Between The Sheets

Armed with his trusty King Lawler BabyFace™ Antiviral Mask, Scott Bowden hits the road to Kingsport, Tenn., for a Humongous discussion with area King Beau James. Bowden and James discuss the origins of the Road Warrior Humongous gimmick in Memphis, originating in the mind of Jerry Lawler as Hawk and Animal’s post-apocalyptic pal as the unofficial third member of the treacherous trio, gimmicks based on the “Mad Max” films. Bowden reveals his thoughts on the gimmick as a young fan as well as his interactions years later with the man originally under the hockey mask: his high-school football coach, Mike “the Mule” Stark, a former Memphis State gridiron great and late ’70s-era Memphis grappler. Bowden and James share their knowledge of how the gimmick made its way—sans Stark—to Continental and Ron Fuller’s Stud Stable and how the role was recast. Bowden and James also reminisce about the rib they pulled in Memphis on a USWA hopeful that left one would-be grappler stark naked—and still seething about it years late

With the premiere of the Brawl For All episode of VICE TV's Dark Side of the Ring, we figured it would be a good idea to repost the special themed episode that we did about the topic about four years ago with our good friend Jordan Breen. Not only do we look at how it was covered at the time, we also take a look how the fights technically, especially with hindsight and almost two decades of evolution to fighting. Enjoy!----------Kris & David are joined by Jordan Breen (Sherdog) to discuss the genesis of the Brawl for All concept from WWF in 1998 and how everything went down. We discuss all the fights and how each competitor fared good or bad. We also talked about the aftermath of the tournament and how the WWF really screwed it up plus how Butterbean became the true winner in all of this. This is a really strong show!!!!Timestamps:0:00:00 Week 1 – Mero-Blackman & Bradshaw-Canterbury0:29:58 Week 2 – Savio-Brakus & Hawk-Droz0:45:26 Week 3 – Gunn-Holly & Severn-Godfather1:09:49 Week 4 – Doc-P

Kris & David are joined by Alan Counihan (@Alan4L) to discuss Part 2 of the week that was April 1-7, 2006 in a show that Alan requested as part of his $100 donation through our Patreon. Part 2 consists of us talking about everything non-WWE during our week, including all the news and results from Japan, like New Japan's serious financial issues at the time. We also talk about Chris Jericho dabbling in Manitoba politics, the death of Victor Quinones, some wild indie shows, and, of course Alan's favorite part of the show: The IWA Mid-South and Ring of Honor portion of WrestleMania Weekend, featuring one of the greatest matches in wrestling history. Alan was tremendous with us, and if you are a fan of this era of wrestling, then this show is a CAN’T-MISS!!!!Timestamps:0:00:00 Eurasia: AJPW, NJPW, NOAH, Zero-One MAX, BJPW, DDT, K-Dojo, Osaka Pro, South Korea, & FWA1:25:18 Other North America: AAA, CMLL, IWRG, Tijuana, Victor Quinones, & IWAPR2:07:16 Classic Commercial Break2:11:18 Housekeeping

Kris & David are joined by Alan Counihan (@Alan4L) to discuss Part 1 of the week that was April 1-7, 2006, a show that Alan requested as part of his $100 donation through our Patreon. Part 1 consists of us going over all the major talking points and happenings surrounding WrestleMania XXII. We also cover RAW & Smackdown after Mania, including how they were presented in this era, which is different from what they would be like years later. We also talk about the crazy happenings surrounding the Hall of Fame ceremony, like somebody “forgetting” to invite most of the Guerrero family and Bret Hart flying home the morning after his induction in lieu of appearing at WrestleMania. Plus we also talk about Ohio Valley Wrestling and what was going on there, as well.. Really damn good stuff, and make sure you don't forget to listen to part 2, as well!!!Timestamps:0:00:00 WrestleMania & related3:42:35 Other WWE: Hall of Fame & OVWTo support the show and get access to exclusive rewards like special mem

Kris & David are joined by Beau James (@KingofKingsport) to discuss the week-plus that was March 21-31, 1986. We talk about Joe "Nighthawk" Coltrane entering JCP, as well as the major heel turn by Pistol Pez Whatley on Jimmy Valiant, which sparked some of the best promo work of both guys' careers. Beau also tells a great Paul Jones Army story that can't be missed. We also talk about Ric Flair getting Ricky Morton a training bra, the Freebirds raising hell in Montreal of all places, the birth of the Universal Wrestling Federation, Dave Meltzer disparaging Waylon Jennings, Roddy Piper getting really involved in his boxing training for WrestleMania 2, and so much more. And, of course, this week also features one of the greatest segments in Memphis history: Yes, we talk about THE BILL & BUDDY SHOW!!!!!Timestamps:0:00:00 Jim Crockett Promotions2:16:04 Int’l: AJPW, NJPW, International (Montreal), Stampede, Torreon, UWA, & Tijuana2:49:41 Halftime-ish2:50:28 USA East: ICW, CWF, CCW, Nick G

