Advertise on podcast: The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling

This week on The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling, we went full Steve Irwin (too soon?) Marlon Perkins (too late?) National Geographic (too litigious?) wildlife documentary. From psychologically weaponized reptiles to beloved avian sidekicks, we built our definitive Mount Rushmore of actual non-human animals in wrestling history. No Road Warrior Animal. No Dave "The Animal" Bautista. Not even Mr. Iguana. Just real animals, real chaos, and real human emotion. About animals. Come sink your teeth into this episode! ** SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS Bobby Heenan's wildlife rant Boogeyman’s scariest moments: WWE Top 10, Oct. 24, 2021 - YouTube WWE Hall of Fame: Koko B. Ware Frankie's FindAGrave Koko B. Ware on Frankie's death Jake the Snake Roberts and Damien Jake The Snake Roberts on the Many Different Versions of Damien Earthquake squashes Damien Jake Roberts on Earthquake crushing Damien! All of Eric's links on Matilda: DEBUT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCAXFUIQcNo HEENAN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtwrFx1OWQE DOGNAP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfrkEBewv94  PLEA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HOnkI1Q9wU  UPDATE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lOqef0ekUc UPDATE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-zrQTt_dfk PROMO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XT_npqvWXc  PRESS CONF: https://youtu.be/HG75o0NZLgc?si=9_vQsJYjO1v72eh9&t=259 UECKER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP-zbOU7Erg PROMO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdeDQqnSE9c  DOLL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkpugDOKc9c A special feature on rats * A gorilla and a weasel talking about rats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPlQebt9HAw  * Jim Cornette and Percy Pringle talking about rats at the Sportatorium: https://youtu.be/LMXTkDdjwig?si=mGV8oD5EEkDZrn1j&t=1545 (end at “ready to see rasslin’”) ** WEBSITE, SOCIAL MEDIA & EMAIL Website: https://themountrushmoreofwrestling.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/123rushmore Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/123rushmore X: https://x.com/123rushmore YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@123Rushmore  Email: [email protected]

When pro wrestling and Hollywood collide, the results can be… ugly. But when it works, it creates iconic characters, endlessly quotable lines, and moments that live forever in pop culture. In this episode of The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling, Eric and Nate debate the four greatest movie performances by professional wrestlers—not just cameos, but roles that worked, mattered, and didn’t embarrass the business. They also welcome Chris Owens, the foremost Andre the Giant historian, for an all-time deep dive into The Princess Bride, Andre’s physical limitations, and why Fezzik might be the most important crossover role a wrestler has ever had. Do YOU have time to bleed? Of course not! But do you have time to listen? We certainly hope so. The Big Debates What separates a great wrestler in a movie from a great movie performance?Do cameos count—or should they be disqualified entirely?Which performances helped wrestling… and which hurt it? As always, the arguments are passionate, informed, and very loud.

The Doctors of Podanomics are back to wrap up their convo on the Mount Rushmore of John Cena! What match did Eric try sneaking up the side of his mountain? How did Nate take the news? Which of Cena's possibly greatest all-time opponents gets a nod, and which match does Eric think is Cena's greatest of all time? You can't see us, but you can hear us, so listen up, fools! ** BOB COOK GOFUNDME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-cooker-bob-cook-recover ** SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS FULL MATCH: Randy Orton vs. John Cena | WWE Title WWE Iron Man Match: Bragging Rights 2009

His time is up, but our time is NOW! Time, that is, for Nate and Eric to discuss the Mount Rushmore of John Cena. Over his 23-year WWE career, yes, he's had his ups and downs in the ring--and with the crowd--but the ups were HUGE, and we're here to discuss them. Which matches were not just high quality, but high drama, high stakes, high crowd involvement, and probably even surprised us in some way? These are the matches that might make the cynical fan think, "I didn't know he had it in him!" Well guess what: He did, and we can see them. This is a two-parter leading up to John Cena's last match vs. GUNTHER at Saturday Night's Main Event on Dec. 13; enjoy this episode and keep an eye out for part two. *** BOB COOK GOFUNDME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-cooker-bob-cook-recover *** SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS: CM Punk - WWE Raw 06-27-11 Epic Promo Pipebomb The Rock and John Cena agree to meet at WrestleMania 28: WWE Raw "F You Cena, You Can't Wrestle, Boo Yay Boo Yay": https://www.peacocktv.com/watch/playback/vod/GMO_00000000375171_01/65b3abd2-ea3b-3119-a358-7c145de2260a

