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Professional wrestling is not just about the high-flying moves or the dramatic in-ring confrontations. It’s a world where history, backstage drama, and the personal lives of the athletes intertwine to create an ecosystem of stories that captivate millions of fans worldwide. On the GSMC Wrestling Laureate Podcast, host Eric Rodriguez takes listeners on a journey through the highs and lows of the wrestling world, exploring everything from the latest WWE and AEW events to iconic moments from the past.
In this blog post, we will break down the key moments and discussions from a recent episode of the podcast, offering wrestling fans both new and seasoned a comprehensive review of the latest wrestling news and history. From a WWE Money in the Bank cash-in analysis to unforgettable events in wrestling history, this podcast episode had it all. So, whether you missed the episode or want to relive the action, here’s your go-to guide!
WWE Raw Recap: The GSMC Wrestling Laureate Podcast kicks off by reviewing the latest edition of Monday Night Raw, giving fans a detailed look at the show’s most electrifying moments. From match outcomes to backstage rumors, this segment offers a comprehensive rundown of everything that went down on WWE’s flagship show. One notable storyline discussed was the ongoing drama surrounding Tiffany Stratton and her Money in the Bank briefcase cash-in. With such high stakes, the stakes are only raised—will it be a resounding success, or a major flop? Rodriguez pulls no punches in evaluating whether WWE has hit the mark with this storyline, setting up expectations for future episodes.
AEW Dynamite Preview: As the podcast continues, Eric turns his attention to AEW Dynamite, a show that’s made waves in the wrestling world for its unpredictable nature. Set in Ring Pennsylvania, this episode of AEW was a significant moment for the company, and the podcast provides an early preview of the action that fans can expect. What does this mean for AEW’s future and how does it compare to WWE’s ever-growing presence?
The discussions on these shows reflect the evolving landscape of professional wrestling, with AEW continuing to push boundaries while WWE works on refining its storytelling. For fans of both brands, the podcast offers valuable insights into the competition that drives both promotions.
Clash of the Champions 1990: NWA Thanksgiving Thunder One of the highlights of this episode is the deep dive into wrestling history, with Eric reminiscing about Clash of the Champions 8 held in 1990 in Jacksonville, Florida. The segment not only offers an overview of the event itself but also highlights key wrestlers like Ric and Scott Steiner, as well as the legendary Ric Flair, who headlined the event with a match against Butch Reed.
The podcast offers a fascinating breakdown of the event, which saw Ric Flair defeat Butch Reed after interference from Theodore Long, Ron Simmons, and Arn Anderson. It’s clear that the wrestling world of the late ’80s and early ’90s was dominated by larger-than-life personalities and high-stakes drama, making Clash of the Champions a cornerstone event for fans of that era.
The mention of legends like Ron Simmons, known for his later success in WWE as Farooq, and the Steinem brothers, whose impact continues with the legacy of Bron Breakker, highlights how the stars of yesterday paved the way for today’s superstars. The podcast does a great job of weaving these historical narratives together, illustrating the rich lineage that continues to shape professional wrestling.
WCW BattleBowl 1992: A Randomized Tag Team Tournament Eric Rodriguez also dives into the unique concept of the WCW BattleBowl, a pay-per-view event held in Pensacola, Florida, where wrestlers were randomly paired up for tag team matches. These winners advanced to the Battle Royal at the end of the event, where only one could emerge victorious. The podcast discusses the fascinating matchups that included legends like Vader and Cactus Jack, as well as Brian Knobs and Johnny B. Badd.
The BattleBowl format may have been controversial at the time, but it’s also remembered for creating surprising moments in wrestling history. The episode’s discussion on the event offers insights into how unpredictable elements like this can shake up the wrestling narrative and give fans something truly different from the usual scripted rivalries.
Bull Nakano vs. Alundra Blayze (1994): Women’s Wrestling Milestones In 1994, two trailblazing women faced off for the WWF Women’s Championship in Tokyo, Japan: Bull Nakano and Alundra Blayze. This historic match, which saw Bull Nakano defeat Alundra Blayze to win the title, is remembered for its intensity and technical skill. The podcast highlights how these two women were pivotal in shaping the women’s division in WWE.
Fast forward to a few years ago, and both Nakano and Blayze were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, solidifying their places in wrestling history. This segment not only revisits their rivalry but also underscores how far women’s wrestling has come since that time. The discussion around these legends is a reminder of how wrestling continues to evolve and honor its past while pushing boundaries for future generations.
Jeff Jarrett’s First NWA World Heavyweight Title (2000): The Rise of TNA As the podcast takes a closer look at Jeff Jarrett’s rise to power in TNA, listeners are reminded of his significance in the promotion’s early days. Jeff Jarrett defeated Ron “The Truth” Killings in a hard-fought match to claim his first NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Rodriguez’s insights into Jarrett’s impact on TNA add depth to the conversation, highlighting his role in making the company a legitimate alternative to WWE during the Monday Night Wars.
For those who remember TNA’s early years, hearing about Jarrett’s dominance and his “Triple H-like” status within the company brings a wave of nostalgia. Despite the controversies, Jarrett’s success in TNA set the stage for the promotion’s growth, and his behind-the-scenes role in the company only further solidified his legacy.
The Rock & John Cena vs. Miz & R-Truth (2011): A Historical Showdown The GSMC Wrestling Laureate Podcast also revisits some of WWE’s most iconic Survivor Series matches, particularly the 2011 showdown between The Rock and John Cena versus Miz and R-Truth. This was The Rock’s first WWE match since 2004, and the podcast emphasizes how the match helped to reignite the passion of longtime fans while introducing a new era of stars to the WWE Universe.
Fans were eager to see how The Rock would perform after such a long hiatus, and this match delivered. The camaraderie between Cena and The Rock set the stage for their epic clash at WrestleMania the following year, making this Survivor Series match a cornerstone moment for WWE’s Attitude Era resurgence.
CM Punk’s WWE Championship Win (2011): A Defining Moment Another key highlight from Survivor Series 2011 was CM Punk’s submission victory over Alberto Del Rio to win the WWE Championship. This was a moment of triumph for Punk, whose 434-day reign as champion would go on to become one of the longest in WWE history. The podcast expertly reflects on Punk’s rise to stardom and how his famous “pipe bomb” promo set the stage for his dominant run in the company.
Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar (2016): A Short but Shocking Match In a somewhat divisive discussion, the podcast explores the short, but memorable match between Goldberg and Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series 2016. Goldberg’s shockingly dominant performance, where he defeated Lesnar in just 86 seconds, was met with mixed reactions from fans. While some appreciated the surprise factor, others felt it was a missed opportunity for a more competitive match.
Rodriguez reflects on the backlash from fans, admitting that although the match felt underwhelming, it did offer a stunning moment that would go on to shape the larger narrative between these two legendary wrestlers. The debate around this match continues to linger as one of the most controversial moments in WWE’s modern era.
The GSMC Wrestling Laureate Podcast continues to be an essential resource for wrestling fans looking for in-depth discussions, history lessons, and the latest updates from the world of professional wrestling. Whether you’re a longtime fan of WWE, AEW, or other promotions, this podcast offers a unique perspective on everything from current storylines to iconic moments in wrestling history.
If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to the podcast for daily insights and behind-the-scenes coverage of the wrestling world. Don’t forget to leave a review, engage with the content on social media, and stay tuned to the GSMC Sports Network for more action-packed podcasts!
