Between The Sheets

Kris Zellner is joined by Rob Naylor and Our Good Buddy Charles as we discuss the month of February 1990 in the National Wrestling Alliance. We go over TWO big shows during the month in the form of Clash of the Champions X: Texas Shootout and Wrestle War '90: Wild Thing, going over both in-depth from an in-ring ring and behind the scenes point-of-view. We also talk about why Tully Blanchard's negotiations with the NWA fell apart, TV ratings records being broken week after week, Ric Flair resigning as the Head Booker, and so much more.---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 shows!If you’re looking for

Kris and David are finally joined by their dear friend, the debuting John Pollock (@iamjohnpollock / @iamjohnpollock.bsky.social) for the bookend segments of the show to discuss the week-plus that was February 10-17, 1987. Topics of discussion include:The Battle of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, as Angelo Mosca andJim Crockett Promotions run a matinee at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario on the same day as the WWF runs a nighttime card at Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens advertised as Roddy Piper's "Canadian Farewell" show.The WWF’s dominance of the Canadian wrestling scene and how Crockett is partly to blame for that happening.Jim Cornette burning Ronnie Garvin with his double flash paper fireball, leading to Jimmy Garvin turning babyface by making the save.Dick Murdoch's heel turn on the Super Powers and his amazing promo work explaining why he did what he did.Ric Flair letting us know what it's like being “Naitch.”Dave Meltzer watching recent WWC TV and giving his thoughts.Lar

Kris and David are joined by Al Getz (@algetz.bsky.social) to discuss the week that was February 5-11, 1989. Topics of discussion include:Vince and Linda McMahon admitting that pro wrestling was "fake" in front of the New Jersey State Senate as part of their deregulation efforts and all the mainstream media lunacy that followed, including Capt. Lou Albano making a wacky appearance on ABC's “Nightline.”Tony Schiavone leaving the NWA for the WWF, and the repercussions that would come from that decision for all parties involved.The rumors of New Japan running shows in California run rampant again, as they often did in this era of the newsletters.Various comings and goings in Stampede Wrestling.Ricky Morton working as a heel in Memphis while working as a babyface elsewhere causing problems for Joe Pedicino's TV block.Matwatch continuing to drag out the David Woods/Eddie Gilbert/Continental saga.THE DREAM WEAVER makes his Memphis debut.Eric Embry loses a loser leaves town match in World Class.Rob R

Kris and David are guestless as we discuss the week that was January 29-February 4, 2005. Topics of discussion include:The second WrestleReunion going down in Tampa, and what a weekend it was, as legends and current wrestlers competed on a star-studded show, but Lex Luger's antics ended up being the biggest story to come out of it.Dusty Rhodes' status as the head booker in TNA being questionable at best.Hiroyoshi Tenzan's body falling apart at the exact worst possible time.A wacky angle involving Jose Estrada and his son Julio in WWC.Dr. Keith Lipinski sending in a report about a fun lucha libre show in Chicago.Bill Goldberg's hatred of WWE at the time.A full rundown of the 2005 Royal Rumble PPV featuring John Heidenreich and Gene Snitsky being manly with each other, Batista and John Cena fucking up the big finish to the Rumble match, and Vince McMahon tearing both his quads in when he hit the ring in a fit of anger over said finish.Full Raw and Smackdown rundowns, as Triple H tries (and fails

We’re back as Kris and David discuss the week that was January 22-28, 2002. Topics of discussion include:Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, and Kevin Nash officially signing with the WWF, which leads to Vince McMahon going insane on SmackDown, talking about injecting his company with “a lethal dose of poison" in the form of the New World Order.The debut of the famous WWF history video set to Kid Rock's "Lonely Road of Faith" on Raw as Ric Flair begs Vince not to bring back the nWo.Details on the upcoming brand split and how that will affect everything.Satoshi Kojima having his last New Japan match before leaving for All Japan at Korakuen Hall as the NJPW/AJPW bad blood is at a fever pitch.Just who exactly was Darkness Dragon in Toryumon, and was it always the same person? (Yes, it was.)Mirko Cro Cop beating up more pro wrestlers.Arturo Rivera going on AAA TV and talking about Konnan being on steroids in the ‘90s.Reckless Youth and Mike Quackenbush open up a wrestling school in Pennsylvania.Low-Ki throws

