Advertise on podcast: Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk

Episode 89: Two Refs Enter, One Ref Leaves In Episode 89 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Two Refs Enter, One Ref Leaves, Greg: Looks at an angle in Dallas in 1954 as referees Otto Kuss and Jim Blood take issue with one another.  Talks about the dating of team matches in wrestling.  Reviews the lack of success of the first team match in Houston.  Looks forward to the Mid South Wrestling Association reviews in 1985 and talks about the spring and summer of tag team main events in Houston. Gives an update on his book, The Texas Rasslin' War(s) of the 1950s.   Invites everyone to attend The Made by New York Women Film Festival in Oneonta, NY, on Friday, March 6, and Saturday, March 7. Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/  Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 88: Two IIs on One In Episode 88 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Two IIs on One, Greg: Reviews the Mid South Wrestling Association's TV shows for April 1984.  Notices how hard the promotion is working to keep the crowds up following the Last Stampede.  Declares the Magnum T.A. project complete and T.A. a full-fledged headliner. Enjoys the babyface AF performance by Terry Taylor.  Wonders why Butch Reed and Buddy Landel would rather embarrass Stagger Lee instead of unmask him.  Laughs at the Superdate at the Superdome contest and its rules.  Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/  Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 87: The Two Ring Battle Royal In Episode 87 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Two Ring Battle Royal, Greg: Welcomes a panel to the show to discuss to top 10 wrestling cities in North America in the 20th century.  Joining Greg on the show are:  Steven Gennarelli, a WWWF fan and expert, who is a popular co-host on John McAdam's Stick to Wrestling Podcast.  Tony Richards, business coach and wrestling historian, who chairs the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel on YouTube and sends out a daily Pro Wrestling Daily Chronicle on Substack.  Brian Solomon, former WWF/E magazine editor, who has written several incredible biographies, including Blood and Fire: The Unbelievable Real-Life Story of Wrestling's Original Sheik, and the new hit Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon.  Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/  Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 86: The Christmas Wrestling Stocking In Episode 86 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Christmas Wrestling Stocking, Greg: Opens up this year's Christmas presents. Celebrates the draft of The Texas Rasslin' War(s) of the 1950s.  Looks at the newest, oldest Houston Wrestling program he owns.  Finds a Texas Rasslin' program from the middle of the war.  Discusses the rise of the women mid-war and how Moolah and Mae were on opposite sides.  Reads the Christmas gifts from Paul Boesch and the gang for Christmas 1974.  If you are interested in voting for Top 10 Wrestling Cities in North America in the 20th century, email your picks to Greg at [email protected].  Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/  Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 85: The HOF Reaction episode   In Episode 85 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The HOF Reaction, Greg: Reacts to another year of disappointing results from the voters in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame elections. Mentions one inductee he thinks is not like the others.  Wonders if we are all being trolled by induction by fiat choices. Laments four lost votes leading to JYD being four votes short.  Resolves to fight another day.  Talks about San Antonio as a wrestling city, including looking at an article about promoter Dorathy Livengood. If you are interested in voting for Top 10 Wrestling Cities in North America in the 20th century, email your picks to Greg at [email protected].  Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/  Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 84: Everybody Loves Paul Boesch?   In Episode 84 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Everybody Loves Paul Boesch?, Greg: Takes on the wrestling truism that everyone loves Houston Wrestling promoter Paul Boesch.  Goes through the list of people we know said negative things about Paul.  Talks about the Jack Pfefer collection and the many letters Paul sent in his early years.  Finds a 1964 letter from Pfefer where he decides Paul is a punk.  Traces the fallout, as other people in the office react to Pfefer's offense.  Talks about Shirley "Lee Sigel" Carringer and her desire to take over Houston Wrestling.  Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/  Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 83: The Museum of Television Episodes   In Episode 83 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Museum of Television Episodes, Greg: Reviews possibly the best month of Mid South Wrestling Association television in its entire history, March 1984, including the countdown  and go home for the Last Stampede.  Looks at all the action, interviews and angles that set up the biggest box office month and second biggest Superdome show in MSWA history.  Marvels at how annoying Jim Cornette has become and just how satisfying it is — even for a fan of the Midnight Express — to see Cornette finally get humiliated. Discusses the knee lift that killed the Dog's Yard and the bicycle mistake that may have kept the Superdome crowd from being the biggest MSWA Dome show ever.  Notes all the body language, symbolism and interviews that make this angle so good.   Enjoys all the tag team action.  Notices a new JYD discovery posted on social media.  Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/  Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 82: Two Cool Cats, Part Two, Morris  In Episode 82 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Two Cool Cats, Part Two, Morris, Greg:  Starts the 2025 campaign for Morris Sigel and the Junkyard Dog Sylvester Ritter to go into the Pro Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.  Talks about the start of the Texas wrestling circuit and how Morris Sigel becomes involved in Houston Wrestling.  Compares Sigel's run in Houston to his protege Paul Boesch.  Talks about the innovations Sigel and his matchmakers brought to the state. Lists some of the biggest names in wrestling who got their start, gimmick or big break in the Houston office.  Talks about the wrestling wars in Texas and the final stats as to who ran the state booking office and for how long.  Compares Sigel's run with the Texas Wrestling Agency to the Dallas booking office's tenure booking the state.  Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/  Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg! Go to https://tinyurl.com/SuperBuds25 to donate to his SuperBuds TV pilot fundraiser.  Go to https://www.tixtree.com/e/glory-days-grapplecon-3-3c855016bd6a to buy tickets to GrappleCon 3 Glory Days. 

