Professional wrestling has always relied on the art of the promo, the spoken word used to captivate an audience and sell tickets. However, in the last decade, the medium through which these stories are told has expanded significantly beyond television screens. Wrestling podcasts have exploded into a massive industry, bridging the gap between the squared circle and the fanbase in ways previously unimaginable. This audio revolution allows fans to peek behind the curtain, destroying the last remnants of kayfabe while simultaneously deepening the appreciation for the art form. Whether you are a fan of WWE, AEW, New Japan, or the territorial days of the 1980s, there is now a dedicated audio show tailored specifically to your interests.
The genesis of this movement can be traced back to the early days of internet radio and the so-called dirt sheets, but the modern era of wrestling podcasting is defined by high production values and celebrity hosts. Gone are the days of grainy audio recorded in basements; today, top-tier podcasts are multimedia enterprises featuring video simulcasts, merchandise lines, and live touring schedules. This shift has turned retired legends and active superstars into media moguls, allowing them to control their own narratives and monetize their legacies long after they have hung up their boots. The accessibility of these shows has democratized wrestling history, making the complex politics of the backstage world as compelling as the matches themselves.
The Conrad Thompson Universe
No discussion about wrestling podcasts is complete without mentioning the impact of Conrad Thompson. As the “Podfather” of the genre, Thompson revolutionized the format by pairing himself with industry titans to dissect their careers with forensic detail. His flagship show, Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard, changed the landscape entirely. By taking deep dives into specific events, wrestlers, or eras, Prichard and Thompson provided an insider’s perspective on the creative decisions of the WWE during its hottest periods. This format proved that fans were hungry for long-form content that lasted three to four hours, dissecting the minutiae of the business.
Following the success of his show with Prichard, Thompson expanded his network to include other heavy hitters. 83 Weeks with Eric Bischoff offers a counter-narrative to the Monday Night Wars, giving the WCW perspective on the battle for ratings supremacy. Meanwhile, What Happened When with Tony Schiavone brought a beloved announcer back into the fold, blending nostalgia with irreverent humor. These shows do not just recount history; they recontextualize it, often sparking new debates and changing how fans view historical figures. The success of this network demonstrates that nostalgia is a powerful currency in the wrestling world, capable of sustaining a massive subscriber base through platforms like AdFreeShows.
The Wrestler-Hosted Interview Format
While Thompson focuses on historical analysis, other legends have taken to the microphone to conduct long-form interviews. Chris Jericho is perhaps the most successful in this arena with Talk is Jericho. Jericho’s ability to reinvent himself extends to podcasting, where he interviews not just wrestlers, but musicians, actors, and conspiracy theorists. However, his wrestling episodes remain the most impactful, often serving as the first platform for released talent to air their grievances or explain their side of the story. The “Jon Moxley episode” of Talk is Jericho remains a historic moment in modern wrestling media, as it arguably set the stage for the rise of AEW.
Similarly, Stone Cold Steve Austin carved out a significant niche with The Steve Austin Show. While he has pulled back from a weekly schedule in recent years, his influence on the genre is undeniable. His conversational style, mixed with his legendary status, allowed guests to lower their guards. This format was eventually adapted into the WWE Network’s Broken Skull Sessions, proving that the podcast format had become so influential that the WWE itself had to adopt it as premium programming. These shows provide a human element to the larger-than-life characters fans see on TV, discussing the struggles of the road, injuries, and the creative frustrations inherent in the industry.
Active Roster Podcasting
Initially, podcasting was the domain of the retired or the independent, but the walls have crumbled, and active superstars are now major players in the audio space. The New Day’s podcast, Feel the Power, offered a rare glimpse into the camaraderie of active WWE talent, discussing everything from racial equality in wrestling to video games. Currently, stars like Logan Paul have utilized their massive existing platforms like Impaulsive to cross-pollinate mainstream audiences with wrestling fans. This integration helps wrestlers build their personal brands independent of the promotions they work for, giving them leverage in contract negotiations and a safety net for their post-wrestling careers.