Kris Zellner is joined by Rob Naylor and our great friend Charles to discuss the month of January 1990 in the National Wrestling Alliance. Topics of discussion include:An update on the Windham family counterfeiting saga.The Rock ’n’ Roll Express return to the NWA.Cactus Jack Manson becomes a force on TV.Joe Pedicino leaves the company.An amazing TV taping in Johnson City, Tennessee.ROOS commercials featuring NWA stars start to air on TV.Ric Flair cancelling his booking on the NJPW Tokyo Dome show, which changes Japanese wrestling in a major way.…and much more. Another strong show, so we hope you enjoy!!!---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 anyth

On this week's BTS, Kris and David discuss the week-plus that was January 15-23, 1988. Topics of discussion include:Dave Meltzer's speculation on how the WWF does in the TV ratings for The Main Event could lead to them getting a regular prime time slot on NBC.Bobby Heenan and The Islanders "return" Matilda.Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant sign their contract for "The Main Event."Steve "Dr. Death" Williams picks New Japan over Jim Crockett Promotions.Talk of Antonio Inoki facing Koji Kitao at the then brand-new Tokyo Dome.All Japan Women and their stupid mandatory retirement age of 26 years old.Antonio Inoki main events in Italy against Bad News Allen.The stock scam version of Global Wrestling tapes some TV in Florida.Terrible Ted, the wrestling bear, debuts in Continental.Terry Taylor debuts as a heel in Memphis, as does Max Payne.The saga of the AWA World Tag Team Titles, featuring Paul E. Dangerously going off during his Danger Zone segment on Pro Wrestling This Week.The Horsem

Kris and David are back to discuss the week that was January 8-14, 1992. Topics of discussion include:A detailed rundown on Jim Herd's resignation from WCW, with all three major newsletters chiming in with unique information regarding this major event in dirtsheet history.Just who is Kip Frey, and why was he chosen to replace Jim Herd?Lex Luger's status in WCW according to Jack Petrik going on the record in Matwatch.The awesomeness of the Dangerous Alliance vs. the world feud on WCW TV.Atsushi Onita and The Sheik doing battle in FMW, and how that helped gain the promotion more exposure.Bob Backlund wrestling Jerry Lawler for the first time ever at a WWE show in New Jersey.The Moondogs destroying job guys on Memphis TV.Eddie Gilbert booking the GWF and why it’s arguably his best booking run.Phil Mushnick's scathing column on the WWF steroid scandal in the New York Post as Titangate is about to blow up.The Rockers breaking up on the set of The Barber Shop in one of the most famous angles and misreme

Kris and David start off the new year looking at the week of January 1-7, 1984. Topics of discussion include:The first major strikes in the War of 1984 are fired as Hulk Hogan, Gene Okerlund, Roddy Piper, and David Schultz all make their WWF TV debut during our week and Dave Meltzer speculates on what the aftermath of that will look like.WWF also taking over KPLR TV in St. Louis with their version of "Wrestling at the Chase,” leaving the NWA office out in the cold…but not for long.Dusty Rhodes facing off with Antonio Inoki on 1/1 at Korakuen Hall, starting off what would be a crazy year for NJPW.Ricky Steamboat's "retirement" tour in JCP.Paul Ellering in GCW being his best run as a manager.The awesomeness of Nick Bockwinkel as the world heavyweight champion.Jerry Lawler paying by the punch to get a rematch with Bockwinkel.Magnum T.A. getting tarred and feathered in Mid-South.Terry Taylor making his debut in Mid-South in a major way.Rick Rood studying Jimmy Garvin's act in Dallas to prepare

Kris and David are joined by Chad Austin (@chadhooverdimer) to discuss the week-plus that was December 25, 1993-January 4, 1994. Topics of discussion include:The WWF's post Christmas house show run not doing well at the box office.Bret and Owen Hart letting everyone know they "made up" over the holidays.Alundra Blayze making her debut on WWF TV, winning the WWF Women’s Championship tournament finals.Yokozuna as SANTA CLAUS in a wacky skit as well as his fear of caskets.John Nord becoming Stan Hansen's new tag partner in AJPW.Genichiro Tenryu pinning Antonio Inoki on a newsworthy January 4th Tokyo Dome show for NJPW loaded with major matches including Hulk Hogan vs. Tatsumi Fujinami, which still manages to be a disappointment at the gate.1993 year-end awards being given out in Mexico.ECW Holiday Hell ’93 at the ECW Arena featuring our guest Chad Austin getting a big moment, the debut of Pitbull #1, Terry Funk beating Sabu, and an EXPLOSION (not so much) match between Pat Tanaka and Rocco Rock.D

