To some, it's March Madness... to us, it's MOUNT MADNESS! Yes, Nate and I have been doing this show long enough to fill a 64-seed bracket with our choices for the Mount Rushmore of various pro wrestling topics... and now, the choice is up to YOU! Yes, go to https://tinyurl.com/mountmadness2025 and vote for who had the better picks on all of our Mount Rushmore episodes. Eric and Nate will tally the votes and keep you apprised of tournament progress on the next few episodes, as well as at https://challonge.com/mountmadness2025 -- and once we hit the Final Four, we'll have a Mount Rushmore of Mount Rushmores!

Where can you vote? https://tinyurl.com/mountmadness2025

Where can you watch the tournament progress? https://challonge.com/mountmadness2025

Pro wrestling is, at its heart, a drama. A morality play. The battle of good versus evil. But what happens when good TURNS evil?! In light of John Cena kicking Cody Rhodes--and, in the process, all of us--square in the holy frijoles, Nate and Eric discuss the Mount Rushmore of Heel Turns. Who broke our hearts? Who stomped on our vitamins? Who made our wishes um, come not true? Who made it onto "The Daily Show" with Jon Stewart? Who told us where we could stick the enema hose? Who shattered a friendship AND a barbershop window? It would be an act of cowardism not to listen.

Plus: The guys are joined by Chris Owens--Andre the Giant historian, memorabilia collector, and associate producer of the HBO documentary "Andre the Giant: Even Bigger Than You Imagined"--to discuss the character and business impact of Andre's heel turn. (Spoiler: It was even bigger than you imagined.)

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John Cena, The Rock Attack Cody Rhodes! | Elimination Chamber 2025 | WWE Highlights | Peacock

Hulk Hogan forms The nWo with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash: WCW Bash at the Beach 1996

Hulk Hogan s Hulkamania Workout Set

List This! - Legends of the Fall No. 2: HBK goes solo

Bret Hart turns Heel - Raw after Wrestlemania 13 & Trashes his American Fans! (Part 1)

Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant's WrestleMania III Contract Signing

Hulk Hogan (turns on WCW): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttsQxI8SwD0

Bret Hart (turns on Steve Austin): https://youtu.be/P9pbp6gnsbc?si=rsNGoND0tqBUYdu1&t=3203

Frustrated isn't the gosh darn word for it... this is horse pucky! https://youtu.be/TrhwQ2zq_ec?si=tKjvqYKcYMVCgHNB

John Cena (turns on Cody Rhodes) as told on "The Daily Show": https://youtu.be/OeUZI5RnYGg?si=4Dvr4BrjtmuHpstS&t=307

WWE superstar...legend...icon...hall of famer. These labels have applied to the likes of Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and the Bushwhackers. But some notable names have been left out of the WWE Hall of Fame. Nate and Eric debate the Mount Rushmore of Should-Be WWE Hall of Famers: Whose careers are undeniably hall of fame worthy? Whose contributions make them invaluable to the legacy of professional wrestling? And who should be carrying Frankie back to the air fryer? Also, the guys are joined by Evan Ginzburg, associate producer for the Oscar-nominated movie "The Wrestler" and author of "Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets," who makes a case for one conspicuously absent should-be hall of famer. Want to know more? Listen in to find out!

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Evan Ginzburg links:

"Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets" by Evan Ginzburg: https://www.amazon.com/Wrestling-Rings-Blackboards-Movie-Sets/dp/B0DSB64D2V

Pro Wrestling Stories: https://prowrestlingstories.com/

Ivan Koloff not being in the WWE Hall of Fame: https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/ivan-koloff-wwe-hall-of-fame/

The night IT happened: https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/bruno-sammartino-ivan-koloff/

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Show links:

Demolition:

Lawsuit discussion: https://www.youtube.com/live/hdasqq-CTOw?si=jZwl6xfKRZfCJuY3&t=14 (to 1:57)

From Bill Eadie: https://youtu.be/cgjfGHV2heU?si=mxOksPGGPJn4g3lC&t=5 (to 1:09)

From Barry Darsow: https://youtu.be/MRcGgT81eHI?si=J9HFVGRdEfHhnamh (to :22)

From Demolition at a fan convention: https://youtu.be/UtonUESOFmw?si=yks0K5TBmPqdJqJh&t=136 

And that classic theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aS1Xfb6ckE

Sid:

His entrance into MSG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lo8iOOU_5Io 

His title win: https://youtu.be/-znAfRnJ2hw?si=yHezY5k3FdtDqi_6&t=332

Cyndi Lauper:

"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun": https://youtu.be/PIb6AZdTr-A?si=fveNnhS0mrUnBClc&t=49 (be number 1.5 billion and one!)

The Best Entrance Themes Of Jim Johnston's WWE Career

Breaking down D-Generation X’s entrance music: WWE Behind the Theme

Electrifying The Rock’s entrance music: WWE Behind the Theme

The Real Story Behind D'Lo Brown's Theme Music

WWF Sid Justice smashes the Barber Shop

Sid’s greatest moments: WWE Top 10, Aug. 29, 2024

OH HEY, JIM CORNETTE HAS A LIVE MIC!