Kris Zellner & Rob Naylor are back with the latest episode of Cover 2 Cover as we look back at the November 1982 issue of Inside Wrestling. We talk about Ric Flair and the wide variety of opponents he was facing at this time, including how they felt about him, Ole Anderson's experience meeting with fans at Peachtree Plaza in Atlanta, Blackjack Mulligan's startling revelation about Barry Windham, Wahoo McDaniel vs. Sgt. Slaughter and their bloodbaths, Captain Lou Albano wrecking a secret Jimmy Snuka interview in a restaurant, Rob's hatred of the Strongbows, and so much more. An extremely fun show that you just can't miss!!!!!To support the show and get access to exclusive rewards like special members-only monthly themed shows, go to our Patreon page at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets and become an ongoing Patron. Becoming a Between the Sheets Patron will also get you exclusive access to not only the monthly themed episode of Between the Sheets, but also access to our new mailbag segment, a Pat

Being that our Patreon specials play out differently from how our regular shows go, we've started to start giving everyone a free taste of the full shows from time to time so you can get an idea of what they're like before becoming a patron. There's nothing better to get us started than the show from two years ago, which is one of our best: March 2018's Between The Sheets Patreon Special #18: The Genesis of the Global Wrestling Federation. It's as deep a dive as we've ever done, and you'll quickly notice one of the key benefits to these deep dive shows: It quickly becomes very obvious that something isn't right with the GWF's financing...so why didn't anyone notice this back then?For more shows like this, including the other two parts of our GWF series, go to Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets and support us at the $5/month level or higher.----------You've asked for it for years. We've promised that we would eventually do it almost as long. And finally? IT'S HERE!

Kris & David are guestless this time out as we discuss the week that was March 18-24, 1994, a Patreon request show picked by Cory Gibson. We start with the WWF and the tremendous Wrestlemania X show featuring amazing performances by Bret Hart, Owen Hart, Shawn Michaels, & Razor Ramon as well as drunk Burt Reynolds, scared Jennie Garth, horny Rhonda Shear, and so much more. We also talk about Lex Luger getting screwed yet again, Vince McMahon dropping his lawsuit against Phil Mushnick, whether or not Doug Furnas really injured Mitsuharu Misawa, Rick Rude regaining the WCW International Title from Hiroshi Hase in New Japan, Dirty White Girl & Tammy Sytch going to war in SMW, Mike Samples (literally) catching fire in Indianapolis, WCW finishing up their big tour of Germany, and more on a tremendous episode of BTS!!!!Timestamps:0:00:00 WWF2:02:24 Japan: AJPW, NJPW, FMW, Michinoku Pro, RINGS, Tonya Harding, & AJW2:56:01 Classic Commercial Break3:00:01 Housekeeping/The Amazon Game3:29:52 Latin Ameri

As part of his ongoing quest to Unmask the Truth™, KFR host Scott Bowden calls his next witness in the Mil Mascaras Monday Night Mystery: Mike Mooneyham, the real-life Matt Brock (sans booze) of pro wrestling columnists. Under oath (or “oak,” as Joe LeDuc would say), Mike testifies exactly what Jerry Jarrett shared on the record with the seasoned reporter regarding what has become the most controversial appearance ever in the Memphis territory—which covers a hell of a lot of ground. In addition, Mike also unveils how he lobbied to start the nation’s premier newspaper column devoted to wrestling in an era when most editors balked at such chicanery receiving mainstream coverage–and in the Sports section no less. The two rasslin’ writers talk their shared humble beginnings writing for the Apters mags, and why Mooneyham eventually stopped working with the likes of The Wrestler and Inside Wrestling in favor of the Norman H. Kiezer publications. Mike also details carefully walking the proverbial top rope a la the T

Kris & David are joined by Mike Sempervive (@Sempervive) to discuss the weeks that were March 4-17, 1985 as we finally get caught up to our usual schedule after our real-life induced backlog of shows. We talk about some odd shows in the Northeast under the Pro Wrestling USA banner with a bunch totally different looks and lineups, as well asthe new talent entering JCP such as Arn Anderson & Buddy Landel. Speaking debuts, we discuss the debut of the Road Warriors in All Japan and how big of a phenomenon they were before they even wrestled there. We also talk about Ole Anderson's surprise for Mr. J.R., Mike Graham's tastless angle with the Freebirds in Florida, Poffomania turning heel and running wild as Tux Newman’s new charges in Memphis, Terry Taylor becoming a double champion in Mid-South, the WWF getting ready for WrestleMania with Hulk Hogan & Mr. T showing up live at the TBS studio on Techwood Drive in Atlanta, and much more. A tremendous show, so you’d best not miss it!!!!Timestamps:0

