Talk Is Jericho

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ROH Champion Jonathan Gresham Heads To Terminus Jan 12, 2022

Show notes

Reigning Ring of Honor World Champion, Jonathan Gresham, is defending the title at his own show this Sunday, January 16th! His brand new promotion, Terminus, is hosting their first-ever live event at the Kroc Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Jonathan explains how he and Baron Black came to start their own promotion, the meaning behind the Terminus name, what he’s liking and not liking about being a promoter, and the inspiration behind their company’s first card (which features Jay Lethal, Daniel Garcia, Lee Moriarty, Moose, Bandido, Alex Coughlin, Impact Digital Champion Jordynne Grace, and so many more)! Jonathan also speaks to Ring of Honors final show, the circumstances that led to him winning the championship, and what he thinks the future has in store for ROH. He also shares thoughts on today’s in-ring psychology, his definition of modern grappling, and the importance of rules in wrestling. Plus, he recounts his early days coming up in the biz, working in Japan, flirting with WWE, and the really nice thing that Kenny Omega did for him during Jonathan’s first trip to Japan.

Unchained - The Life & Times of Edward Van Halen Jan 07, 2022

Show notes

There’s a new biography out about the life and career of the late, great Eddie Van Halen. It’s called “Unchained: The Edward Van Halen Story,” and was written by journalist and former editor of Kerrang! magazine, Paul Brannigan. Paul spent 7 years researching and writing the book about the legendary guitarist, and interviewed countless people to help him tell the story including Sammy Hagar, Ozzy Osbourne, and KISS. Paul reveals tidbits from his research and interviews, and even recounts his own sit-down with Eddie at 5150 around the time of “Van Halen III’s” release. He also shares some of the things that surprised him most, a few of his favorite moments, and offers his own thoughts on why this prolific musician didn’t really release anything new during the last 20 years of his life. “Unchained: The Edward Van Halen Story” is available now at Amazon, VanHalenStore.com, and wherever you buy books!

Keith Mitchell - 40 Years of Production from WCW to AEW Jan 05, 2022

Show notes

Keith Mitchell is one of the true behind-the-scenes pioneers in wrestling! Keith is a longtime TV producer who helped launch video packages and ring music entrances for wrestlers. Keith got his start in World Class Wrestling with the Von Erichs in the 80s before moving on to WCW followed by TNA and ultimately landing at AEW in 2019. And after 40 years in the biz, Keith retired last week after AEW Dynamite’s New Year’s Smash. Keith tells his wrestling story from his early days in TV sports production to his first introduction to the Von Erichs and the friendship with Kerry and David that followed to his days at WCW and the night that Vince and Shane McMahon took control of the company to meeting Tony Khan and helping AEW launch on TNT.

Through Heaven And Hell with Robert & Michael Sweet - LIVE Dec 31, 2021

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Stryper killed it onstage at the Chris Jericho Rock & Wrestling Rager At Sea Triple Whammy last October, and again during their live Talk Is Jericho podcast appearance on the ship! Brothers Robert and Michael Sweet tell stories from their early days including hanging out on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, changing the band’s name from Rock’s Regime to Stryper, what inspired the Stryper name, who influenced their song lyrics, and how they were able to tour with mainstream metal and rock bands during the 80s! They talk about the difference between Christian Rock and being Christians IN a rock band, how they had to constantly fight against being pigeonholed, and what MTV did their for their popularity and sales in the era of DialMTV. They also have some great tales about stealing road signs to hang in the studio, throwing bibles to fans at live shows, and being mobbed and arrested in Australia!

The Evolution of The Painmaker Dec 29, 2021

Show notes

Chris Jericho wrestled Kenny Omega in an epic match at the Tokyo Dome in January 2018, and unknowingly created what was soon to become The Painmaker! Chris tells the story about how that trip to Japan gave rise to The Painmaker’s signature spiked jacket, and black makeup look. He explains what inspired the clothes, the wrestling style, and the backstory of this titular character that’s now become an animated, multiple-chapter, collectible NFT! He breaks down The Painmaker’s wrestling style, favorite matches, greatest battles, and biggest foes! You’ll also discover how The Painmaker evolved into an NFT, what may happen to this intergalactic serial killer in an upcoming graphic novel, and whether the incredible story may hit a movie screen near you in the not-so-distant future!