Should Miss Elizabeth Be in the WWE Hall of Fame

The voices of our childhood... heck, the voices of our adulthood... the voices you'd hear every Saturday, or Sunday, or Monday, or Friday... the voices you'd hear on USA, or TNN, or TBS, or TNT, or your local affiliate after breakfast on Saturday... and the voices who brought the psychology of being a wrestler or a manager or a chicken$#!+. Nate and Eric discuss the greatest color commentators in pro wrestling history. Who was trusted to sit along the top play-by-play guys in the promotion--sometimes even the owner of the company? Whose comedy timing was impeccable? Whose wit could match anyone spontaneously? Whose understanding of pro wrestling psychology could enhance moves in the ring, matches on the card, and storylines on the roster? Who was compatible with anyone you sat them next to and not just do a serviceable job but elevate the role, the team, and the broadcast as a whole? And did Nate and I go 4 for 4 for the first time ever? Listen up and find out!

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

TOP 25 QUOTES BY BOBBY HEENAN (of 51) | A-Z Quotes

WWE Retro - Gorilla Monsoon has no comeback from Jesse Ventura at Survivor Series 1989.

Jesse The Body Ventura and Gorilla Monsoon being brilliant in WWF commentary

WWF | Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler being the Funniest Commentary Duo Alive for 3 Mins

Jim Ross On Jim Cornette As A Commentator - YouTube

Mil Mascaras battles the unpredictable Cactus Jack

Awwww, Nate and Eric are here to talk about looooove. Not theirs. No, in honor of Valentine's Day, the guys discuss the greatest love stories ever presented in professional wrestling. Which ones melted our hearts like fondue chocolate? Which ones warmed our cockles like a New York apartment radiator? Which ones helped our adolescent selves grow up faster than scramblevision? Well, you'll just have to crack open a bottle of Andre Extra Dry, put on your favorite terry cloth robe, get into a toasty bubble bath, and listen in!

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Randy Savage and Elizabeth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-4SP-ig8bM 

Diamond Dallas Page and Kimberly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jz8Cwi5qr6w

Beth Phoenix and Santino Marella: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1ulJIdRTVw 

Tommy Cairo, The Sandman, Woman, and Peaches: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5cMd13yljs

Mae Young announces her pregnancy with Mark Henry: SmackDown!, Jan. 27, 2000

Mae Young gives birth to a hand: RAW IS WAR, Feb. 28, 2000

Santino Marella talks about Beth Phoenix

When Santino Marella TEAMED UP with Beth Phoenix #wwe #wrestling #shorts

Beth Phoenix & Santino Marella recall their run as Glamarella: WWE Icons extra

The love story of Indi Hartwell and Dexter Lumis: WWE NXT, Sept. 14, 2021

Dexter Lumis SPEAKS as InDex Gets Married [UNEDITED] | WWE NXT 2.0 Highlights 9/14/21 | WWE on USA

Greatest love story NXT ever told: WWE Playlist

Nate and Eric took the week off, but that doesn’t mean you should quit…thinking about your loved one! Be inspired by pro wrestling when you’re thinking about Valentine’s Day gifts: flowers, chocolates, diamonds, teddy bears, and more! Listen for a quick list of ideas that’s sure to melt your tag team partner’s heart, and then join us next week for the best of pro wrestling’s love stories! Also…the Love Brothers? Hey, they were once managed by a Fabulous Kangaroo! https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2011/06/23/newfoundlands-hartford-love-adored-at-home-hated-abroad/amp/

We're back with another Royal Rumble-inspired episode: Nate and Eric discuss the greatest performances in Royal Rumble history! Who spent the most time in the Rumble? Who threw out the most people? Who won? Or whose elimination was a "wow" moment in the match? And who left the Royal Rumble better off than when they entered it? Listen up to see what we think of folks like Ric Flair, Bob Backlund, Diesel, Shawn Michaels, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Kane, Chris Benoit. Rey Mysterio, Chris Jericho, Edge, Brock Lesnar, and more!

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Ric Flair discusses the 1992 Royal Rumble with Steve Austin: https://youtu.be/nvL8c5N-JOs?si=4cBQfyS_Ivq4IOrP&t=32

Shawn Michaels takes it all in 1996: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlBeQshE1R8

Kane takes out everyone from our childhood in 2001: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqxZZIerJcM

Gunther discusses almost winning the Rumble in 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpkOgKE0IiE

It's January, which means it's Royal Rumble season! (You know, the show that happens in February this year.) With more than 1,000 to choose from, which Royal Rumble eliminations did Nate and Eric include in their Mount Rushmores? Which were most memorable? Which did the best job forwarding a storyline? Which made new stars or cemented the legacies of legends? And who whacked their way in and immediately got whacked out? Well, you'll just have to listen to find out! (Or read the names of the links below, but still listen.)