Kris Zellner & Rob Naylor are back with the latest Cover 2 Cover, as Rob takes the lead this time, covering the October 1992 issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated. We talk about the reignited feud between Randy Savage and The Ultimate Warrior heading into Summerslam ’92, just who was Cactus Jack's toughest opponent, the most frightening match in wrestling history taking place in Japan for FMW, and THE MOONDOG ACID TEST. We also go over some wild looking results and ratings, plus all the major columns as well. As usual, an extremely entertaining show, so listen now!!!!To support the show and get access to exclusive rewards like special members-only monthly themed shows, go to our Patreon page at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets and become an ongoing Patron. Becoming a Between the Sheets Patron will also get you exclusive access to not only the monthly themed episode of Between the Sheets, but also access to our new mailbag segment, a Patron-only chat room on Slack, and anything else we do outside of the main

Kris & David are joined by Between The Sheets Patreon patron Vera Thoris (@StillYourGhost) to discuss the week that was February 26-March 3, 1997, which Vera picked when pledging $100. We discuss what was really going on with Shawn Michaels losing his smile and how the Torch was right on the money with the story. We also talk about a weird but memorable Raw in Berlin, Germany featuring Owen Hart vs. Davey Boy Smith, reactions to Ken Shamrock signing with the WWF, Joe Higuchi retiring from All Japan, Fake Diesel & Fake Razor Ramon being a part of a nWo knockoff in AAA, what the real story with ECW/WWF relationship was—at least according to Paul Heyman, and Brakkus debuting in Memphis, and more, but the real main event is the reason Vera picked this week: Roddy Piper recruiting his “family” in an infamous angle on a crazy Nitro at The Omni in Atlanta that Kris was at live. A very entertaining show, so don't miss out!!Timestamps:0:00:00 WWF1:17:52 Japan: AJPW, NJPW, BattlARTS, Ishikawa Ikka, Michinok

Kris & David are guestless this week as we discuss the week that was February 19-25, 2002, a Patreon request from Alan Paisner. We talk about the PPV battles in the United States and Japan on 2/24, leading off with the U.S. battle, which pitted PRIDE "Bad Blood" head to head with the World Wrestling All-Stars’ "The Revolution.” What a night that was, especially for the WWA, and that is a section you can not miss. We talk about all the details inside and outside the ring from both of those shows, especially the backstage drama at the WWA show. We also talk about a PPV battle in Japan that same day as PRIDE was joined by All Japan and All Japan Women, with both holding great shows, featuring Toshiaki Kawada regaining the Triple Crown from Keiji Mutoh. We also talk about the first-ever Ring of Honor show, a wacky XWF house show tour through west Texas, the nWo poison spreading through the WWF, New Jack nearly maiming Vic Grimes at XPW “Freefall,” and much more. This was an extremely fun show, so

Kris & David are joined by Beau James (@kingofkingsport) to discuss the weeks that were February 5-18, 1984, as we try and play catch up for missing some recent weeks. We talk about the death of David Von Erich, and just how huge of a story it was in so many ways, in what may very well be one of our greatest segments BTS ever. We also talk about the WWF, including their burgeoning expansion into St. Louis and other markets and the first big TV match between Iron Sheik and Sgt. Slaughter. We also talk about some big shows in New Japan, Satoru Sayama & Hisashi Shinma having big issues as the UWF looms, Canek bodyslamming Andre the Giant in Mexico, Tully Blanchard entering the Carolinas, Ole Anderson starting to promote in Baltimore, Mr. Wrestling II getting jealous of Magnum T.A., and tons more. This is one of the best shows we've ever done, so you know the drill.Timestamps:0:00:00 WCCW/Death of David Von Erich1:42:09 WWF2:38:48 Int’l: AJPW, NJPW, Shinma & Sayama, South Africa, England, Maritime

