BTS Extra is up on the @btsheetspod.bsky.social feed covering THE ATROCITY KRULE and WrestleMania week bullshit. This ended up being a terrible idea but you'll probably still enjoy it! redcircle.com/shows/f0ecb9...
We are truly back in the saddle again and this show is quite the damn show as we look at Jerry Lawler's Torch Talk from July 2001 and he was VERY candid on many subjects regarding his departure from the WWF at the time
Patreon Ep. #114: The Royal Scam (Part 3) It's Tuesday, and you know what that means (at least for this week): We're dropping the Patreon show as soon as possible after recording it to make up for lost time! We continue our series on Jerry Lawler and Stacy Carter's 2001 departures from the WWF by venturing into June and July with a show that's largely centered on Wade Keller's Torch Talk interview with Lawler. Topics of discussion include: Lawler claiming that he found out that his and Stacy's meeting with Hugh Hefner, which wasn't a secret, was somehow interpreted by the WWF office as trying to do a Sable-style end-run around the company despite Jerry swearing that the WWF set up the meeting. Lawler also blaming Memphis Championship Wrestling promoter Terry Golden (and possibly Kevin Kelly as his emissary in the WWF office) for spreading a lot of rumors that probably contributed to Stacy's firing. Wade's questioning being so careful, detailed, and lawyerly that it sure seems like he's heard something about the stolen sex tapes/photos rumors by this point. The politics of the "Attitude Era" WWF women's locker room. Stacy and Chyna's relationship quickly deteriorating when Stacy got engaged to Lawler at the same time Triple H left Chyna for Stephanie McMahon. Why aren't we hearing from Stacy throughout this whole mess, anyway? Lawler's talks with the WWF about he and Stacy returning with Lawler becoming the WCW color commentator alongside lead announcer Scott Hudson. Lawler's explanation of his Mancow appearance that was widely summarized as him saying that Stephanie McMahon slept with Bruce Prichard and why Lawler's version actually makes sense. A line of questioning from Wade that, with the hindsight of what he wrote less than three weeks later about Paul Heyman flooding wrestling news websites with emails from burner accounts demanding the ECW be added to the invasion storyline, makes it obvious he suspects Heyman made a similar move to push Lawler out.
New @btsheetspod.bsky.social Patreon show is part 3 of our series on Jerry Lawler & Stacy Carter's 2001 WWF departures! Wade Keller clearly knows things he can't report yet, ?s Re: Chyna or Paul Heyman pushing the Lawlers out, & more.
Just $5.00/month or $50.40/year at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets!
Center Stage Chronicles Ep. #23: March 1991 Kris Zellner is joined by Rob Naylor and Our Good Buddy Charles as we discuss the month of March 1991 in the world of World Championship Wrestling and pop culture at large. Topics of discussion include: Barry Windham kinda sorta teasing leaving the Four Horsemen. The greatness of Buddy Landel shining through right as he gets fired by the promotion for being Budro. The NEVER-ENDING Z-Man vs. Terrence Taylor goes on for yet another month. Bobby Eaton finally turning babyface. The debut of the Mr. Hughes gimmick. Marc Mero makes his debut, getting killed by Sid Vicious. Rodney King gets assaulted by the LAPD in a story that will have a major impact later on. The greatness of The KLF. Owen Hart and One Man Gang make their WCW debuts. “Studs,” hosted by Marc DeCarlo, makes its TV debut in syndication. The first discussion of Sid Vicious leaving for the WWF being a real possibility. New Japan and WCW co-promote "Starrcade ’91 at the Tokyo Dome,” featuring the controversial Ric Flair vs. Tatsumi Fujinami NWA World Heavyweight Title change. Donnie Wahlberg and Danny Bonaduce doing bad boy things. The reason why Owen Hart's WCW stint only lasted a few weeks. We thought this was a great show and we hope you do too!!!
New Center Stage Chronicles on the @btsheetspod.bsky.social feed covering March 1991! Owen Hart's brief WCW run, Buddy Landel does Budro things, Starrcade '91 in the Tokyo Dome/Japan Supershow I with the infamous split of the WCW & NWA World Heavyweight Titles, & more. redcircle.com/shows/f0ecb9...