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1989: Hulk Hogan eliminates Randy Savage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fRCzuQH1mg 

1992: Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair Eliminate Sid Justice: https://youtu.be/-XPi2RKYPX0?si=40K7THjDQUNDqu-P&t=3813 

1997: Steve Austin Eliminates Bret Hart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hAu_k5q63U 

2008: John Cena Eliminates Triple H: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgdefwyWwaQ

1995: Shawn Michaels Eliminates British Bulldog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhGKFkKFYDY

2005: Batista and John Cena take a tumble: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrRba9gn6os

2006: Rey Mysterio Eliminates Randy Orton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZQamxy7q2o

Rey Mysterio talks to Chris Van Vliet about winning the 2006 Royal Rumble: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GA6W0IaqXI

Nate and Eric are back in full force! Well, as full force as you can be on muscle relaxers and five hours of sleep. Nonetheless, it's a new year (relatively speaking, for two guys who took the holidays off from recording), so what better way to start the year than to explore pro wrestling's greatest debuts? From promos to matches, from anticipation to mind-blowing surprises, from slaps heard 'round the world to sit-down splashes that would make you quake, whose debuts did Eric and Nate debate and etch into their Mount Rushmores? Well, you're just gonna have to take a muscle relaxer (not medical advice) and listen!

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"Kane told me!" - https://youtu.be/3i7YjtJfm5w?si=Y2aesdEuBBT3-tfs&t=72

"OH MY GOD! That's gotta be... that's gotta be..." - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cEgYyvblDc 

"Welcome to Raw... is... Jericho!" https://youtu.be/DGsBRImD0po?si=JNkknqLFrf5WVy67&t=24

Jericho "wins" the world title: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqRPbh8uYkY

"Rrrrruthless... aggrrrression!" - https://youtu.be/eSJvnAzK174?si=cXxaUyaS7VYf2Bmx&t=33

UPW documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECB6zHgdCjk

"He fell flat on his fookin' arse!" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fahljd_0xjA

KO tells John Cena "NO" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZB4bfX_brQ

John from West Virginia makes his debut: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7j38VPhftQ

Welcome to a special edition of The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling. On occasion, we’ll present an episode of a series we’re calling Championship True Crime, where we dig into the scandals, the slander, the bar fights, the backstabbing, the decadence, and sometimes even the deaths within the world of professional wrestling.

This is Championship True Crime: Lights Out on the Mini-Estrellas.

It's June 28, 2009, and two of lucha libre's most celebrated Mini-Estrella wrestlers are celebrating after another successful show.

In fifteen hours, both will be dead. Their bodies will be discovered in Room 52 of a cheap hotel near Arena Mexico - victims of what police will call a fatal miscalculation. But to understand how Alberto and Alejandro Pérez Jiménez - known to wrestling fans as La Parkita and Espectrito II - met their end, we need to understand how they lived.

SOURCES: 

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Parkita
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espectrito_II
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini-Estrella
4. https://www.espn.com/espn/onenacion/story/_/id/23985181/little-person-wrestlers-mexico-lucha-libre-train-become-headliners
5. https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/how-mexico-helped-its-midget-wrestlers-fly-high
6. https://danielhernandez.typepad.com/daniel_hernandez/2009/03/dead-wrestler.html
7. https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/qmq0ke/lucha_stories_3_the_mystery_around_abismo_negros/
8. https://www.yahoo.com/news/cartel-allegedly-killed-2-lucha-011359891.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAIJRhWLVK7ZYzjiJcyhrvkMmhSaWTB_p4MzqZrezw2XGKHoWeV1yxT0yeUph_tg3ZwvQKa3-UeZEQsKEG7o7VyaPAaQuVBMS25M4g1NpMHt09f9QLDpG_26UgMwSV2ScfxSWC-490DbPtzlXRkoA4A2nd6CEg_eNIXZJhMci8ps6
9. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/two-lucha-libre-wrestlers-allegedly-killed-drug-cartel-rcna45475
10. https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/lucha-libre-stories/
11. https://www.ripleys.com/stories/dama-del-silencio-silent-serial-killer
12. https://jonathanturley.org/2009/07/04/little-deaths-mexican-midget-wrestlers-killed-by-fake-prostitutes/
13. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1197112/Murdered-midget-wrestlers-killed-female-robbers.html
14. https://www.foxnews.com/story/two-mexican-midget-wrestlers-killed-by-fake-prostitutes
15. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna31720537
16. https://www.ebar.com/story.php?ch=arts_&sc=movies&id=228964
17. https://en.wikinews.org/wiki/65-year-old_woman_arrested_over_the_death_of_two_Mexican_wrestlers
18. https://www.foxnews.com/world/woman-arrested-in-murder-of-two-midget-mexican-wrestlers
19. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8162991.stm
20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzJ5GL310EQ 

SOUNDS:

Beautiful Melancholy Piano by Universfield -- https://freesound.org/s/773656/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

TRE-LOCO2.mp3 by sonipro -- https://freesound.org/s/51633/ -- License: Sampling+

Gavel - 1 strike with room reverb by odditonic -- https://freesound.org/s/187706/ -- License: Attribution 4.0