Scott Bowden welcomes guest Kevin Lawler back to the KFR fryer to talk over their humble beginnings as they learned the ring ropes in living rooms, backyard rings and outlaw shows throughout Memphis before eventually graduating to the big stage as part of the USWA promotion owned by his father, Jerry Lawler, and Jerry Jarrett. The two longtime friends reminisce about their stints as USWA referees as well as Kevin's run under a hood as TV enhancement talent The Yellowjacket during the period Bowden and his heel stable feuded with Kevin's late brother, Brian Christopher Lawler. Kevin also candidly discusses Brian's suspicious death as well as their complicated relationship with their dad growing up and the good times they all shared together. It's a conversation that's sometimes funny and occasionally sad but always extra crispy.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/between-the-sheets/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Kris Zellner & Rob Naylor are back again with yet another episode of Cover 2 Cover, this time covering the September 1983 issue of The Wrestler. Our main stories include whether or not Nick Bockwinkel forced Hulk Hogan into exile from the AWA, the saga of the Missouri Heavyweight Title at the time, Stu Saks having a steak dinner with “Precious” Paul Ellering, Blackjack Mulligan & Barry Windham's reunion in Florida, determining the real "Super Bowl of Wrestling", Jos LeDuc as a babyface in the Carolinas, all the ratings, including which territory had the most talent at that time, and so much more. As always, this show was a helluva lot of fun, and it's well worth the listen, believe me!!!To support the show and get access to exclusive rewards like special members-only monthly themed shows, go to our Patreon page at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets and become an ongoing Patron. Becoming a Between the Sheets Patron will also get you exclusive access to not only the monthly themed episode of B

Kris & David are joined by Robert O'Connor (@ghostofquinones) to discuss the week that was January 29-February 4, 1989. We talk about the upcoming Super Sunday battle between the NWA & WWF on April 2nd, including how the NWA’s scheduled Wrestle War: The Ultimate Gamble PPV that day was being replaced by a Clash of the Champions special on TBS. We also talk about the comings and goings in the promotion featuring Hiro Matsuda as J.J. Dillon's replacement managing Ric Flair & Barry Windham, all of the big changes on TV, Dave Meltzer attending the NWA show in Philadelphia, and Vince McMahon making a phone call to Ted Turner asking for a truce. We also talk about Giant Baba in Atlanta talking to the NWA, The British Bulldogs returning to Calgary, Jose Gonzales acquittal on charges of murdering Bruiser Brody, Shinya Hashimoto running wild in Memphis, Giant Baba running a major show in Kansas City, and of course last but not least, the breakup of the Mega Powers on live, prime time TV on NBC duri

Kris & David are joined by Dominic Garrini (@dgarrinibc) to discuss the *rest* of the week that was January 30-February 5, 2000, as we did the WCW, WWF, & ECW sections of that week last year. (So this show takes care of that outstanding Patreon request.) We talk about the first round of the PRIDE Grand Prix tournament at the Tokyo Dome and all the major news from that show, which was the catalyst for a new beginning for the world of MMA. On that tip, we talk about Kazushi Sakuraba's star rising amidst controversy surrounding his fight with Guy Mezger, a pissed off Ken Shamrock accidentally getting Bas Rutten his commentary job, a disgraced Nobuhiko Takada, and much more. We also talk about the rest of Japan including the debut of the Giant Baba statue in All Japan, the greatness of Alexander Otsuka, assorted indy scum shows, and lots more. We also talk about the lucha libre and US independent scenes, as well, including CZW’s Night of Main Events with Justice Pain vs. Nick Gage. It’s great being ba

If you downloaded the original version of this episode that went up late Sunday night/early Monday morning, that version had audio sync issues in the WCW section, The version you're looking at right now fixes those and should be considered the "proper" release of this episode.Kris & David are joined by Joe Gagne (@joegagne) to discuss the week that was January 22-28, 1994. We were originally going to discuss 1998, but…well…you have to listen to the show to hear why we had to make the change. We talk about the 1994 Royal Rumble and all of the major happenings on that show, including Diesel's big push, Owen Hart's heel turn, the tied Rumble finish, the death of The Undertaker, and so much more. We also talk about the WWF announcing the JapanMania tour, WAR planning on breaking away from New Japan, Paul E. Dangerously’s new bodyguard in ECW, the latest drama in the Jerry Lawler prosecution in Louisville, a Hulk Hogan/WCW update, and an Arn Anderson/Sid Vicious lawsuit update, plus Bobby H

Yello' again, everybody! At LAST—Scott Bowden is back and ready to go, right along ringside with a Memphis wrestling perspective that is somehow both original and extra crispier than ever. First up in the KFR fryer at relaunch is not only the former 1st Lieutenant of Jimmy Hart's First Family in the Gang Wars of Summer of '81 but he's also technically an AWA Southern titleholder—for one golden moment. Look...up the in sky! It's a bird! It's a chick! It's...SUPER CHICK!Yes, KFR cult favorite Chick Donavan has resurfaced, and his word is as golden as his deep dark tan that would make Buddy Rogers envious. Chick speaks candidly about his Memphis moment in in the hot, humid sun as part of what may have been the best incarnation of the First Family ever, drawing near-sellout crowds all summer long. Chick also dishes on the oddball pairing with Tojo Yamamoto upon Chick's arrival, thoughts on the late, great Rocky Johnson, and how a loss to Steve Keirn led to a dark, dark cloudy day—b