Happy Thanksgiving! Your two favorite turkeys talk about the most amazing two on two matches--some might call tag team matches--in pro wrestling history. The context, the drama, the players, the historical significance, the matches we still talk about today because they're the standard bearers of the sub-genre of tag team wrestling within the genre-genre of professional wrestling. For whom would you need to overseas to watch their best matches? Or have ordered a low-buyrate pay-per-view? Or been alive 70-plus years ago? Or been a smelly ROH fan 18 years ago? (Hey, we were both that.) Tag, you're in--listen and find out! ** SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS: From the New York Times itself: https://www.nytimes.com/1957/11/20/archives/wrestling-ends-in-riot-at-garden-2-policemen-hurt-as-fans-storm.html  Future friend of the show Javier Ojst writes this: https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/1957-msg-riot/  Toshiaki Kawada & Akira Taue (THE HOLY DEMON ARMY) vs. Mitsuharu Misawa & Kenta Kobashi (June 9, 1995): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2OLvGT5ROU  El Hijo del Santo & Octagon vs. Eddy Guerrero & Love Machine Art Barr: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=603U_62GeSg  No Mercy 2002: Tag Team Championship Promo - YouTube FULL MATCH: Briscoes vs Kevin Steen & El Generico LADDER WAR! 9/15/2007 ROH Man UP | Hidden Classics Manami Toyota & Toshiyo Yamada vs. Mayumi Ozaki & Dynamite Kansai 2/3 Falls Match (AJW 11/26/92) match

(Don't forget to rate and review our show, wherever you get our show!) Ah, the pro wrestling referee. Often vilified, rarely vindicated, frequently blamed for not catching the heel wrestlers cheat... but in reality, the unsung heroes--the heartbeat--of professional wrestling. If it weren't for the referee, how would wrestlers know to throw an opponent out of the ring and mug for the hard camera right before a commercial break? Who would throw up the "X" when a wrestler breaks his ankle? Even more, who would ask a wrestler if they want to submit, count them out of the ring, disqualify them for breaking the rules, or count a wrestler's shoulders to the mat--1, 2, 3? Referees play an important role in the drama of a wrestling match. But who were the best of the best? Which referees were trusted with the money-drawing main events? Who were on our television sets for years if not decades due to their skills? Who created their own memorable moments or trademarks? (Or who infringed on trademarks and sold knockoff T-shirts in the parking lot?) Nate and Eric count down their Mount Rushmores of Referees... make a clean break and listen! *** SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS: When Earl Hebner Fought Back! The Rock & Earl Hebner Vs DX Part 1 - SMACKDOWN! Tony Schiavone accuses Referee Nick Patrick of being in the NWO! 1996 (WCW) Nick Patrick On Being The nWo Heel Referee The greatest run in WrestleMania history Charles Robinson: WWE's GOAT Referee On Brutal Bumps, His Viral Ramp Run, Iconic Matches, John Cena Red Shoe Unno Diaries Jim Cornette on Tommy Young: https://youtu.be/vtVG7ulUMdo?si=Sookunvxvopy6JE-&t=95  Arn Anderson on Tommy Young: https://youtu.be/NBT57Kv_uBk?si=OQjXcpZiAwky2vgi&t=31  Ric Flair on Tommy Young: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DwKVUmO6Tw  Shawn Michaels paying tribute to Earl Hebner: https://youtu.be/TTArBJAVZog?si=sELvKXvw5F5uqYQl&t=230  Bret Hart on Earl… oops! https://youtu.be/U9ob-BZnhBQ?si=sSpJI4lEvsGam8XB&t=4309  Steve Austin on if Earl Hebner should go into the Hall of Fame: https://youtu.be/JiUTwJP-7mE?si=u28X9gNg_cyALs2F&t=19

