Those Were the Days - A Backyard Podcast

Better known today as Ritchie Taylor from Melbourne City Wrestling among more Victorian based pro wrestling organisations, back in the mid-2000's he was known simply as Ruthless Ron! Ron joins the podcast to look back at his start in the journey of wrestling coming from Melbourne's Western Suburbs & constructing make-shift rings, to wrestling at YWF & meeting more wrestlers from other states all the way to a long running feud with Robbie & even continuing their rivalry to this day in Pro Wrestling rings across Australia. Ritchie & Robbie have known each other since the early age of 15 and through their constant connection have a lot of shared history to discuss. Some topics include:Niven becoming the gateway for all Australian Backyard WrestlersHow did he come up with his name?Reputation of being "Ruthless"Broken backs at the Gatorade Arena for VicyardfestDriving to Newcastle for the first time and wrestling at HVWA (lost footage - never seen)Searching Salvos for wrestling outfitsDressing like SantaTassles, Speedos and Kmart Swimming TrunksFeud with Robbie in the backyard across several yearsThe Brainbuster on the top rope at YWF Backyard Brawl 5Was it a moose antler? And why? Who would be great as a Pro Wrestler from the backyard scene then Plus much more! Would like to shout out other podcasts that have been giving this podcast some extra exposure!Pro Wrestling Audio with Jack Bonzahttps://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/pro-wrestling-audio-with-jack-bonza/id1505292361Conco & The Fudgehttps://www.concoandthefudge.com/Conversations with the Chief (with Headhunter Rig)https://open.spotify.com/episode/770aqwJaxkDktSYS2jcDNb?si=QmPXuijMSBWg_4XlB0-jaw&fbclid=IwAR2n96PP9sIIKaeuKny2ULZ1uWuv3k5pbrur2EhAqdfAI1c3Ccut2TJsvsgOn The Turnbucklehttps://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/on-the-turnbuckle/id1383180342That's so Shazza (with Shazza McKenzie)https://open.spotify.com/show/4Q7zSc9SBrWNX5VyvtBLsnYou can also win a FREE HVWA T-shirt from Wrestler Merch (https://wrestlermerch.com/products/hvwa) as detailed at the beginning of this episode, share on social media that you're listening (@TWTDpod on Instagram & Twitter) or go and leave us a review & rating on Apple Podcasts, take a screen shot and send to us on socials to go into the running!

To celebrate 10 episodes and reaching double digits in the podcast, Gene Knite aka Gene Kelly joins the podcast! Remembering the early days of HVWA under the regime of CJ Phoenix and talking about being the mastermind of the peak era of HVWA in Stockton, NSW - Gene goes into depth about a lot of backstory around the backyard that most would know as the main ''arena'' for Hunter Valley Wrestling Alliance. Having being a part of early Pro Wrestling careers together, riding in cars and sharing lots of supershows, Gene and Robbie have a long running friendship spanning several years. Topics in this podcast include:Blue Hawaiian ShirtsClowns for parents (REALLY!)Feud with Lector early HVWAHunter Valley Wrecking Crew & alliance with Poo MuffinHelping create AuzfestTraveling to Vicyardfest 2Campaigns against Razor Blade/Davie Smalls for Australian ChampionPuking at Auzfest 2Gene being a big brother and standing up against Pimp JimmyF5íng everybodySwitching from wrestling rings to trampolines and being creativeNicknamesFeuding with Sychotic (Mat Diamond) long term in HVWA Plus much more! Would like to shout out other podcasts that have been giving this podcast some extra exposure!Pro Wrestling Audio with Jack Bonzahttps://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/pro-wrestling-audio-with-jack-bonza/id1505292361Conco & The Fudgehttps://www.concoandthefudge.com/Conversations with the Chief (with Headhunter Rig)https://open.spotify.com/episode/770aqwJaxkDktSYS2jcDNb?si=QmPXuijMSBWg_4XlB0-jaw&fbclid=IwAR2n96PP9sIIKaeuKny2ULZ1uWuv3k5pbrur2EhAqdfAI1c3Ccut2TJsvsgOn The Turnbucklehttps://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/on-the-turnbuckle/id1383180342That's so Shazza (with Shazza McKenzie)https://open.spotify.com/show/4Q7zSc9SBrWNX5VyvtBLsnYou can also win a FREE HVWA T-shirt from Wrestler Merch (https://wrestlermerch.com/products/hvwa) as detailed at the beginning of this episode, share on social media that you're listening (@TWTDpod on Instagram & Twitter) or go and leave us a review & rating on Apple Podcasts, take a screen shot and send to us on socials to go into the running!

