Uncommon Wrestling Podcast

Wrestling & Hip-Hop: Art of the Sample (ft./BDaMan, Mason Xross, & King Dari)

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 20:52:41 GMT

Where do we draw the line between respectful homage and egregious ripoff? Are imitators "stealing" material, or did the work never truly belong to anyone? From superkicks to sampled beats, we get into all that and more.

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TNA Genesis 2025 Review

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 16:11:52 GMT

Joe Hendry's big moment, Josh Alexander quits*, "SHE'S A RACIST" and more: it's TNA Genesis 2025!

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Myth of the It Factor: The Undertaker

Sat, 11 Jan 2025 17:54:46 GMT

"Once in a Generation Performer."

"Phenom."

"The Conscience of the WWE."

We discuss the mystique of the Undertaker, how it was developed, and how much credit Mark Calaway deserves as the man behind the legend.

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Locker Room Etiquette (w/Panda MoanYum)

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 14:05:00 GMT

Panda MoanYum returns to UWP to discuss locker room etiquette! Is there redemption for wrestlers who get blackballed for backstage heat? How do wrestlers respect traditions while still evolving the culture? What are key aspects of a healthy locker room climate? We get into all that and more in this episode!

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Cheap Heat Spotlight: Eric Bischoff

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 13:59:19 GMT

WE'RE BACK... but are we better than ever? You decide as UWP returns with Cheap Heat Spotlight: a discussion of the people and trends that rely on low-hanging fruit in the wrestling business. This edition's spotlight shines on Eric Bischoff. We discuss his career, his impact on the business and fandom, and how he went from a powerful exec running the most successful wrestling show on TV to a trollbait podcaster who plays into the fandom's worst impulses.

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Wrestling & Hip-Hop

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 14:22:22 GMT

Rappers BDaMan & Mason Xross come through to discuss the generations-spanning relationship between wrestling and hip-hop. Gimmicks, music, fashion, beef and so much more, this episode covers a lot of ground.

Check out the "Let It Bang," a remix of the Bang Bang Gang's theme from Mason Xross, BDaMan and King Dari! https://youtu.be/17Qv2jFLBhI?si=ua5oSsYsPyzxnQD4

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Travel (w/Eric "The World Walker")

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 15:14:31 GMT

As the only wrestler to work on all seven continents, Eric "The World" Walker is uniquely qualified to talk about travel in the wrestling business. Advice, road stories, the pros & cons of performing for a variety of crowds, and so much more, this episode covers a lot of ground.

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State of Kayfabe BONUS

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 12:32:19 GMT

Bonus episode! After finishing the kayfabe episode, Dave Houston & I talk more about fan-made kayfabe, conspiracy theories, toxic rumors and more. PLUS: a special announcement about the future of UWP!

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The State of Kayfabe (w/Dave Houston)

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 20:54:18 GMT

David Houston returns to UWP to address the State of Kayfabe! In this episode, we discuss suspension of disbelief, the role of social media, "you know this stuff's fake, right?", and so much more!

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UWP Interview: Panda MoanYum

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 16:23:30 GMT

Burlesque performer and CSW Women's Champion Panda MoanYum returns to UWP to discuss performing, costumes, and so much more!

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The Role of the Ref (w/Mason Xross)

Sat, 10 Feb 2024 03:48:27 GMT

The Flyest Ref in the Business Mason Xross comes to UWP to discuss one of wrestling's most important roles. We also discuss Xross's professional and personal journey: life in Calgary, prison, hip-hop, and more. Don't let the black and white fool you; this episode covers a full spectrum.

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Addiction in Wrestling

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 22:28:21 GMT

Latrina Smith--moderator for Nation of African American Wrestling--joins UWP to discuss addiction in pro wrestling: the culture that enables it, common misconceptions, and the struggles of Eddie Guerrero, Randy Orton, Jeff Hardy and others.

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Body Image: Part 3 (w/Slikk Tyson Stone)

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 03:43:46 GMT

Colorado standout Slikk Tyson Stone returns to UWP to discuss big wrestlers, constructive vs. toxic criticism, and more!