Patreon Ep. #114: The Royal Scam (Part 2) It's Friday, and you know what that (finally) means (again: Part 2 of our look at Jerry Lawler and Stacy Carter's 2001 departures from the WWF, the media circus around it, and how it all spiraled into the dissolution of their marriage. Topics of discussion include: Lawler's return to Memphis Power Pro Wrestling providing a big ratings boost despite it also causing the end of the MPPW/WWF relationship. Lawler not getting his official release until after the WCW purchase. Lawler on Wrestling Observer Live on eYada, where he reads a letter he wrote to Vince McMahon and expresses concern that his and Stacy's friendship with Triple H and Chyna contributed to Stacy's firing stemming from the fallout of Triple H leaving Chyna from Stephanie McMahon. Was Stacy fired to "send a message" that "no one is expendable" to Chyna? The Honky Tonk Man enters the fray with a letter to the Observer in The Readers' Pages. Lawler putting off signing his release. Issues at WMC-TV 5 bring Power Pro Wrestling to an end. ...and much more.
New @btsheetspod.bsky.social Patreon show is part 2 of our look at Jerry Lawler and Stacy Carter's 2001 WWE departures! Lawler returns to Power Pro right before it implodes, Honky Tonk Man enters the fray, sheet speculation, & more.
Just $5.00/month or $50.40/year at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets!
Here's the text update we posted on Patreon eartlier; we get more detailed on the audio. (Where we also congratulate Steve Corino on his recent nuptials.) Plus we get into more details on how soon the banked Patreon show will come out, as well as Center Stage Chronicles among other things. But just listen to the audio to get the full update: First off: Apologies for forgetting to post this here previously. But based on the numbers, it looks like you guys mostly saw the social media updates, and we greatly appreciate the continued support, especially under the circumstances. David's been dealing with some medical issues (of the constant conflicting diagnoses kind, and we'll leave it at that for now), but the hope is that we can get back to at least the normal Patreon schedule in the next week or so. (We have Lawler/Kat part 2 already recorded from before everything went haywire, to boot.) Main show is still a little shakier, but Kris and I are gonna record a quick audio update to post on the main feed shortly. We may ease back in with a modified format, but once we're back at full power, all queued Patreon picks will be up first. Nobody's going to have to wait a year for the week to come back around or anything like that. And then we'll move back to the regular schedule once we get those done. Again, all of the well wishes and continued support are greatly appreciated. It means a lot. At least on here, you can expect more content at the normal schedule in a matter of days at the most. Appreciate all of you. We may not have the numbers of a current wrestling-focused podcast like The Flagship or a bigger nostalgia show like Lapsed Fan, but you've still pushed us to a level where we routinely get offered early access to new creator features and things like that are reserved for top creators. So we're doing something right, it seems, and at least behind this paywall, things are about to get back to normal.
We've got a @btsheetspod.bsky.social audio update up on the free feed that lays out our roadmap for how we're getting back to posting new content in the coming days, starting on the Patreon. (Also @davidbix.bsky.social's current comfort song becomes even more obvious.) redcircle.com/shows/f0ecb9...
The other next step, besides posting an update of some kind on the Patreon because I realize I never actually posted anything other than on social media, is probably to record a quick audio update of some kind so there's something in the RSS feed. IDK if it'll be solo or w/ @kriszellner.bsky.social.
It's nothing embarrassing or anything like that, but being that I still don't really know what's going on, it doesn't seem like there's any point in giving more details for now. If you're able to, please continue to support the Patreon, but as always we understand if you need to take a month off.
More candidly, whatever is going on has left me exhausted and needing to lie down after longer phone calls with friends and family members. So the next move is probably to find the right day this week to see if @kriszellner.bsky.social can carry me through a Patreon show recording and go from there.
Update 🧵 Re: @btsheetspod.bsky.social:
I'm not going to get into all the details, but I've been getting repeated conflicting assessments from different doctors about what's been causing the symptoms that's made it difficult for me to do the podcast. Hoping to have more answers relatively soon. 1/?
Since we hadn't given an official update: @davidbix.bsky.social has been dealing with an emergency that disrupted the already planned disruptions to the schedule. As soon as that's fully dealt with, things should start to get back to normal.
Yes, we're aware of the editing issues with the WWF section on the latest episode. Will attempt to dig in to the master files later and repost a fixed version. (Barring something weird like missing files for the corrected version of the segment.)