Two members of FYW (Front Yard Wrestling) & HWS (Holsworthy Wrestling Syndicate) whom are closest to Robbie in terms of growing up together and spending a lot of time watching wrestling, creating wrestling in lounge rooms, on old mattresses, trampolines & eventually make-shift ring bases join the podcast for this special edition on Episode 9! Jimmy Firefly would be one of the co-creators of FYW (alongside JD Reflex) with Mark O Mac taking a similar role in HWS' creation alongside Robbie Eagles. This roundtable was conducted with a few brewskies now that the rules around restrictions & quarantine/isolation have relaxed and spawned a lot of old memories, some fond and others not so much! Topics include:Jimmy Firefly being a viral sensation among many Sydney based backyard wrestlers (OUCH)Practice moves on a giant piece of foam in a front yard on a hill3D's on trampolines to a young RobbieAdding more members to the roster of FYW and starting night events with a crowd on the bottom hill of JD Reflex's childhood homePlaying to the audience of cars driving byCaptain BaconThe DeMacatator Challenge & the only person to win due to flatulenceJimmy's unexpected retirement & subsequent surprise one-off return appearance at HWSMark O Mac vs James Synite for the HWS ChampionshipThe Final Frontier - HWS' grand eventTravelling to HVWA & IYHWA togetherDonni Sidewinder getting really madCreating Team McFly which would only have one tag team match everPlus much more! Would like to shout out other podcasts that have been giving this podcast some extra exposure!Pro Wrestling Audio with Jack Bonzahttps://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/pro-wrestling-audio-with-jack-bonza/id1505292361Conco & The Fudgehttps://www.concoandthefudge.com/Conversations with the Chief (with Headhunter Rig)https://open.spotify.com/episode/770aqwJaxkDktSYS2jcDNb?si=QmPXuijMSBWg_4XlB0-jaw&fbclid=IwAR2n96PP9sIIKaeuKny2ULZ1uWuv3k5pbrur2EhAqdfAI1c3Ccut2TJsvsgOn The Turnbucklehttps://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/on-the-turnbuckle/id1383180342You can also win a FREE HVWA T-shirt from Wrestler Merch (https://wrestlermerch.com/products/hvwa) as detailed at the beginning of this episode, share on social media that you're listening (@TWTDpod on Instagram & Twitter) or go and leave us a review & rating on Apple Podcasts, take a screen shot and send to us on socials to go into the running!

Delving back into Victoria's backyard wrestling scene, one of the veteran stalwarts known fondly by many, Scotty Richter joins the podcast! Part of the creation team behind TBW (Twisted Backyard Wrestling) in the Bendigo area with Nathan Sensation & Smoo Dog, Scotty would go on to hang out alongside several generations of the AusBYW scene including multiple appearances at Vicyardfest, Auzfest and most notably, TOH - Tournament of Hate. Going from taping hardcore moves in a garage, to wrestling more like the independent style that influenced him to eventually end his tenure in the finale of TOH, Scott talks about loads of stories! Topics include:Naming the infamous "9.1" moveLurking the HVWA forumsFeuds with JT Blaze & PNB spanning several SupershowsWrestling CJ Phoenix at Auzfest IIBonding over As I Lay Dying with others from HVWAHeadbanging to concussionEating cockroaches & German Suplexes at after-partiesCreating Tournament of Hate with NivenWrestling near a churchBendigo FiresGoing to the hospital for a deep cutWrestling Zeus McFly at TOH5PNB chipping his tooth at Auzfest IIGetting ribbed with his theme musicNow owning a successful business (https://hopsupplyco.com/)Would like to shout out other podcasts that have been giving this podcast some extra exposure!Pro Wrestling Audio with Jack Bonzahttps://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/pro-wrestling-audio-with-jack-bonza/id1505292361Conco & The Fudgehttps://www.concoandthefudge.com/Conversations with the Chief (with Headhunter Rig)https://open.spotify.com/episode/770aqwJaxkDktSYS2jcDNb?si=QmPXuijMSBWg_4XlB0-jaw&fbclid=IwAR2n96PP9sIIKaeuKny2ULZ1uWuv3k5pbrur2EhAqdfAI1c3Ccut2TJsvsgOn The Turnbucklehttps://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/on-the-turnbuckle/id1383180342You can also win a FREE HVWA T-shirt from Wrestler Merch (https://wrestlermerch.com/products/hvwa) as detailed at the beginning of this episode, share on social media that you're listening (@TWTDpod on Instagram & Twitter) or go and leave us a review & rating on Apple Podcasts, take a screen shot and send to us on socials to go into the running!