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Body Image: Part 2 (w/Noah Veil)

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 22:09:47 GMT

In the second part of the Body Image series, rising star Noah Veil and I talk about the stigma around "small" athletes, the concept of believability in wrestling, and more!

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Body Image: Part 1 (w/Panda MoanYum)

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 21:52:18 GMT

UWP's three-episode series starts with Colorado wrestling sensation Panda Moanyum! We also talk about image standards, body-shaming, the importance of training for function, the "people are too sensitive these days" crowd and more!

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Myth of the It Factor: Logan Paul

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 20:15:48 GMT

In this minisode, we look at stackable skills, the myth of "natural talent," and other things that go into the perception of Logan Paul as having The It Factor.

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Dos and Don'ts of Wrestling Training (w/Eric "The World" Walker)

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 14:24:00 GMT

Super-sized episode! The One True Intercontinental Champion, Eric "The World" Walker, returns to the show as we talk marketing, merch, the importance of asking "why," tips to improve your BS radar, and more!

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The Life and Career of Vincent Kennedy McMahon (Finale)

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 19:36:37 GMT

The fifth and final part of our VKM retrospective: the rise of AEW, this hush money scandal, Vince's short-lived retirement last summer and the Endeavor buyout and so much more... including how TKO and the federal government may force Vince into a second, more permanent retirement from WWE. One way or another, part 5 truly shows the culmination of the last 78 years of Vince McMahon's life.

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The Life and Career of Vincent Kennedy McMahon (Part 4)

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:23:48 GMT

With WCW are out of business. Vince McMahon--a man who has defined himself by challenge and conflict--finds himself unopposed as the head of wrestling's biggest empire. In part 4 of our VKM retrospective, we look at the man and his company during this reign: the Ruthless Aggression rebrand, the diminishing returns of the Mr. McMahon character, the launch of WWE network and more get covered in this densely-packed episode!

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The Life and Career of Vincent Kennedy McMahon (Part 3)

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 13:20:12 GMT

Montreal, Owen, taking WWF public, the deaths of WCW and ECW, and more: part 3 of our Vince retrospective covers the shortest span of time so far--1997 to 2001--but it serves as one of the most pivotal periods in wrestling history. Tragedy, betrayal, and a new era for the wrestling landscape all get covered in this dense-and-intense period.

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The Life and Career of Vincent Kennedy McMahon (Part 2)

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 21:00:46 GMT

Our VKM retrospective continues, picking up where we left off as we cover:

-the first Wrestlemania (and the subsequent boom period for the WWF),

-the ring boy scandal,

-the Rita Chatterton case,

-the steroid scandal,

-the dawn of the Monday Night Wars,

and much more. (TW: sexual assault)

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The Life and Career of Vincent Kennedy McMahon (Part 1)

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 02:26:44 GMT

Part 1 of our VKM career and life retrospective. NAAW's David Houston joins UWP as we cover his traumatic childhood in Pinehurst, North Carolina; his various promotional failures and successes, his path to taking over his father's company and decimating the territories, and legendary events between and beyond.

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What makes a GOAT? (Part 2)

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 17:24:49 GMT

The second half of our GOAT conversation! We give our shortlists of all-time greats. We give a few more opinions on popular names,and talk about a few people who could have made the cut if off-camera factors didn't get in the way.

Who "did everything in his power to convince people he was the best, except actually be the best"?

Which surprising GOAT is the "modern-day Tommy Rich"?

Who burned too many bridges to become a GOAT?

Come find out in the latest UWP!

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What makes a GOAT? (Part 1)

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 03:17:52 GMT

David Houston joins this UWP dissects the idea of what makes a wrestler the Greatest of All Time.

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Why CM Punk & Roman Reigns represent a huge problem

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 12:42:15 GMT

This minisode addresses why CM Punk and Roman Reigns' booking is part of a longstanding problem in professional wrestling.

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LGBTQ+ Representation (w/Noah Veil)

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 18:47:33 GMT

Portrayals, perceptions, presentations: a lot has changed about the the way LGBTQ+ people are shown and treated. Noah Veil joins UWP to discuss advocacy, representation, self-acceptance and so much more.