The Role of Wrestling Journalists
Parallel to the wrestler-hosted shows are the journalist-driven podcasts that focus on news, scoops, and critical analysis. Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer have been the gold standard for decades. Wrestling Observer Radio serves as a daily news update for the hardcore fanbase, analyzing ratings, ticket sales, and backstage politics. These podcasts serve a different function: they are the watchdogs of the industry. They provide context to the on-screen product, explaining why a wrestler is being pushed or why a storyline was abruptly dropped. For the “smart” fan, these shows are essential listening to understand the business mechanics behind the entertainment.
Other journalists like Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful and Mike Johnson of PWInsider have also built massive followings through breaking news podcasts. In an era where spoilers are rampant, these podcasts feed the 24-hour news cycle. They often host post-show reviews immediately following Monday Night Raw, SmackDown, or AEW Dynamite, allowing fans to vent their frustrations or celebrate great matches in real-time. This immediate feedback loop has actually influenced booking decisions, as promoters are now more tuned in to the collective voice of the internet wrestling community than ever before.
The Critics and Shock Jocks
No article on wrestling podcasts would be accurate without addressing the polarizing figure of Jim Cornette. The Jim Cornette Experience and The Drive-Thru are among the most listened-to sports podcasts in the world. Cornette’s critique of modern wrestling, particularly his disdain for “comedy wrestling” and dangerous high spots, has created a cult-like following. While controversial, his encyclopedic knowledge of wrestling history and his mastery of the English language make for compelling, albeit often abrasive, audio. He represents the “old school” mentality, clashing violently with modern sensibilities, which generates massive engagement and debate across social media.
Fan-Driven and Comedy Podcasts
Beyond the insiders, there is a thriving ecosystem of fan-hosted podcasts that focus on humor, community, and reviews. Shows like OSW Review (Old School Wrestling Review) have gained legendary status by reviewing classic (and terrible) pay-per-views with a comedic twist. They have created their own lexicon of inside jokes that have permeated the wider wrestling culture. Similarly, The Lapsed Fan casts a deep, often painful, literary eye on the history of WrestleMania and Starrcade. These podcasts prove that you do not need to be in the business to create compelling content about it; passion and chemistry are often enough to build a loyal audience.
The Business Model: Patreon and Monetization
The financial impact of wrestling podcasts cannot be overstated. The introduction of Patreon has allowed content creators to bypass traditional advertising models and receive direct support from listeners. In exchange, fans receive ad-free episodes, bonus content, and video versions of the shows. This model has proven incredibly lucrative for mid-level creators who may not have the mass appeal of a Chris Jericho but have a dedicated niche following. It has turned podcasting from a hobby into a full-time career for many wrestling analysts and historians, creating a sub-economy within the wrestling industry.
Impact on Kayfabe and Storytelling
The ubiquity of these podcasts has fundamentally altered how wrestling stories are told. Because fans now know the real-life friendships and conflicts behind the scenes, promotions like AEW and WWE often lean into this “meta” knowledge. Storylines often reference things said on podcasts, blending reality with fiction. For example, CM Punk’s grievances aired on podcasts became central themes in his return to wrestling and subsequent feuds. The podcast ecosystem acts as a secondary narrative layer, adding depth to the television product for those willing to seek it out.
The Video Simulcast Evolution
While audio remains the core, the visual component has become increasingly vital. Most major wrestling podcasts now film their recording sessions for YouTube or Spotify Video. Seeing the facial expressions of a host like The Undertaker or Steve Austin adds a layer of intimacy to the conversation. Clips from these podcasts are sliced up and distributed as “Shorts” or TikToks, serving as viral marketing that draws younger fans into the long-form content. This multimedia approach ensures that wrestling podcasts remain relevant in an algorithm-driven digital landscape.
In conclusion, wrestling podcasts have transformed from a niche hobby for internet super-fans into a dominant force in sports media. They serve as historical archives, news outlets, therapy sessions for wrestlers, and entertainment hubs for fans. Whether you are listening to Bruce Prichard defend the screwjob, Jim Cornette yell at the clouds, or Dave Meltzer analyze quarter-hour ratings, the audio landscape is vast and varied. As the wrestling business continues to evolve, these podcasts will remain the primary vessel for documenting its history and shaping its future.