Part 2 following on from EP06, we return to the ever growing mansion that is the domain of IYHWA with Chris Cryptic & Underminer discussing more intricacies of In Your House Wrestling Alliance in the post-HVWA era of backyard wrestling in Australia. Topics include:Nightifre - a night time event, run in front of an audienceThe ring coming down to be rebuilt as a new structureReplacing the ring with a trampoline temporarilyA new cast of characters joining the ranks of IYHWA/ITWABirthday Bash Bonanza & it's inceptionPepsi vs Coke matchMore Auzfest 3 & 4 insightThe new IYHWA from 2008 to 2010Moving the ring to behind a warehouse in a new locationThe demise of IYHWA + much moreWould like to shout out other podcasts that have been giving this podcast some extra exposure!Pro Wrestling Audio with Jack Bonzahttps://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/pro-wrestling-audio-with-jack-bonza/id1505292361Conco & The Fudgehttps://www.concoandthefudge.com/Conversations with the Chief (with Headhunter Rig)https://open.spotify.com/episode/770aqwJaxkDktSYS2jcDNb?si=QmPXuijMSBWg_4XlB0-jaw&fbclid=IwAR2n96PP9sIIKaeuKny2ULZ1uWuv3k5pbrur2EhAqdfAI1c3Ccut2TJsvsgOn The Turnbucklehttps://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/on-the-turnbuckle/id1383180342You can also win a FREE HVWA T-shirt from Wrestler Merch (https://wrestlermerch.com/products/hvwa) as detailed at the beginning of this episode, share on social media that you're listening (@TWTDpod on Instagram & Twitter) or go and leave us a review & rating on Apple Podcasts, take a screen shot and send to us on socials to go into the running!

Not quite another universe, but stepping out from the fore fathering groups of HVWA & YWF this episode ventures into what may be more well known by the YouTube generation of backyard wrestling viewers & fanatics. Guests of this episode are the founders & creators of In Your House Wrestling Alliance: Chris Cryptic & Underminer! The two share the origin story of IYHWA and how it began, initially being "boys being boys" jumping around on couches and mattresses post-Pay Per Views from WWE being shown to a group of teens in what would eventuate to a 9 hour recorded, scripted (to a degree) event of said teens acting out their favourites with costumes and all! This is Part 1 in a 2-part series with the two figure heads who constructed all the events from it's beginning in 2006 to the ultimate demise in 2010.Other topics include:Discovering HVWABroken parts of the "interior"Constructing a ring completely of woodMeeting Robbie for the first time + Dawn of the ImmortalsAttending HVWA Fundraiser & auditioning for spots on HVWA rosterIYHWA and HWS relationship within SydneySUBWAYUnderminer being the youngest member of the roster and his ongoing feud with ScytherIYHWA attending Auzfest 3 and early supershows+ more!Would like to shout out other podcasts that have been giving this podcast some extra exposure!Pro Wrestling Audio with Jack Bonzahttps://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/pro-wrestling-audio-with-jack-bonza/id1505292361Conco & The Fudgehttps://www.concoandthefudge.com/Conversations with the Chief (with Headhunter Rig)https://open.spotify.com/episode/770aqwJaxkDktSYS2jcDNb?si=QmPXuijMSBWg_4XlB0-jaw&fbclid=IwAR2n96PP9sIIKaeuKny2ULZ1uWuv3k5pbrur2EhAqdfAI1c3Ccut2TJsvsgOn The Turnbucklehttps://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/on-the-turnbuckle/id1383180342You can also win a FREE HVWA T-shirt from Wrestler Merch (https://wrestlermerch.com/products/hvwa) as detailed at the beginning of this episode, share on social media that you're listening (@TWTDpod on Instagram & Twitter) or go and leave us a review & rating on Apple Podcasts, take a screen shot and send to us on socials to go into the running!

