2nd Generation Wrestlers - The Hits and the Misses

This week on 80s Wrestling The Podcast, we’re digging through the merch tables, toy aisles, and arena stands to relive the wrestling merchandise that shaped our fandom. From LJN figures and Hasbros to foam fingers, T-shirts, and the weird stuff nobody remembers buying, we break down what ruled the playground—and what’s somehow worth a fortune today. Nostalgia, laughs, and a few “why did we own this?” moments guaranteed.

Today we're going to talk about the best books, the most shocking books, the funniest books, and the books that changed how we viewed our wrestling heroes forever. Plus — we’re opening up the phone lines later for YOUR take: the books you loved, the books you couldn’t put down, and the ones that left you stunned.

Before Hulkamania ever ran wild, Snuka was the guy setting arenas on fire. At a time when wrestling was dominated by big, slow brawlers, here comes this ripped, mysterious, acrobatic superhero launching himself off steel cages like gravity was optional — and yes, you can absolutely make the argument that Snuka was Vince McMahon’s first attempt at “the star” who could carry the company into the national spotlight. So lace up your boots… or don’t, because Snuka sure didn’t — climb to the top rope, and let’s dive into one of the most spectacular, controversial, and game-changing careers in wrestling history. Brother, this ride is going to be SUPERFLY.

Thanksgiving-Palooza” brings the holiday madness to 80s Wrestling The Podcast! Join us for a feast of 80s trivia, unforgettable Thanksgiving memories, classic wrestling moments, and our definitive ranking of the top Turkey Day foods. It’s nostalgia, laughs, and bodyslam-level fun—all served up holiday-style. Grab a plate and dig in, brother!

Now, recently WWE has been positioning John Cena as their GOAT. You’ve heard the promos, the graphics, the legacy package. But we want to ask: Is that really accurate? Does that claim actually hold up when you put Cena side-by-side with the REAL giants of this business? Today, we’re gonna break it all down: accomplishment vs longevity, drawing power vs influence, in-ring ability vs connection with the audience. We WILL decide just who is the Greatest of All Time!

This week on 80s Wrestling The Podcast, we dive into the legendary bloodlines that shaped the sport we love! From the hard-hitting Harts to the larger-than-life Anoa’i dynasty, from the Rhodes family legacy to the Von Erichs’ unforgettable rise and heartbreaking journey—we’re breaking down the families who defined eras, created icons, and changed the business forever. We’ll share our favorite family feuds, the most iconic sibling showdowns, the dynasties that dominated the Golden Era, and the “could-have-beens” from wrestling’s greatest genealogies. Plus, your hot takes and memories from listeners who grew up watching these families electrify the ring. It’s nostalgia, history, heart, and a whole lot of 80s attitude—don’t miss this deep dive into the wrestling families who built the foundation of the sport! PLUS Andre the Giants new hit single, "We Never Will Retire."

oday on 80s Wrestling The Podcast, we’re shining a neon spotlight on one of the most outrageous, colorful, and unforgettable parts of the entire decade — The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. Before WWE went full entertainment, before women ever got the platform they deserved, GLOW was out there in full glam and glitter mixing comedy, chaos, characters, raps, skits, and yes — wrestling. It was loud, wild, campy, and absolutely unmissable. And today, we’re diving deep into how this cult phenomenon kicked open the door for women’s wrestling and carved out a unique legacy that fans STILL talk about nearly 40 years later

From eerie entrances to bone-chilling promos, the Golden Era of wrestling gave us some of the wildest, weirdest, and downright creepiest characters to ever step into the squared circle! On this episode we’re summoning the spirits of the past to talk about the spookiest gimmicks that made 80’s wrestling so unforgettable!

In this episode of 80s Wrestling The Podcast, we shine a spotlight on some of the most beloved and talented tag teams of the Golden Era—teams that brought the heat, the heart, and the charisma... but somehow never captured WWF Tag Team gold. From The Rockers’ high-flying chemistry to the brute power of The Powers of Pain, and the crowd-pleasing energy of The Killer Bees, we’re counting down the legendary duos who should’ve been champions. Jumpin’ Jay and Tommy Fierro break down why these teams never got their moment with the belts, what backstage politics or booking decisions may have stood in their way, and which rivalries defined their legacy despite the missing gold. Plus, we open the phone lines for fans to weigh in: Which team do YOU think deserved the titles the most?

Get ready to talk about one of the most charismatic, beloved, and downright entertaining legends to ever step foot in a squared circle — the American Dream himself, Dusty Rhodes! Now when most fans think of Dusty, they picture the cowboy boots, the southern drawl, and those legendary NWA promos about ‘Hard Times.’ But in the late ’80s, the Dream traded in the common man’s denim for polka dots, hit the bright lights of the World Wrestling Federation, “That’s right, we’re diving headfirst into the Polka Dot Era — when Dusty Rhodes danced with Sapphire, battled the Million Dollar Man, and somehow turned what could’ve been a joke into pure gold. Some fans say it was a rib from Vince McMahon. Others say Dusty made magic out of it.” Today we’re asking the big questions — was the polka-dot gimmick punishment or genius? Did WWF fans ever get to see the real Dream? And how did Dusty manage to make the entire world love him all over again — polka dots and all?”