New to Wrestling Podcast

In our first-ever crossover event, the New to Wrestling crew links up with the brilliant (and brilliantly unhinged) minds behind the Invasion Angle podcast—Johnny, Jason, and Chris—for a late-night wrestling roundtable that goes way off the rails in the best way. We cover everything from how these lifelong friends and film school grads bonded over suplexes and storytelling, to how ECW changed thei...

On this episode of New to Wrestling: After Dark , we sit down with one of the sharpest minds—and smoothest talkers—in independent wrestling today: Jarett Diaz . From learning the ropes with a SmackDown writer in summer school, to grinding through the indies with wisdom beyond his years, Diaz brings a rare combo of humility, hustle, and heat. We dive deep into his start behind the scenes at WWE, wh...

Buckle up, because this week on New to Wrestling , we dive headfirst into the absolute chaos that was WWF’s No Way Out of Texas: In Your House from 1998. The Road to WrestleMania 14 is rocky, wild, and (apparently) paved with barbed wire, broken chairs, and very dramatic camera angles. Xavier and Kelsey are covering it all—from the WTF?! moment that was Savio Vega’s surprise substitution, to a sur...

Lights, togas, and a whole lot of backstage chaos— Becoming a Spectacle takes us behind the curtain of WrestleMania IX, and Kelsey and Xavier are here to break down every gloriously bizarre moment. From Hulk Hogan literally stealing the main event to the Undertaker being chloroformed by a 7-foot giant in an airbrushed bodysuit (you read that right), this documentary has everything: backstage betra...

The WWE just launched Evolve , and so naturally… we’re D’Evolving . In the debut episode of our new monthly series, we dive into the chaotic charm of WWE’s newest development brand where indie energy meets billion-dollar production. From mysterious sit-downs to full-on Gen Z tag-team douchebaggery (hi, Ricky Smokes), we’re tracking characters before they blow up—and losing our minds in the process...

Dumpster dives, DX chaos, and a heel turn 20 years in the making? Buckle up, because this week’s New to Wrestling episode is pure carnage—in the best possible way. Kelsey and Xavier break down the February 2, 1998 edition of Raw Is War , an episode so unhinged it’s basically a fever dream with steel chairs. From Cactus Jack and Chainsaw Charlie getting literally dumped off the Raw stage in a locke...

On this week’s New to Wrestling , Kelsey and Xavier dive headfirst into the madness of the January 26, 1998 episode of Raw is War — and oh, it’s a ride . From VaderDust to DX drag, and one of the wildest “main events” in recent memory (spoiler: it’s not Triple H), the episode delivers pure Attitude Era chaos. The hosts break down Kane’s absolute rampage, the unexpectedly touching friendship of Ter...

On this week’s New to Wrestling , we’re diving into the January 19, 1998 episode of Raw is War —a post-Rumble fever dream packed with betrayal, barbecues, and bald accusations. Paul Bearer gaslights us all (again), DX gets campy with some cosplay, and Mike Tyson shows up with everyone he’s ever met just to get flipped off by Stone Cold. Meanwhile, Kelsey mourns Kane’s villain turn, Xavier stans Ch...

We’re back with another New to Wrestling pay-per-view deep dive—this time, we’re heading into the chaos that was Royal Rumble 1998 ! Kelsey is angry (rightfully so), Xavier is ready to defend Stone Cold’s Sharpay energy, and we’re both absolutely reeling from the main event madness. 💥 Match Card Includes: •Vader vs. The Artist Formerly Known As Goldust (with Luna) •Max Mini, Mosaic & Nova vs....

This week on New to Wrestling , Xavier and Kelsey dive deep into a WILD episode of Raw is War from January 12, 1998, and y’all… there is chaos from start to finish . We’ve got fatal four-way tag team madness, DX running a frat house out of a limo, Stone Cold driving trucks and stunning the entire roster, and Goldust entering his Sable drag era—and honestly? He slayed. The wig was laid. Plus, your...

In this episode of the New to Wrestling podcast, hosts Xavier and Kelsey dive into the January 5, 1998 edition of Raw is War. The show kicks off with Stone Cold Steve Austin declaring his intentions for the Royal Rumble, setting the tone for a night filled with surprise attacks and confrontations. The episode features several notable matches, including Ken Shamrock taking on Farooq and Owen Hart f...

In this episode of the New to Wrestling podcast, hosts Xavier and Kelsey explore the December 22, 1997 edition of Raw is War . They dive into the ongoing storylines, including Kane's relentless path of destruction and the comedic antics of DX. The hosts also discuss the challenges of accessing episodes due to Netflix's limited availability, adding a layer of frustration to their viewing...