Back in the realm of HVWA, Robbie is joined by Branden X & Poo Muffin! Two of the members, who would join HVWA's ranks along with Sychotic (Mat Diamond) from their infamous GWO - The Grass Wrestling Organisation! The boys share their memories of that first day arriving to Thornton, NSW and seeing somewhat of a wrestling ring constructed. Of course, one thing everyone wants to know is discussed; how did he get the name POO MUFFIN?!?Other topics include:GWO's greatest eventsMaking DVD coversPrevious names before they were known as they are nowShoot fightsAuzfest 1Hungover matches at VYFPoo Muffin's Big Brother audition videoGetting bashed"Spot Checks" & feedbackEverything leading to HVWA's demiseWould like to shout out other podcasts that have been giving this podcast some extra exposure!Pro Wrestling Audio with Jack Bonzahttps://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/pro-wrestling-audio-with-jack-bonza/id1505292361Conco & The Fudgehttps://www.concoandthefudge.com/Conversations with the Chief (with Headhunter Rig)https://open.spotify.com/episode/770aqwJaxkDktSYS2jcDNb?si=QmPXuijMSBWg_4XlB0-jaw&fbclid=IwAR2n96PP9sIIKaeuKny2ULZ1uWuv3k5pbrur2EhAqdfAI1c3Ccut2TJsvsgOn The Turnbucklehttps://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/on-the-turnbuckle/id1383180342 You can also win a FREE HVWA T-shirt from Wrestler Merch (https://wrestlermerch.com/products/hvwa) as detailed at the beginning of this episode, share on social media that you're listening (@TWTDpod on Instagram & Twitter) or go and leave us a review & rating on Apple Podcasts, take a screen shot and send to us on socials to go into the running!

Jumping over to the state of Victoria in Australia, the latest guest on TWTD is none other than one of the YWF original's in Razor Blade aka Davie Smalls! A man who can talk underwater has quite the yarn regarding YWF's original beginnings, not having a permanent home until eventually finding it's place at the "Gatorade Arena" in Yallambie, VIC. Discussions of the initial start as "Young Wrestling Federation" and then the progression into "Yallambie Wrestling Federation", the guys in YWF had a well known feud with their NSW Counter-part, HVWA. This is one of many topics covered by the Smalls in this episode, others including:Ruzty jumping off roofsYWF's changing of locations in the early yearsThe first Vicyardfest featuring PNB from South AustraliaVYF 2 & HVWA vs YWF feudAuzfest 2 & 3Gene Knite using Fire! Pimp Jimmy ruining their match at Auzfest 3YWF's conclusion with Backyard Brawl 5 (and then subsequent return for a handful of Music Videos/events)

The third and final part of the trilogy between CJ Phoenix, Mat Diamond (aka Sychotic) & Robbie Eagles (aka James Synite) from HVWA, covering all things post Auzfest 2/Fundraiser (HVWA Encore on YouTube). Diving into CJ's passion for music taking over wrestling, the final string of "Supershows" from late 2006 to early 2008 and Mat & Robbie beginning their Pro Wrestling journeys we hear different perspectives of how things came together. Some topics cover:IYHWA roster joining HVWA via "tryouts"The ring breaking at several eventsAuzfest 3 & Auzfest IVPoo Muffin's 18th party pre-Auzfest 3What happens when it rainsMat & Gene's foot in the door for Pro WrestlingSurfingHow Robbie's past was discovered by his peers & trainersPro Wrestlers talking about watching HVWACJ Phoenix meets Will Ospreay at PWA Call to Arms 2017

Part 2 of what would be a 3 part series with CJ Phoenix & Mat Diamond aka Sychotic from HVWA. The boys get together to chat more about the history of Hunter Valley Wrestling Alliance. The ring had moved from Thornton, New South Wales to Stockton, New South Wales as CJ's new home could not fit the ring any longer, and Gene Knite had a backyard that was juuuusssst right! These would go on to be the potential "peak" years of HVWA, including the first run of "Auzfest" as an Australian Backyard Wrestling Supershow, that is still mentioned by many and seen on YouTube to this day! The introduction of interstate wrestlers appearing for the first time and mass gatherings, plus this would see the first time Robbie (as he would go onto be known "James Synite") would attend a HVWA match card & meet Mat and CJ for the first time. Hear more stories from the boys during their teen years, being huge wrestling fans & really trying to push themselves creatively in a unlimited environment!