Electric Jesus Comes Alive! Dec 24, 2021

Show notes

There’s a great new movie available on Amazon Prime called “Electric Jesus.” It’s the story about a bunch of teenagers trying to make it big with their Christian metal band! It’s set in the summer of 1986 and has a very cool cast including Judd Nelson who plays the Pastor trying to help the band, and Brian Baumgartner (of “The Office” fame) as the band’s manager. The music is incredible too! Writer/director Chris White was inspired by his own teenage years and his love of the band Stryper, and spent a lot of time and a lot of movie’s small budget making sure the music and the casting were spot-on! He did a tremendous job with this story that’s really more a coming-of-age tale than anything else. He talks about the making of the film, how he found his band, how he cast the other actors around them, the details he put into setting the scene in 1986, and Stryper’s feedback about the movie. He also speaks to the festivals and awards the film has won, and how he was able to secure distribution.

Cary Silkin - The True Champion of ROH Dec 22, 2021

Show notes

Cary Silkin was a Ring of Honor fan from day one, and became a silent investor when the promotion was struggling to get off the ground, long before he became its owner and operator! And then when he sold ROH in 2011 to Sinclair, he transitioned into ROH’s Brand Ambassador. Cary tells the ROH story, including behind-the-scenes details of the circumstances that led to ROH’s recent shuttering. He talks about their last show, “Final Battle,” what 2022 may hold for ROH, and whether he’ll still be involved. Cary also talks about ROH’s early days, how DVD sales kept them afloat, their first TV deal with HDNet (which later became AXS), the peak of ROH’s popularity, having talent poached by WWE, some of his favorite shows and matches, and all of the amazing talent that’s graced the ROH ring including Bryan Danielson, Samoa Joe, Colt Cobana, Kevin Owens, CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks, Adam Cole, Jay Lethal, and so many more!

Jimmy Rave - His Last Interview Dec 17, 2021

Show notes

James Michael Guffey’s (or Jimmy Rave as the wrestling world knew him) passion for pro wrestling was undeniable, and in one of the last long-form interviews he did before his untimely passing on December 12th at the age of 39, that love for the business is palpable. Jimmy spoke at length about his battle with MRSA, his struggles with addiction, adjusting to life as a triple amputee, his work as a mental health advocate and peer support drug counselor, and keeping a positive attitude through life’s adversities. He also shared many great moments and stories from his memorable wrestling career including learning from Dusty Rhodes and Ricky Steamboat, working for TNA, New Japan, and Ring of Honor, wrestling Samoa Joe with a broken jaw, tag teaming with Lance Rock (aka Lance Archer) as the Rock’n Rave Infection, and his cage match with CM Punk. Jimmy Rave is survived by his daughter Kailah, son James II, parents Jim and Toni Guffey, and fiancee Gabby Gilbert. Please help his friends and family honor James and celebrate his life by contributing to the GoFundMe set up by his daughter, Kailah.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/jimmy-rave-memorial

The History of Heavy Metal & Horror Dec 15, 2021

Show notes

“The History of Horror and Metal” is a new documentary from director Mike Shiff, who also coincidentally worked on Fozzy’s video for “Sandpaper.” Mike is a horror and heavy metal music fan, and was inspired to do this documentary to explore the deep connection between metal and horror movies! He did over 60 interviews for the doc and spoke to a who’s who from the metal and horror scenes including Gunnar Hansen (“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”), Kane Hodder (“Friday The 13th”), director John Carpenter, Bela Lugosi’s son, Kirk Hammett from Metallica, Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper, Corey Taylor, Scott Ian from Anthrax, and Chris Jericho! Mike’s sharing behind-the-scenes stories from filming, who he wanted to speak with but wasn’t able to get, and some of his favs in metal and horror. He also explains why it took over 7 years to make, what the festival circuit has been like, and when the doc will be available to the public! For more information, go to metalhorror.com or follow them on Instagram @themetalhorror.

Jay Lethal's AEW Machismo Dec 10, 2021

Show notes

Jay Lethal recounts the single zoom call at Ring of Honor that effectively changed his life, and led directly to him signing with AEW. He explains why Ring Of Honor temporarily closing its doors was such a shock to the roster, his first reaction after hearing the news, and what originally kept him there when the Young Bucks, Hangman Adam Page, and Cody Rhodes all left to start AEW. He also shares stories from his time at Impact Wrestling including his angle with Ric Flair, the origins of Black Machismo, the time he sorta met Macho Man Randy Savage, and the fantastic story about how and when he was fired. Plus, Lethal talks Tommy Dreamer, WWE, his AEW debut, his first meeting with Tony Khan, his dream opponent, and why his dad has always been his biggest fan.

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