Hello, boys and ghouls! (Not sure any ghouls listen to this show.) It's Halloween, so Eric tricked Nate into giving you listeners this treat: It's the Mount Rushmore of Scariest Wrestlers! But as psychotic, blood-thirsty, and stark-raving mad as these wrestlers were, our guests this week are anything but: Barbara Goodish, none other than the wife of Bruiser Brody, joins us to talk about her beloved husband.Brian R. Solomon, author of "Blood and Fire," talks about that book's subject matter, The Sheik.Evan Ginzburg, associate producer of "The Wrestler" and "350 Days," joins us to reminisce about Ox Baker.Tony Richards, all-around historian and host of the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel, talks "The Madman from the Sudan," Abdullah the Butcher. If Nate and Eric didn't already scare you out of your pants, these guests will. Tuuuuuuune iiiinnnnnn.... if you dare!!!!!!!!!!! Muahahahahahaha!!!! ** SHOW NOTES: "Brody" by Barbara Goodish: https://amzn.to/3LCLy1h "Blood and Fire" by Brian R. Solomon: https://amzn.to/4nz8z2F "Irresistible Force" by Brian R. Solomon: https://amzn.to/43MT5km "Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets" by Evan Ginzburg: https://amzn.to/3LemZI0 Tony Richards' Substack - "Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel" - https://tonyrichards4.substack.com/ Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyRichards

Before first-class flights, before tour buses, and before chartered planes, professional wrestlers spent hours and hours traveling miles and miles on the road. What would it have been like to be a passenger in those cars? Listening to guys rebook the territory... passing them cans of beer... getting pulled over and the boys being recognized by the cops who suddenly mark out and want to get pictures with their favorite wrestlers... who would make the best road trip buddies in pro wrestling? Nate and Eric discuss, so let us take the wheel while you listen in! Order "Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon" by Brian R. Solomon: https://amzn.to/3WT8fAI ** SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS Steve Austin Shoots on Dallas Page - YouTube The Very Best Of Bobby The Brain Heeenan Wrestling Commentary Gold #WWF #WCW Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov host a tea party with Sheamus in England: Raw, Nov. 8, 2010 Santino Marella On Mispronouncing Names, Stone Cold, The Cobra, Comedy Wrestling, TNA Sting joins the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2016: Raw, January 11, 2016 Jim Cornette at Dairy Queen: https://youtu.be/qVZAa1kxngw?si=Hk_voOzuFN4DIChg&t=80 Cornette and Percy Pringle 1: https://youtu.be/o7Cg1N4AMFw?si=V8FYlpHwyAtbPn9b&t=223 Cornette and Percy Pringle 2: https://youtu.be/kzMe_6UUod8?si=2-4iGKZn5mtULP0S&t=267 JBL tells road stories about him and Ron Simmons: https://youtu.be/R__wy1Z2IF0?si=htCK_CELlBhZj9bu&t=30

In this episode of The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling, Eric and Nate welcome author and wrestling historian Brian R. Solomon—former WWF Magazine and WWE.com writer, current journalist, and host of Shut Up and Wrestle. Brian joins the show to discuss his new book, Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon, a definitive look at one of wrestling’s most respected figures inside and outside the ring. From Gorilla’s unexpected path from the squared circle to the commentary booth, to the stunning revelation that he was once earmarked to take over the WWF from Vince McMahon Sr., Brian shares his deep research, interviews, and personal insights into what made Gorilla Monsoon both a giant in stature and a giant in legacy. The conversation explores: Brian’s lifelong love of writing and wrestlingHow WrestleMania III sparked his fandomThe lost archives of 1960s wrestling footage and how historians preserve the pastWhat might have happened if Gorilla had inherited the companyThe making of Irresistible Force and the surprising “gorilla-isms” appendix fans demanded Brian also opens up about what didn’t make the book—including Gorilla’s old-school values and a telling story from a party at Hulk Hogan’s house. Listen for: Brian's Mount Rushmore of wrestling play-by-play announcers, the secret side of Gorilla Monsoon, and the enduring art of telling wrestling’s greatest stories. Get Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4oeNhIs Follow Brian R. Solomon: 🎧 Shut Up and Wrestle podcast — wherever you get your podcasts💬 Twitter / Instagram: @BrianRSolomon💻 Patreon: patreon.com/shutupandwrestle

