Wrasslin' Raw

Ryan Orrico, Jason Bartlett, and Joe Giammatteo

About

Wrasslin’ Raw is a wrestling podcast that centers around three friends doing a deep-dive into World Wrestling Entertainment’s past. Starting in 1993, Joe, Ryan, and Jason take a look back at old-school wrestling by watching the WWE show Monday Night Raw in chronological order, along with the Pay-Per-Views as they happen. Bringing together three different viewpoints that sometimes agree and sometimes don’t, Wrasslin’ Raw is a round table discussion centered around individual episodes and events. Our hosts give opinions on matches, wrestlers, and storylines, as well as brief glimpses into the then-contemporary world of professional sports entertainment.

Fans of wrestling from their early youth, the boys decided one day to start re-watching old episodes of Raw. This started a texting discussion thread that wound up revealing some reevaluations of old favorites, new appreciation for things overlooked, and an overall richer viewpoint that has been informed by hindsight. Realizing this, the suggestion to record a podcast of the discussion was made and Wrasslin’ Raw was born.

WELCOME EVERYONE- TO WRASSLIN’ RAWWWWWW!

Available on

Community

222 episodes

WWE Raw: January 5, 1998

What’s the best way to kick off 1998? By bringing back the NWA Championship!  In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the boys start off 1998 with a bang.  Ken Shamrock and Faarooq keep up the story, while the Disciples of Apocalypse and the Truth Commission fail miserably.  Tom Brandi shows up again to defend Sable from Marc Mero, while The Artist Formerly Known As Goldust manages to go beyond bizarre and into offensive.  How about a nostalgia pop for Don King?

1h 4m
Apr 01
WWE: 1997 Year in Review

It’s an annual awards show extravaganza!  In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the boys sit down to talk about the highlights of the World Wrestling Federation in 1997, and give the much-coveted Match of the Year and Jobber of the Year Awards out to some very deserving nominees.  The Highlights and Lowlights of the year are discussed, as well as what the future may hold moving forward.  Buckle up kids, 1998 is going to be a hell of a ride!

1h 1m
Mar 25
WWE Raw: December 29, 1997

Stone Cold Steve Austin throws Goldust into the Crapper 3:16. Shawn Michaels and Triple H welcome the two newest “members” of DX. Owen Hart gets humiliated, and Chainsaw Charlie cuts his way out of the mystery box! We also learn that Mike Tyson will be at WrestleMania!

1h 1m
Mar 18
WWE Raw: December 22, 1997

It’s a cavalcade of jobbers all throughout the bowels of the building!  In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the boys bear witness to a great episode full of attitude. Sergeant Slaughter continues to be emasculated, Sable strips out of a reindeer costume, and Stone Cold accosts Santa Claus. The Rock, Undertaker, Ken Shamrock, and D-Lo Brown all have great matches, but the tag team division flounders, and the Kurgan only works his traps. Here’s a couple of Christmas PACKAGES for you!

1h 4m
Mar 11
WWE Raw: December 15, 1997

Wait, isn’t that Sal Sincere? In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the boys tune in to an odd episode of Raw Is War, where the Son of Lawler angle continues and some new competitors join the roster. Steve Blackman and Mark Henry make their debuts in singles action, and Michael Cole continues to stink up the place on commentary. The Legion of Doom takes on D-Generation X, and Dude Love continues to scrap with the New Age Outlaws. Thank goodness the Sultan had a match, we almost forgot about him!

1h 5m
Feb 26
WWE Raw: December 8, 1997

Who told Jeff that any of that was good?  In this episode of Wrasslin' Raw, the boys get the fallout from the Pay Per View, with the debut of “Mr. McMahon” as well as the debut of Sable's boobies.  D-Generation X sits down for a game of strip poker, gang warfare continues with no seeming end, and Flash Funk gets jobbed out to the Kurgan.  “The Son of Lawler'' continues to haunt the Light Heavyweight Division, and Shawn Michaels’ BULGE haunts our screens!

1h 7m
Feb 19
WWE In Your House: D-Generation X

It’s the first Pay Per View without Vince McMahon on commentary! In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the boys dive into In Your House: D-Generation X. Triple H meets Sgt. Slaughter in a Boot Camp Match, and Shawn Michaels defends the WWF Championship against Ken Shamrock. Butterbean defends Sable’s honor against Marc Mero, and Steve Austin settles the score against The Rock. When you take a look at Luna and the artist formerly known as Goldust, you’ll be glad you had your dark britches on!