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!Kris and David are joined this week by Beau James (@kingofkingsport) and Robert O’Connor (@ghostofquinones) for our now-traditional sort “of Christmas Show" as we discuss the week-plus that was December 18-25, 1994. Topics of discussion include:The Rougeau family drama in Montreal as Jacques wants to bring in WCW just a couple of months after "retiring" from the WWF, and how that is causing a major rift with Raymond, his brother who’s still a WWF announcer.WCW's tour of Germany and how it was a failure.The Blacktop Bully makes his in-ring debut on WCW TV.Some really wacky Japanese indie scum results as the major promotions are off for the rest of the year.911 chokeslamming Santa Claus and Cactus Jack whacking “The Virgin Princess” Angel with the Sandman’s Singapore cane at the ECW Arena.Steve Richards becoming Stevie Flamingo.Christmas Chaos in Knoxville for SMW, featuring the brutal murder of Boots the cat and Jim Cornette fully turning babyface as part of his war with The

Kris Zellner is joined by Rob Naylor and Our Good Buddy Charles for yet another episode of Center Stage Chronicles. This month, we travel back to December 1989, talking about the major happenings in the National Wrestling Alliance, including Starrcade ’89: Future Shock. Besides a full rundown of that show, we also have the Dynamic Dudes/Midnight Express saga, Arn Anderson returning to the NWA, the end of Tommy Young's career, and so much more!!!!---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 shows!If you’re looking for the best deal on a VPN service—short for Virtual Private Network, it helps you get around regi

Kris and David are back after a week off to discuss the two weeks that were December 4-17, 1991. Topics of discussion include:The aftermath of This Tuesday in Texas including Jack Tunney announcing that the WWF Championship was vacant.Bret Hart winning the "Wrestler of the Year” award in a short, barely explained segment on Superstars.Ric Flair beating Shawn Michaels on Prime Time Wrestling thanks in part to misguided “help” from Marty Jannetty, accelerating the Rockers’ breakup.Dynamite Kid announces his retirement on the last night of the AJPW Real World Tag League.Hulk Hogan beats Genichiro Tenryu on a wacky SWS show at the Tokyo Dome.Mascara Año 2000 takes Anibal's mask in a memorable match at Arena Mexico.Gordon Scozzari's AWF runs its first shows, including a TV taping in Lowell, MA with some crazy stuff going on, including cameos from DR. MIKE LANO!!!Eric Embry gets a new valet and some new wardrobe in the USWA.New booker Eddie Gilbert lays down the law in the GWF.WCW tours the United Kingd

It's December, and you know what that means: Since Kris and David took the week off, we're bringing you the annual holiday selection of a past Patreon deep dive show a few weeks early. This time, we're bringing you our July 2021 show looking at 2011's "Summer of Punk" in WWE, which ended up being surprisingly topical since news of Punk going to AEW broke around when the show came out. For more than eight years' worth of shows like this, you need to sign up for our Patreon at Patreon.com/BetwenTheSheets.---We’re back to look at something that we knew we couldn’t do justice to on a regular show: 2011’s Summer of Punk storyline. Starting with the announcement that CM Punk’s contract was up  soon and the “pipe bomb” promo, and going through the week that the storyline completely fell apart when Punk returned after just one week off of TV, this is an in-depth look at a wild period in recent wrestling history. Topics include:The angle’s effects (or lack thereof) on various business metri

Kris and David are guestless as we talk about the almost week that was November 29-December 3, 1998. Topics of discussion include:TV Guide doing a major cover story on pro wrestling, complete with four collectable covers featuring Bill Goldberg, Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, and The Undertaker, plus the differences in how both companies promoted this on TV.WCW promoting a very classy tribute show to Brian Hildebrand in Knoxville during his second battle with stomach cancer.The Giant getting arrested in Memphis — the source of THAT mugshot — hours after a Thunder taping.Dana Hall talking to Mike Mooneyham about WCW being an enabler for Scott Hall and helping end their marriage in the process.Nitro and Thunder reports including Chris Jericho losing the TV Title as punishment for not signing a new contract and a major angle in the awesome Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Goldberg feud.Giant Baba being forced to miss shows in AJPW due to what turns out to be the colon cancer that kills him in January.AJW running a big show at Yok