Patreon Ep. #114: The Royal Scam (Part 1) Creator profile picture Between the Sheets Just now New Edit Kris threw down the gauntlet, so here we go: The first entry in a series that looks back 25 years at the WWF firing Stacy "The Kat" Carter for what was publicly presented as having no adequately explained reason, husband Jerry Lawler quitting in solidarity, Paul Heyman replacing Lawler on color commentary, and the eventualy Lawler/Carter split. Topics of discussion in part 1, which covers March 2001, include: The various explanations for Stacy's firing that don't really have any connection to each other and largely feel made up. The elephant in the room from what we learn later: When did they find out that someone was threatening or attempting to revenge porn Carter? Would the WWF of 2001 have handled it anything like how the WWE of the mid-2010s-on has? If it was disciplinary, why wasn't Stacy warned? Lawler booking and advocating for the Kat/RTC storyline himself, and the heat it could have gotten him. The end of the WWF/Memphis Power Pro Wrestling agreement since Lawler was more valuable to Randy Hales than the WWF developmental talent. Could the WWF have been taking issue with the surprisingly racy "Kat Kam" photos on Lawler's website? ...and more. Next time: The Honky Tonk Man gets involved, and that just scratches the surface.
New on @btsheetspod.bsky.social's Patreon: Our first entry in a series on 2001's real life soap opera that was Stacy Carter's WWF firing for no apparent reason, husband Jerry Lawler quitting in solidarity, and all hell breaking loose.
Just $5.00/month or $50.40/year at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets
It's belated as we feared it might be, but the latest Patreon show is out, this time examining how heavyweight pro boxer Tommy Morrison's purported 1996 diagnosis of being HIV positive influenced the wrestling world among other sporting endeavors. Topics of discussion include: Yes, we know in 2026 that you probably can't get HIV from, a double juice match unless you're sharing sharp bloody objects. The timing of blood suddenly no-go for wrestling, as WCW was hyping blood, the WWF was hyping an "accidental" bloody match, and ECW was ECW. Guess who drops the blade first: Yes, it's ECW. All sprts of reflections on the value of the blade. David's own reporting from 2016 revealing that Morrison was HIV+ since 1989 and hid it from regulators for years. All that and much more on the new Patreon show! Next time: Kris decided we need to go down the entire Jerry Lawler/Stacy Carter roller coaster from 2001. That'll take a few weeks...
New @btsheetspod.bsky.social Patreon special looks at the fallout that boxer Tommy Morrison's HIV+ test result had on pro wrestling and sports in general. (All while Magic Johnson started his return...)
You can grab this and so much more exclusive audio at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets!
Show will be up later.
Please keep in mind though that overnight has never been the official release window. It's always been "Monday." And when the real world intervenes in various ways, that pushes it further into Monday.
Show will be up later.
Patreon Ep. #112B: Konnan Does the News — Televisa Drama Edition It's Friday, and you know what that means: Our latest mini deep dive, this time covering all of the drama around Televisa (almost) buying back into AAA in late 1995-early 1996. Topics of discussion include: How blatant it was that the Observer coverage leaned on Konnan as Dave Meltzer's primary source (even more than usual, that is), including using the exact same verbiage that Konnan used in direct quotes. The early reports basically reading as if they were Konnan fantasy booking reality and projecting his hopes and dreams for Televisa's handling of CMLL into the Observer. How it's not exactly difficult to determine who in CMLL would be talking to Dave, as well. Konnan's decades of complaints about the Televisa announcers, focusing at this time on Dr. Alfonso Morales. Just how dirty the AAA vs. CMLL war could get. Dave Meltzer actually gets a mid-'90s Juan Herrera story right for once. Konnan's comments on the state of AAA in his otherwise ECW and WCW-heavy January 1996 Torch Talk. ...and much more.
New @btsheetspod.bsky.social Patreon show looks at Televisa's late 1995-early 1996 flirtation w/ buying back into AAA...and how obvious it is that most of the Observer coverage was from Konnan's POV. Plus Konnan's state of AAA address!
Just $5.00/month or $50.40/year at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets
Squeeze Andre Squeeze
Renegades Rampage
Shawn Michaels Is Fucking High As Hell
Naitch & 80's hot Linda Roufa
@btsheetspod.bsky.social IS BACK!!!!!!
We go back to 1988 to talk about Andre & Hogan shooting a big angle, Jerry Jarrett hooking up with Renegades Tobacco, Shawn Michaels in a wild way on Memphis TV, Ric Flair putting the moves on Linda Roufa and so much more!!
redcircle.com/shows/betwee...
I’m only 90 minutes into this and it’s one of the most insane things I’ve ever heard. You gotta listen to this!
Too long for alt-text. See link for screen reader-compatible description.
Belated free @btsheetspod.bsky.social gap-filler: A supercut of our Patreon deep dives into the legendary disaster that was John Collins' MECW startup promotion in 2001! We're joined by Beau James since he was in the thick of things and it's a WILD roller coaster ride. redcircle.com/shows/f0ecb9...
