Episodes

  • Freelance Wrestling Academy prospect “Bricked Up” Robbie Reeves is already making waves on the local scene, including reigning as co-holder of the Defiant Pro Wrestling Tag Team Championship. The 19-year-old Reeves joins Windy City Slam Podcast for the first time to discuss his training at FWA, moving up the Freelance Wrestling card, teaming with Stone Ambrose as White Meat, how Robert “Ego” Anthony ribbed him during and after a match at Navarro Farm, how a chance meeting with a grammar school classmate opened his eyes to wrestling and more. Plus, new POWW Entertainment Champion Mason Percs and new All Heel Wrestling Champion Jordan Kross join us to react to their victories. Mike recaps POWW’s “WrestleRage 22,” All Heel Wrestling’s “Rise In Fall, We Love Wrestling’s one-year anniversary show and WWE Crown Jewel while previewing shows such as Rocket Pro Wrestling, Pro Wrestling Ventures, Ultimate Combat Gauntlet and Third Coast Wrestling.

    Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

  • He’s a punk rocker, comedian, donut aficionado and local wrestling personality. Germ T. Ripper joins Windy City Slam Podcast to discuss hosting Ripper’s Room in POWW Entertainment, punk rock, favorite comedians, deathmatch wrestling and quick donut critiques and helps break down POWW’s Wrestle Rage 22. Plus, Mike recaps TNA Bound For Glory, NXT Halloween Havoc and Freelance Wrestling, including a new champion with a familiar face, highlights another title change in the area and previews WWE Crown Jewel, All Heel Wrestling and other local events.

    Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

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  • All Heel Wrestling is set for its first show in about nine months when they return to Woodstock on Nov. 2. Windy City Slam Podcast welcomes “The Lost Boy” Damien Walker and AHW promoter King Torch to the program for the first time to discuss “Rise In Fall,” partnership with Northland Pro and an exclusive announcement about Damien’s debut match with Jordan Kross. Damien talks about wrestling training with help from Missa Kate, Pat Monix, Doug Simmons, Vic Capri and Kross, recovering from a devastating auto accident, getting into phenomenal physical shape and more. Plus, Mike recaps AAW Pro, Southland Championship Wrestling, POWW Entertainment and ICW Milwaukee and previews Freelance Wrestling, Ultimate Combat Gauntlet, 4th Wall Wrestling, Third Coast Wrestling, Defiant Pro Wrestling and TNA “Bound For Glory.”

    Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

  • He’s the American Champion for Insane Clown Posse’s Juggalo Championship Wrestling and has wrestled for almost 20 years for dozens of independent promotions and two stints for TNA. “The Obsession” Caleb Konley joins Windy City Slam Podcast to discuss JCW’s Train of Terror tour coming up at the end of the month, which includes stops in Joliet, Milwaukee and Detroit. Konley also talks about connected with ICP and JCW, the atmosphere of a JCW show, time in TNA teaming with Trevor Lee and working with Madison Rayne and Tenille Dashwood, following TNA even after his departure, the rise of Joe Hendry, working on “Heels” and more. Plus, Mike recaps action from AEW WrestleDream, Chicago Style Wrestling, DREAMWAVE and ARW and previews NWA Chicago, AAW Pro, Southland Championship Wrestling, POWW Entertainment and 2econd Wrestling.

    Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

  • They’re still in their teens, but Eddie Grayson and Jack Valor are starting to show wrestling wisdom beyond their years. The teenage tag team sensation joins Windy City Slam to discuss their rise in Chicago Style Wrestling from the academy to performing on main cards, how they became a team, Eddie’s dad’s involvement in the shows, balancing school with pro wrestling, Jack’s title victory in Honor Among Wrestling, Eddie’s Will Ospreay story and more. Plus, after a huge weekend of wrestling in Joliet, Tony Gabagool talks Rocket Pro Wrestling and PWE Report’s Sean Lennon recaps Ego Pro Wrestling. Plus, Mike runs down highlights from NXT and WWE, results from recent Midwest Championship Wrestling and POWW Entertainment shows and previews CSW, DREAMWAVE and Burlington Brawl.

    Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

  • Joliet becomes the pro wrestling capital of Illinois this weekend with Rocket Pro and Ego Pro shows taking over the town. RPW Head of Creative and Talent Relations Kevin “Nuke” Palmer joins Windy City Slam to talk RPW’s stacked “Darkness Falls,” his career and passion for wrestling, the creative process, long-term storytelling and more. Mike also previews Ego Pro Wrestling, which features appearances by WWE’s Kofi Kingston, TNA’s JDC and AEW’s Top Flight and a lineup of great independent talent. We also recap Freelance Wrestling, 2econd Wrestling and SSW and preview NXT’s premiere on the CW at Allstate Arena, WWE’s Bad Blood, POWW Entertainment, One Fall Entertainment and ICW Milwaukee.

    Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

  • He’s a member of the Rogue Horsemen in MLW and has wrestled for over two decades all over the world, including in New Japan Pro Wrestling, ROH, AEW and NXT. “The Professor” Bobby Fish joins Windy City Slam Podcast to discuss his career, what’s next for him in MLW, the influence of DDP Yoga, upcoming match against Joey “Jet” Avalon at One Fall Entertainment’s “Pink Heals,” how wrestling in Japan molded his style and influenced his career, working with Kyle O’Reilly as ReDragon, Undisputed Era in NXT, his time in AEW, Swerve Strickland, Timothy Thatcher and favorite opponents. Plus, Mike recaps events, such as Southland Championship Wrestling’s “WrestleTopia V,” ICW Milwaukee and and POWW Entertainment, and previews 2econd Wrestling, Freelance Wrestling, SSW and Third Coast Wrestling.

    Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

  • Currently in recovery from spinal fusion surgery, one of the Midwest’s most dominant wrestlers, Backwoods Brown, returns to Windy City Slam. Backwoods promotes One Fall Entertainment’s benefit show coming soon to Sheboygan, Wis. The former GLCW Champion talks about the stacked card for “Pink Heals” (which includes Alberto El Patron, Bobby Fish, Leva Bates, TW3 and Joey “Jet” Avalon), losing the GLCW title to Shawn Spears, when fans might expect him to return to action, and his optimism for his beloved Chicago Bears. Plus, Mike provides results for Chicago Style Wrestling and TNA Victory Road while previewing Southland Championship Wrestling’s “WrestleTopia V,” Ultimate Combat Gauntlet and POWW Entertainment.

    Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

  • Moving from Boston to Joliet, “Beantown Bully” Benny Bargas has put his stamp on the local scene by winning the Southland Championship Wrestling Genesis Championship. The veteran over a decade joined Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about his upcoming title match at SCW’s “WrestleTopia V” against “Frontman” J Skutt, preview some of the big matches at SCW’s megaevent, his thoughts on people such as James Creed, President Flattop and Eric Schultz, working in Pro Wrestling Blitz, Freelance Underground and Ego Pro Wrestling and more. Also, “The Godfather of the Lovely Intoxicated Men” Tony Gabagool joins us to recap Rocket Pro Wrestling’s “Fall Brawl.” Plus, Mike reviews AEW All Out, Black Label Pro/Paragon Talent Group’s “Crowning Glory,” House of Glory and POWW Entertainment while previewing a stacked lineup for Chicago Style Wrestling.

    Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

  • Former NXT star Bobby Steveson (fka Damon Kemp) has a new lease on life as a pro wrestling free agent. Steveson joined Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about parting with WWE, the recruiting class from 2021 when he joined NXT including Solo Sikoa and Tiffany Stratton, growing up in Northwest Indiana, his amateur wrestling career, his reaction to his brother Gable winning Olympic Gold, his time in NXT with Diamond Mine and No Quarter Catch Crew, whether he would go back to WWE/NXT, the rigors of the WWE Performance Center, kinship with other Midwestern NXT stars, being a Country music singer, being a White Sox fan and more. Also, former WWE and NXT Superstar Mojo Muhtadi (fka Mojo Rawley), founder of Paragon Talent Group, joins us to hype up Black Label Pro/Paragon’s “Crowning Glory” and opens the curtain on the Wrestlers Combine, which features stars such as TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace, former World Champions Moose and Jake Hager, former NXT Women’s Champion Mandy Sacs (Rose) and more and Muhtadi discusses his fallback plan to initiate Paragon after his WWE release a few years ago. Plus, Mike recaps TNA, WWE, NXT, Freelance Wrestling and WrestlePunkz and previews AEW, Rocket Pro Wrestling and POWW Entertainment.

    Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

  • Lili La Pescadita was a late bloomer to pro wrestling, but her athletic background in powerlifting and soccer, plus competition with her boyfriend Victor Iniestra, pushed her to a new passion. La Pescadita, the Northland Pro Women’s Champion, joins Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about her burgeoning career, learning the ropes and translating her athletic drive into the world of pro wrestling, training at Chicago Style Wrestling, working with Chris Miller and Missa Kate, getting a huge opportunity in The Burke Gauntlet at NWA 76, favorite opponents and bucket-list goals. Plus, Mike recaps an eventful AAW Pro “Face The Heat,” AEW All In and a busy weekend for Southland Championship Wrestling and previews Freelance Wrestling, Third Coast Wresting and premium live events from WWE, NXT and TNA.

    Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

  • It was better late than never for Matt Hatter to enter the wrestling business as “The Friendly Neighborhood Maniac” became an in-ring competitor in his mid-30s. Hatter joined Windy City Slam Podcast to discuss his goal of performing in ICW Milwaukee’s Insane 8 deathmatch tournament, his feud with Brandon Sykes (which is ramping up in Third Coast Wrestling), training in ZOWA Live, how much his family is involved with his career and character, growing up a fan of Jackass with Johnny Knoxville and more. Plus, Mike recaps Chicago Style Wrestling and Squared Circle Megastars, previews AAW Pro, Southland Championship Wrestling, POWW Entertainment and Ultimate Combat shows and welcomes in High5Tom to recap this year’s Insane 8.

    Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

  • “All Steel” J Fowler proves that dynamite can come in a chiseled, cruiserweight-sized package as the longest reigning ZOWA Live Champion joins Windy City Slam Podcast for the first time to discuss his lengthy title reigns in ZOWA, Rugged Pro Wrestling and Magnum Wrestling, training under Austin Bayliss and Jaysin Strife, working for DREAMWAVE, a story from his ladder match in Rocket Pro Wrestling in 2022, upcoming match with Joe Hendry, and giving back to the next generation of wrestlers. Plus, Mike recaps POWW Entertainment, Midwest Championship Wrestling and ARW and previews Chicago Style Wrestling, Wrestle League and Squared Circle Megastars.

    Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

  • Raised in Chicagoland, “Main Man” Matty Ice holds experience in places such as the NWA, OVW and Reality of Wrestling with training and coaching from the likes of Booker T and Doug Basham. The man once known as Matt Vine joins Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about being a 2-time ROW Champion, training with Rockin’ Randy in Premier Pro Wrestling, stories about Booker T, joining the emerging Midwest Championship Wrestling promotion based out of Ottawa and much more. Plus, Mike discusses the events of WWE Summerslam, DREAMWAVE weekend, We Love Wrestling and POWW Entertainment.

    Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

  • A proud member of the World Famous Fabulous Idols, the current Illiana Pro Wrestling League Champion and the longest reigning Rocket Pro Tag Team Champion “Old School Cool” Damien Grey joined Windy City Slam Podcast for the first time. Grey talks about what he learned from Black & Brave Academy, trying find a foothold in the business during the height of the pandemic, fluctuating weight, the latest with The Idols, intention to take down Marshe Rockett and “Shogun” Chris L.O.G.A.N., his title reign at IPW and his issues with The Lovely Intoxicated Men. Plus, PWE Report’s Sean Lennon comes on to recap Black Label Pro and Third Coast Wrestling while Mike recaps Freelance Wrestling’s Kirby Alexander benefit show and newsworthy 2econd Wrestling event and previews SummerSlam and POWW Entertainment this weekend.

    Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

  • With a big weekend ahead, “One Man Dynasty” Darius Latrell returns to Windy City Slam Podcast to discuss his Maxwell Street Heritage Championship match against TNA star AJ Francis at 2econd Wrestling and his triple-threat match with Gunner Brave and Chico Suave at Freelance Wrestling’s Kirby Alexander benefit show, his body transformation from his days as UIC basketball player to independent pro wrestler, the rise of his tag team partner Koda Hernandez, potential dream matches against the likes of Dijak, and we run down the lineups at Freelance’s “The Voice” and 2econd’s “Blackout.” Plus, Mike welcomes new Freelance Underground Independent Champion Alfonso Gonzalez to react to his busy weekend at the Hot Sauce Festival in Joliet and there’s results from TNA Slammiversary, Chicago Style Wrestling, Midwest Championship Wrestling, ICW Milwaukee and We Love Wrestling and a preview of Black Label Pro.

    Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

  • “Hawaiian Hitman” Koa Laxamana joins Windy City Slam Podcast for the third time to go behind the scenes of what’s happening with him in 2024, including his runs in AAW Pro and Rocket Pro Wrestling, his role as Chief Financial Officer for Midwest Championship Wrestling, his tumultuous exit from the NWA, a possible search for a new manager in 2025, Defiant Pro Wrestling, arm wrestling and more. Plus, Mike recaps results from ARW and previews TNA Slammiversary, Chicago Style Wrestling, Wrestle League and POWW Entertainment on a busy wrestling weekend.

    Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

  • It took him awhile, but Jesus Desafio is spreading his wings on the Chicagoland independent scene. “Aztec Ammunition” joins Windy City Slam Podcast for the first time to discuss his growth in Wrestle League, including his journey to win the Wrestle League Championship, his series of matches with Quinn Whittock, Wrestle League’s roster, training and working with Joseph von Jager and their rivalry over the Rocket Pro Wrestling Inter-County Championship, overcoming some early adversity with injuries and confidence, the difficulties of a Keto diet and more. Plus, Mike recaps WWE Money In The Bank and NXT Heatwave, lauds AEW for bringing back “the real” MJF and previews shows from ARW, Healthy Brain Entertainment and the brand-new Ultimate Combat Gauntlet promotion.

    Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

  • No longer “The Wild Child,” Connor Hopkins recently won the DREAMWAVE Championship from one of his trainers Christian Rose and has cemented himself as one of Illinois’ fastest rising stars. “The Crown Jewel” joins Windy City Slam to discuss the emotions of his victory at the highly-respected DREAMWAVE promotion, the plot to win that title, his run as Rocket Pro Wrestling Outer Limits Champion, Those Damn Coyotes, his upbringing in ZOWA, being influenced by The Kingdom from ROH, matches against Mike Bennett and Mike Hartenbower and more. Plus, Mike provides extensive reviews of Freelance Vs. The World and Midwest Championship Wrestling, news from AEW Forbidden Door and NWA Chicago, and forecasts WWE Money In The Bank.

    Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

  • With Freelance vs. The World X coming up this weekend, one of Freelance Wrestling’s hottest stars of the last year, “Prince 100” Koda Hernandez joins Windy City Slam Podcast. Hernandez discusses his upcoming Freelance Legacy Championship match vs. Darin Corbin, teaming with his cousin Sabin Gauge as Latino’s Most Wanted to win the Black Label Pro Tag Team Championship, Pick N’ Pop with Darius Latrell, having a dream match with Homicide at Ego Pro Chicago, working with Davey Bang, August Matthews, Alfonso Gonzalez and Trevor Outlaw, other dream matches and more. Plus, Mike talks a little WWE and AEW, recaps 2econd Wrestling and Janesville Wrestling Alliance and previews NWA Chicago, Midwest Championship Wrestling, ZOWA and Illiana Pro Wrestling.

    Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!