Kris Zellner is joined by Rob Naylor and Charles a.k.a. Loss to discuss the month of November 1989 in the National Wrestling Alliance. We talk about Clash of the Champions IX: New York Knockout in Troy, New York with a completely detailed rundown of the show including the iconic Ric Flair vs. Terry Funk “I Quit” match, plus Jim Cornette turning on the Dynamic Dudes and tons more. We also talk about the NWA TV ratings going up in a big way, Buzz Sawyer entering the promotion, Sid Vicious puncturing his lung, and so much more on a highly entertaining CSC.---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 shows!If you’re l

Kris and David are back to discuss the week that was November 20-26, 2005. Topics of discussion include:Vince McMahon announcing a "strict" drug testing policy in the wake of Eddie Guerrero's death and Nick "Eugene" Dinsmore passing out in a hotel lobby while high on Somas. We have a full transcript of the speech given to the talent — because they posted the video on WWE.com! — and the early reactions.Raw and Smackdown tapings in England while the two rosters are at war with each other as part of the build to Survivor Series.Batista deciding to work through his torn lat muscle, nixing a plans for Randy Orton to win the World Heavyweight Title from him.Some suitably wacky locker room stories about Juventud Guerrera.AJPW doing good business in Tokyo, which was rare at that time.Nigel McGuinness making his debut in NOAH.Toshiaki Kawada working DragonDoor and U-Style in a total contrast of styles.Nu Wrestling Evolution running a big tournament in Italy during the American-style TV wrestling bo

Kris and David are guestless as we discuss the week that was November 13-19, 1992, a Patreon request from Pete Fusco, who threw down a $25 pledge to pick the week of “The Perfect Angle.” Topics of discussion include:A newsworthy WCW Clash of the Champions in Macon, GA as 2 Cold Scorpio makes his debut, Barry Windham turns heel, and there’s a Johnny Gunn/Z-Man video for the damn ages.The Paul E./Madusa saga climaxes at the Clash.Paul Orndorff makes his return to WCW while they talk about his SMW feud with Ron Garvin on WCW TV.New Japan faction warfare is heating up.The Carl Styles glass eye angle makes it's way to Puerto Rico.One of worst indie shows of the era gets reviewed in the Torch.Terry Funk and Eddie Gilbert have a classic on a Dennis Coralluzzo show in New Jersey.Kevin Sullivan cuts a wild promo on SMW TV to formally kick off what ends up being his final run as “the devil.”Bert Prentice brings out "Chip the Firebreaker" in Memphis."Dallas Cowboys Night" for the GWF doesn't turn

David is joined by British wrestling historians Allan Blackstock (@allan_cheapshot), Keith Harris (@glasgowkjh), Tony Earnshaw (@RealErnestARS), and Bradley Craig (@BradleyCraigABZ) to talk about the 2024 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame results...sort of. Allan wanted to do a roundtable and didn't have anyone to record/host it, so David volunteered. It came up on short notice, so he dips in and out while multitasking with Allan leading the panel. We start with a deep dive into the "rest of the world" results before delving into the American categories and beyond, including a fascinating discussion of where everyone stands on Johnny Saint's induction. Enjoy!---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 al

Kris and David are guestless as we discuss the week that was November 6-12, 1988. Topics of discussion include:The WWF's involvement in distributing the Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Donny Lalonde boxing pay-per-view event and what kind of impact it made on the finances of Titan Sports.A special three-hour episode of Prime Time Wrestling on Election Night featuring the Paris card from a month earlier, and what a show this was.Roddy Piper getting candid in an interview plugging “They Live” with the Boston Herald whose critic was a WON subscriber.Tatsumi Fujinami's involvement with several U.S. promotions while NJPW is reportedly looking into buying a territory to use as a developmental circuit.Akira Maeda doing a high profile job in the UWF.Robert Fuller bringing football to Memphis.Sid Vicious joining the Stud Stable in a big way with a very memorable angle.The Memphis/World Class partnership ramping up on Memphis TV.Kerry Von Erich and Col. DeBeers having an unfortunate mishap at the AWA house show in Las Ve