Patreon Ep. #112A: Vince McMahon Playboy Interview (Part 1) Content warning: This episode includes Vince's descriptions and discussions of being physically and sexually abused as a child, mostly in the latter part of the episode. There are in-episode warnings each time the topic shifts. It's been 25 years since the "February 2001" issue of Playboy featuring the magazine's interview with Vince McMahon hit newsstands, so now is as good a time as any to talk about it. This week, we cover roughly the first half of the interview, including: • Vince's vision for the XFL. • The creative process for the WWF and how that could transfer to the XFL. • How most of the WWF's female characters at the time were portrayed as conniving and manipulative. • The decision to keep the show going after Owen Hart fell to his death. • Vince's childhood and young adult years, including the abuse at the hands of his mother, stepfather, and even other children. • All sorts of obvious bullshit about Vince's time in military school. ...and more. Next week: The rest of the interview, including topics like WCW being up for sale, Vince's affairs, his marriage to Linda, and much
New on @btsheetspod.bsky.social's Patreon: The 1st of back to back weeks covering Vince McMahon's 2001 Playboy interview. XFL plans, Vince's awful childhood & heavily fabricated young adulthood, the WWF's presentation of women, & more.
Just $5.00/month or $50.40/year at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets
Ric Flair as the Black Scorpion
Center Stage Chronicles Ep. #20: December 1990 Kris Zellner is joined by Rob Naylor and Our Good Buddy Charles as we discuss the month of December 1990 in the world of the newly-renamed World Championship Wrestling and pop culture in general. Topics of discussion include: Ole Anderson's last TV as booker of the NWA/WCW scoring surprisingly very good Nielsen ratings. Ty Detmer winning the Heisman Trophy. The TV shows all dropping the NWA name and becoming WCW-branded shows. Konnan, The Minotaur, and Larry Cameron make their debuts working TV tapings. The power of The Simpsons as Christmas rolls around. Ric Flair being attacked by Teddy Long's hired goons when Long served as Flair’s “chauffeur for a day.” The best WCW Family Feud segment. An in-depth look at Starrcade ’90, featuring the Pat O'Connor Memorial Tag Team Tournament and Ric Flair being revealed as The Black Scorpion. Kindergarten Cop and how that changed the game for Arnold Schwarzenegger. Will Dusty Rhodes actually become WCW’s head booker? The WCW TV Title consuming the lives of Arn Anderson, Bobby Eaton, Terry Taylor, and Tom Zenk. Jim Cornette's legendary Christmas poem in the Observer. …and much more. This was a great show and a great close to a wild 1990!
New Center Stage Chronicles is up on the @btsheetspod.bsky.social feed covering December 1990! Starrcade '90 in detail, all of the TV shows finally get rebranded as WCW instead of NWA, new booker sweepstakes...or is the fix in for Dusty Rhodes?, DO THE BARTMAN, & more. redcircle.com/shows/f0ecb9...
Ken Resnick and Paul Alperstein
Patreon Ep. #111C: Paul Alperstein Torch Talk December 1996 It's over a week late because David's still getting over that horrible flu that's been going around everywhere, and you know what that means: We close out what was supposed to be December by going back 29 years to Wade Keller's Torch Talk interview with AWF Warriors of Wrestling promoter/producer Paul Alperstein. "Deluded startup promoter" is arguably its own genre of Torch Talk, and in that context, this one doesn't disappoint, although it takes some twists and turns that we didn't expect at all. Topics of discussion include: The many ways that it quickly becomes apparent that it was television syndicators and consultants who saw Alperstein as a money mark and managed to fleece him, not the wrestlers. Alperstein being surprisingly forward-thinking about the future of internet distribution. In 1996. Seriously, there are far too many examples of Alperstein getting taken for a ride by his syndicator to list here. The AWF's surprisingly first-class production values. Alperstein's unexplained grudge against Eric Bischoff. The argument that there was a place for something like the AWF in 1996 as a low-key, family-friendly alternative to the big two. Is Koko B. Ware more merchandisable than Dean Malenko? The Torch readers' reactions to the interview. ..and much more. Enjoy!
New on the @btsheetspod.bsky.social Patreon: An in-depth look at the December 1996 Torch Talk with AWF promoter Paul Alperstein! A fascinating entry in the startup promoter genre where it's not the WRESTLERS fleecing the money mark.
Just $5.00/month or $50.40/year at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets!
Current plan is to try to get the pending shows up within the next day or two and then get back to a normal schedule over the course of the next week.
FYI: David has had the flu all week. CSC, new Patreon show, etc. will all be up as soon as he's able to consistently able to actually sit at this computer.
Show will be up in a little while.