Pro wrestling’s play-by-play announcers have shaped how we remember the biggest matches and wildest moments, turning our absurd fascination into lasting memories. From thunderous calls to smooth credibility to down-home honesty, these voices were the soundtrack of wrestling history. On this episode of The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling, Eric and Nate ask: Who belongs on the ultimate monument of play-by-play announcers? Which voices defined eras, elevated stars, and connected fans to the action like no one else? And which near-misses and honorable mentions sparked the fiercest debate? Listen in! ** SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS ** Jim Ross' Greatest Calls: "Shaking Hands With Satan Himself!" Jim Ross Being A National Treasure For 25 Minutes Straight Heenan Tributes Monsoon Gorilla Monsoon & Bobby Heenan: Laughing Compilation Lance Russell Tribute 1926-2017 Gordon Solie: WWE Hall of Fame Video Package [Class of 2008] Ric Flair on Solie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOz2Q9f8r1w  Kevin Sullivan on Solie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FsrGELy9AM   Best of Lance Russell Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTS3JDUwzD0&list=PLrceIZkpzcEtdd-LRQj_NyQV_dGG0a4G5  Jim Cornette and Jerry Lawler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWfwiiQ7eNw Tons of Joey Styles links: Shane Douglas: https://youtu.be/6cyPCx80e98?si=7tEyXIo9u-IaW5wf&t=87 to 4:55, kinda long RVD: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qZPhkPeXm5U  Stevie Richards: https://youtu.be/lKsXHPJI1E4?si=RVN2QEoN-gXa6QGe&t=11  Jim Ross: https://youtu.be/i-yTV81EfOM?si=jlkxVjM5S57G91DR&t=103 to 2:12 "One Night Stand" intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deqJCOsqjqU

IMPORTANT NOTE: In this episode, I (Eric) was struggling to think of another way of saying a wrestler was being held down in terms of booking, and, like an idiot, I made a “put a knee on his neck” reference. I swear there was something else on my mind, but I couldn’t think of it, like a body part on another body part. And in my haste and confusion, I said it again. And as I was saying it, I felt 10 times stupider. I really do apologize for making that reference. I think the real-life scenario was absolutely awful, and I’m dumb for using it as an analogy for anything, let alone on this show. Isn't it frustrating to see a pro wrestler on your screen who you know has the whole package: they can wrestle, they can talk, they don't look like a schlub, and they clearly want to grab that brass ring... but the front office keeps yoinking it away. When the gap between ability and booking is too hard to overcome, you've got an underutilized wrestler, and that's what Nate and Eric discuss in this episode. Who are the shoulda woulda couldas of pro wrestling--the ones who were around but not used as well or as much as they should have been? Who had more than just potential but *proof* that they could go, but they weren't allowed? Listen in and find out! ** SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS Larry Zbyszko on Lord Steven Regal in WCW Arn Anderson On Why William Regal Ranks In His Top Ten RVD on Bam Bam Bigelow The perfect Mr. Perfect Tribute Video Jim Cornette on If The Great Muta Could Have Been A Babyface World Champion Shane Douglas on Why Great Muta is so Respected