The New to Wrestling podcast covers the December 7, 1997 edition of Degeneration X in Your House pay-per-view. Hosts Xavier and Kelsey Silva provide a detailed breakdown of the event's eight matches, including: Match Card: Taka Michinoku vs Brian Christopher for the Light Heavyweight Championship Los Boricuas vs Disciples of the Apocalypse in a six-man tag match Marc Mero vs Butterbean in a t...

In this episode of the "New to Wrestling" podcast, hosts Kelsey and Xavier explore the intricate layers of the Montreal Screwjob , marking the third installment of their series. They reflect on the Wrestling with Shadows documentary , offering insights into Bret Hart's tumultuous relationship with Vince McMahon and the wrestling industry. The hosts delve into the psychological dynam...

In this episode of the New to Wrestling podcast, hosts Xavier and Kelsey dive into the November 10, 1997 edition of Raw is War . The show takes place in the aftermath of the controversial Montreal Screwjob , with tensions running high and the WWE landscape dramatically altered. The hosts provide insightful commentary on the matches, promos, and backstage segments, offering both veteran and newcome...

Kelsey Silva and Xavier, hosts of the New to Wrestling podcast, dive into the infamous Montreal Screwjob in this After Dark episode. They analyze the Dark Side of the Ring documentary and a Broken Skull Sessions interview with Bret Hart, offering their perspectives on the controversial event. The hosts discuss the complex dynamics between Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, and Vince McMahon, as well as th...

Thank you to all who voted for us for the Sports Podcast Awards! In this episode of the New to Wrestling podcast, hosts Xavier and Kelsey dive into Survivor Series 1997, a pivotal event in wrestling history. They recap the match card, which includes several Survivor Series elimination matches, Kane's in-ring debut against Mankind, and the infamous WWF Championship match between Shawn Michaels...

In this episode of the New to Wrestling Podcast After Dark, hosts Kelsey Silva and Xavier dive into the life and career of Brian Pillman through their analysis of Dark Side of the Ring episodes. They explore Pillman's journey from football to wrestling, his innovative "Loose Cannon" persona, and the tragic circumstances surrounding his untimely death. The hosts discuss Pillman'...

In this episode of the New to Wrestling podcast, hosts Xavier and Kelsey dive into the October 13, 1997 edition of Raw is War. Match Card  • Owen Hart vs. Kamma Mustafa for the Intercontinental Championship • Max Mini and Nova vs. Mosaic and the Tarantula • Shawn Michaels vs. Flash Funk • Disciples of the Apocalypse vs. Truth Commission • Brian Christopher vs. Tajiri • Goldust vs. Savio Vega • Ahm...

In this episode of the New to Wrestling podcast, hosts Xavier and Kelsey dive into the October 6, 1997 edition of Raw is War, exploring the aftermath of the Bad Blood pay-per-view. The episode is packed with intense matches, dramatic storylines, and some controversial moments that have left a lasting impact on the wrestling world. From the debut of Kane to the emotional tribute to Brian Pillman, t...

Vote For US!!! We have been named a finalist in the BEST WRESTLING PODCAST category via the SPORTS PODCAST AWARDS!! You can Vote for our show below: https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/shortlist-category/   Xavier and Kelsey, hosts of the New to Wrestling podcast, reflect on their favorite moments from the past year in this brief New Year's episode. They reminisce about memorable discussions,...

Vote For US!!! We have been named a finalist in the BEST WRESTLING PODCAST category via the SPORTS PODCAST AWARDS!! You can Vote for our show below: https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/shortlist-category/   In this episode of the New to Wrestling podcast, hosts Xavier and Kelsey dive into the iconic WWF In Your House: Bad Blood pay-per-view from October 5, 1997. They discuss the event's match...

Vote For US!!! We have been named a finalist in the BEST WRESTLING PODCAST category via the SPORTS PODCAST AWARDS!! You can Vote for our show below: https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/shortlist-category/   In this episode of the New to Wrestling podcast, hosts Xavier and Kelsey take listeners back to the September 29, 1997 edition of Raw is War, setting the stage for the highly anticipated Bad Blo...

On this exciting edition of the New to Wrestling Podcast, Co-Hosts Xavier Cruz and Kelsey Silva dive into the action packed September 22, 1997 Edition of Raw is War! This Episode was much more in-ring based than previous episodes as Raw emanates from the legendary Madison Square Garden. Tensions rise between Stone Cold Steve Austin and... Well everybody, resulting in a classic wrestling moment whe...

In this episode of the New to Wrestling podcast, hosts Xavier Cruz and Kelsey Silva explore the September 20, 1997 edition of One Night Only, a memorable event in wrestling history. The episode kicks off with a rundown of the night's match card, featuring iconic bouts such as Hunter Hearst Helmsley with Chyna facing off against Dude Love, and the main event where Shawn Michaels challenges the...