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UWP Interview: "Big Guns" Justin Andrews

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 12:02:53 GMT

Justin Andrews is known as "Mr. Colorado Springs." Not only has he held multiple championships across several promotions in the area, but he's used his platform to promote charitable causes (including Headlocks for Hospice and an upcoming Pride event) and help launch the careers of several wrestlers in and beyond the Colorado area. In this episode, Andrews talks about careers, causes, and the importance of leading by example.

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April Rundown

Tue, 02 May 2023 19:12:59 GMT

April 2023 has been an insane month in the wrestling world. The biggest company in the history of the business just got sold. The second biggest company just announced its first stadium show and its first overseas show in one move. One of the most controversial performers in wrestling history is rumored to return soon. And HEY LOOK A (kinda) NEW BELT!

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Parasocial Relationships

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 18:53:59 GMT

"You may love the business, but the business doesn't love you."

In this episode, Eric "The World" Walker and I explore parasocial relationships: relationships people, characters and even companies that don't reciprocate their attachment.

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UWP Minisode: 5 Reasons Your Favorite Wrestler Isn't Getting a Title Push

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 04:37:37 GMT

Five Reasons Your Favorite Wrestler Isn't Getting a Title Push!

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Heel Heat (Part 2)

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 19:05:45 GMT

Heel heat Part 2! We talk about heels destined to fail, the importance of sympathetic faces, how companies manufacture the "it factor," and so much more.

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Heel Heat (Part 1)

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 03:58:39 GMT

It's a two-parter! NAAW's David E Houston visits UWP to discuss heel heat: what it is, how it's used, what helps it, what hurts it... from the Horsemen to MJF to a whole lot of things between and beyond, we dig into a fun & informative conversation.

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UWP Minisode: Real-Life Issues in Storylines ( SAY THE WORDS)

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 02:58:29 GMT

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PPV Review: AEW Revolution 2023

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 04:18:25 GMT

UWP reviews Revolution 2023. We talk booking issues, gush over excellent in-ring storytelling, and question whether we've seen one of the best Iron Man AND Last Man Standing matches ever.

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Black Wrestling Fandom

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 06:59:20 GMT

Jabari McIntyre, founder of Nation of African American Wrestling, joins UWP to discuss community, kinship, fandom, and more.

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Masculinity in Wrestling

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 00:35:47 GMT

In this episode, Manny the Wrestler joins host Elton Faulk in defining, deconstructing, and challenging ideas surrounding masculinity in wrestling. By his own admission, Manny is "from the south and ignorant," but his journey of questioning and reevaluating long-standing beliefs to become a better person makes this episode even more special.

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Black Champions

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 01:56:54 GMT

A discussion with NAAW's David Houston about Black champions throughout wrestling's history. Booker T, Butch Reed, Ron Simmons, Ernie Ladd, Ron Killings, Kofi Kingston and so many more: we discuss double standards, the importance of representation, and many other issues that make waves in the ring and beyond.

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UWP Interview: Eric "The World" Walker

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 16:32:48 GMT

Tune in for an interview with the only wrestler in history to work on all seven continents, Eric "The World" Walker. We talk about legacy, Antarctica, the Five Things Wrestlers Need to Keep in Mind, and so much more!

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Fan Tribalism

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 21:20:28 GMT

In this episode I'm joined by Dave Houston II, admin for Nation of African American Wrestling, one of my favorite Facebook wrestling fan groups. We discuss the issues and ideas that pit fans against one another and dig into ratings wars, gatekeeping, generational differences and many things between and beyond. This episode also has a preview of future episodes "Death of the Mainstream Star" and "The Myth of the Draw."

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UWP Interview: Slikk Tyson Stone

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 12:55:30 GMT

Army veteran, wrestler, and the reigning 719 Champion of Colorado Springs Wrestling: Slikk Tyson Stone has had an awe-inspiring journey. In this interview, we discuss his military career, overcoming injuries, starting his wrestling career in his 40s, and the announcement of an upcoming match that could be the biggest match of his career!

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