When you're a huge, dorky, nerdy wrestling fan like Nate and Eric, you often end up where the wrestlers are. In this episode, the guys remember their favorite interactions with professional wrestlers over the years. At the arenas, conventions, halls of fame, airports, parking lots... even over the phone? Listen in for some incredible, ridiculous brushes with pro wrestling greatness. ALSO: "The Tecmo Bowl" documentary lawsuit has been dropped, and the trailer is back up and live on YouTube! Watch Nate superkick a steel chair into Eric's face, among other Tecmo footage, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAaVt4Waceo SHOW NOTES: Bruiser Brody vs Bulldog Bob Brown Feud. 1986 IPW - Woodward Academy Highlights - Nov 15, 2014 Eric's "artistic success and financial failure" only show he's ever promoted: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-HMdFFqQAw&list=PLidcTPhAYcQuyKTEyW4yQZMp_fXQwu8c3&pp=gAQB

We're back! We're here, we're finally not too tired to record, and we're chatting about what we did during our eight-or-so-week hiatus this summer. What kept Nate and Eric busy? Who reached out wondering if we were OK? And what's coming in the near (and a little farther out) future with the boys and the show? Stay tuned! ** SHOW NOTES Public Access Wrestling, our basement wrestling league from high school: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCqAUynM2is "The Tecmo Bowl" documentary IMDB listing: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15366926/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1 Eric's silly commercial for his copywriting book: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ericdnelsonin_what-did-i-do-oh-yeah-i-wrote-a-book-activity-7357026928911900672-K6iH?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAPx49cBslTS-ggU2qoPdbIifARrs6eZFGY Tragos/Thesz Hall of Fame: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeTragosLouTheszProWrestlingHallOfFame/

Get ready for a blazing conversation as this week's episode sparks an explosive debate: Who belongs on the Mount Rushmore of Pyro in pro wrestling? From fireballs to fireworks, we’re breaking down the entrances that lit up arenas—and left lasting impressions. We’re talking fiery finishes, iconic eruptions, and the flames that fueled larger-than-life characters. Whether you're into hellfire, spark curtains, or smoke-breathing spectacles, this one brings the heat. Tune in for bold picks, hot takes, and maybe a few sick burns along the way. SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS Baptista: https://youtu.be/fWaCzY5xf8A?si=aWA3O7twdB_jm33k&t=242 A fan sneaks backstage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeTMkRKqmkw Duane Gill "Gillberg" entrance on RAW 1/11/1999 - YouTube That's gotta be... that's gotta be KANE! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASmdxXaOzd4 Kane New entrance 2012 - YouTube Kane's Pyro Scared Coach Out Of His Chair  YouTube The Brood's Gothic Entrance The Brood Entrance Was DANGEROUS  Gangrel Explains The Brood’s EPIC Entrance  Bill Goldberg's Greatest entrance - YouTube Batista's Epic Entrance on RAW (Oct. 6, 2008) - YouTube Edge returns at the Royal Rumble 2020: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrLt2KGRMPs Edge uses all the pyro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GFVJHCF0UQ Edge's WrestleMania 24 entrance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRDZCg69lj8 Booker T's best entrance (of thousands): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuSMA0fxVNw

Not all heroes wear capes, not all kings wear crowns—and in pro wrestling, some don’t even want them. This week, Eric and Nate climb the royal mountain to name their Mount Rushmore of the King of the Ring. Who used the tournament to launch a legendary career? Who embraced the gimmick and ruled with an iron fist? And who just beat a few guys and vanished into the midcard wilderness? We’re breaking down which winners truly wore the crown—and which ones just kept the cape warm. We’re talking tournament performances, character transformations, long-term booking impact, and that promo that changed wrestling forever. All hail the kings—just maybe not Mabel. (R.I.P.) Got your own picks? Hit us up and let us know who you’d crown. ** SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS Owen Hart makes history: King of the Ring 1994 - YouTubeThe reign of King Booker: WWE PlaylistKing Booker Was Hilariously Entertaining  - YouTubeWho remembers KING BOOKAAAAHHH? https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BLOiRBQIploIs King Booker the greatest king ever? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIGyYwLzjksBret Hart vs. Bam Bam Bigelow: King of the Ring 1993 - YouTubeRemind me, what did Austin 3:16 say? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjWPoQWdmjg