrance (of thousands): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuSMA0fxVNw

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations

Not all heroes wear capes, not all kings wear crowns—and in pro wrestling, some don’t even want them. This week, Eric and Nate climb the royal mountain to name their Mount Rushmore of the King of the Ring. Who used the tournament to launch a legendary career? Who embraced the gimmick and ruled with an iron fist? And who just beat a few guys and vanished into the midcard wilderness? We’re breaking down which winners truly wore the crown—and which ones just kept the cape warm.

We’re talking tournament performances, character transformations, long-term booking impact, and that promo that changed wrestling forever. All hail the kings—just maybe not Mabel. (R.I.P.)

Got your own picks? Hit us up and let us know who you’d crown.

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SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS

• Owen Hart makes history: King of the Ring 1994 - YouTube
• The reign of King Booker: WWE Playlist
• King Booker Was Hilariously Entertaining  - YouTube
• Who remembers KING BOOKAAAAHHH? https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BLOiRBQIplo
• Is King Booker the greatest king ever? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIGyYwLzjks
• Bret Hart vs. Bam Bam Bigelow: King of the Ring 1993 - YouTube
• Remind me, what did Austin 3:16 say? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjWPoQWdmjg

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-mount-rushmore-of-wrestling/donations