Episode 81: Two Cool Cats, Part One, Sylvester  In Episode 81 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Two Cool Cats, Part One, Sylvester, Greg:  Starts the 2025 campaign for Morris Sigel and the Junkyard Dog Sylvester Ritter to go into the Pro Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.  Talks about the historic nature of JYD's push in Mid South, his importance in Houston and New Orleans, the downtown neighborhood of Treme and for the WWF expansion plans.  Looks at JYD's year one in detail again and traces how quickly Ritter goes from not being smart to the business to being a main event wrestler.  Details some of Ritter's best matches in Nashville and Calgary.  Talks about the WWF expansion and VKM's other choices for the top Black star.  Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/  Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg! Go to https://tinyurl.com/SuperBuds25 to donate to his SuperBuds TV pilot fundraiser.  Go to https://www.tixtree.com/e/glory-days-grapplecon-3-3c855016bd6a to buy tickets to GrappleCon 3 Glory Days. 

Episode 80: The Breaking Kayfabe Takeover  In Episode 80 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Breaking Kayfabe Takeover, Greg:  Welcomes Barry Rose to the show for the first time!  Barry gives an update about Breaking Kayfabe with Bowdren & Barry.  Greg and Barry break kayfabe on food, movies, wrestling, relationships and life itself. They discuss the Match of the Week: Feb. 25, 1983 from the Sam Houston Coliseum in Houston, Texas as Chavo Guerrero challenges AWA world champion Nick Bockwinkel in a non-title match.  They marvel at the wonder of pizza, except the one type Greg deems the "pizza they serve you in hell".  They discuss Greg's new favorite wrestling parlor game, "did everyone really like Paul Boesch?"  They end with a look at the 1979 basketball film, "The Fish that Saved Pittsburgh" starring Dr. J. Julius Erving.  Plus, Greg announces his next film project and Barry plugs his next convention.  Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/  Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg! Go to https://tinyurl.com/SuperBuds25 to donate to his SuperBuds TV pilot fundraiser.  Go to https://www.tixtree.com/e/glory-days-grapplecon-3-3c855016bd6a to buy tickets to GrappleCon 3 Glory Days. 

Episode 79: The Hesburgh Visit In Episode 79 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Hesburgh Visit, Greg:  Announces his next wrestling book.  Talks about his visit to Notre Dame's Hesburgh Library to look at the Jack Pfefer Collection.  Explains the process of doing research at the world class sports research library.  Details what he was looking for and what he found and did not find.  Pulls out a few of the artifacts from the visit.  Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/  Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by the Cannabis Culture Film Fest on Sept 5 & 6 at Foothills in Oneonta.  https://filmotsego.org

Episode 78: Escape from Piedras Negras In Episode 78 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Escape from Piedras Negras, Greg:  Talks Hesburgh prep.  Sets the stage for Sterling "Dizzy" Davis as a worker and as a carny and places him in the Texas Wrestling War(s) lineup.  Reads an article from the Texas Historical Society about the 1976 jailbreak from Piedras Negras prison, across the river from Eagle Pass, that is orchestrated by Davis. Updates some Mid South booking and JYD history issues.   Discusses fall publication schedules.  Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/  Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by the Cannabis Culture Film Fest on Sept 5 & 6 at Foothills in Oneonta.  https://filmotsego.org

Episode 77: The Complicated Life & Legacy of Hulk Hogan In Episode 77 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Complicated Life & Legacy of Hulk Hogan, Greg:  Announces a special trip.  Talks about the recent wave of deaths, obviously including WWF champion Hulk Hogan.  Thinks about Hogan's place in American wrestling in the 1980s, 1990s and as an all-time great. Explains his family connection to Hogan's rise, and his feelings on the ups and downs of Hogan's two decades on top.  Talks about the con man behind the Hulk character and how the scandals he mishandled defined his post-ring legacy.  Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/  Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 76: The Television Title Tournament   In Episode 76 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Television Title Tournament, Greg: Reviews television from the Mid South Wrestling Association from Feb. 1984.  Wonders why wrestling promoters could never get tournament brackets formatted correctly.  Talks about how weird it was for a Mid South fan to read about Hacksaw Duggan being a Kevin Sullivan-aligned heel in Florida.  Praises Mr. Ito, the debut of the Rock-n-Roll Express and the tag team of Butch Reed and Buddy Landel. Prepares for the heel turn of Mr. Wrestling II.   Considers if Terry Taylor is the epitome of the wrestling truism about heels being nice guys in real life but babyfaces really being jerks.  Adds more context to the Amarillo decision to book its own world champion in the early 1960s.  Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/  Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day." 

Episode 75: Time Tunnel Crossover  In Episode 75 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Time Tunnel Crossover, Greg: Welcomes Tony Richards back to the show. Greg and Tony ... Discuss the Amarillo territory, touching on the originals and top stars of the west Texas territory.  Look at Doc Sarpolis and his influences in wrestling,  Talk about Tony's Dory Funk Sr. project.  Draw a line from Funk to Ken Lucas to Ricky Morton and the Rock-n-Roll Express. Revisit the 1973 accident that kept Dory Funk Jr. from dropping the NWA title to Jack Brisco.  Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/  Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."