1h 6m
Feb 12
WWE Raw: December 1, 1997

Wait, so you can win a match by just not showing up?  In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the boys tie up loose ends going into the D-Generation X Pay Per View, with the final matches of the Light Heavyweight Tournament and midcard storytelling.  Jeff Jarrett gets upgraded from Ahmed Johnson, and the tag team division continues to tread water.  Jim ‘the Anvil’ Neidhart gets completely buried, and ‘Marvelous’ Marc Mero has an in-ring boxing exhibition.  If it weren’t for Sable and Butterbean…!

1h 9m
Feb 05
WWE Raw: November 24, 1997

Flanagan!  In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the boys start the countdown to the upcoming D-Generation X Pay Per view, with one of the last entries in the Light Heavyweight Championship Tournament, as well as the crowning of some unlikely new Tag Team Champions.  Ken Shamrock takes on Savio Vega, Shawn Michaels meets up with Vader, and Jim “the Anvil” Neidhart gets what’s coming to him.  What I’d like to have right now is a stand-in for an easy to fill spot! 

1h 10m
Jan 29
WWE Raw: November 17, 1997

There’s a horse running amok in the WWF! In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the aftermath of the Montreal Screwjob continues as the boys get treated to Vince McMahon’s infamous “Bret screwed Bret” interview. The six-man mini match is a double disappointment, and Goldust continues to antagonize Vader (with a hammer this time!). Stone Cold Steve Austin and the Rock turn the heat up on their program, and Jerry Lawler takes on Marc Mero. Sable is the best at standing there and looking at things!

1h 5m
Jan 22
WWE Raw: November 10, 1997

It’s official, the Jackyl has go-home heat!  In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the boys experience the fallout from Survivor Series amidst a variety of matches (and match qualities).  The still-unnamed New Age Outlaws take on Bradshaw in a surprise Bunkhouse Brawl, while the Light Heavyweight Tournament continues with Taka Michinoku and Devon Storm.  Ahmed Johnson doesn’t do himself any favors, and Triple H takes on Ken Shamrock.  Hey, that’s Butterbean… and he’s in a Cosby sweater?

1h 6m
Jan 15
WWE: 1997 Survivor Series

Go Team U.S.A.!  Go Team… Vader?  In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the boys take a look at one of the most infamous Pay Per Views in wrestling history, the 1997 Survivor Series!  The Truth Commission and the Disciples of the Apocalypse stink up the place, while the in-ring debut of Steve Blackman on Team U.S.A. is surprisingly serviceable.  Ken Shamrock and Rocky Maivia continue to shine, while Stone Cold Steve Austin finally gets his hands on Owen Hart.  What a maneuver loogie!

1h 0m
Jan 08
Wrasslin Raw's 5th Annual Christmas Episode Spectacular 2023

It’s the ho-ho-holiday episode of Wrasslin’ Raw!  The boys sit down together to enjoy the holiday festivities, and talk about the gifts Xanta Klaus brought them.  The annual tradition of Mt. Crushmores are delivered, and we have a discussion about Bret Hart in the WWF in the early- and mid-nineties.  We raise a glass, toast each other, and toast our listeners- Merry Christmas everyone!

43m
Dec 25, 2023
WWE Raw: November 3rd, 1997

Who doesn’t love a good soap opera?  In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the boys examine the go-home episode of Monday Night Raw leading into the 1997 Survivor Series.  Super Loco and Aguila fumble through a spotfest, Marc Mero keeps working on his nut punches, and D-Generation X table tops Michael Cole.  Steve Blackman’s run-in saves a dog collar match between Vader and the British Bulldog, Ken Shamrock takes on Shawn Michaels to round out the card… and Ahmed Johnson gets what he deserves!

57m
Dec 18, 2023
WWE Raw: October 27th, 1997

Who’s ready for some Karate Fighter brackets?  In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the boys start things off hot with a fantastic promo segment  featuring the Nation of Domination, the Hart Foundation, and D'Generation-X.  Matches featuring Triple H, Ken Shamrock, and Goldust provide some serviceable entertainment, while Mankind does a great job of setting up his match against Kane at the Pay Per View.  The only thing more exciting than a Jeff Jarrett interview is Shawn Michaels’ butthole!

1h 1m
Dec 11, 2023
WWE Raw: October 20th, 1997

Who knew a boombox would explode into that many pieces? In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the boys get an overall entertaining episode, where Farooq calls out Bret Hart’s pale ass and Ken Shamrock shines against Rocky Maivia. Jeff Jarrett surprises everyone with a return and a shoot about WCW, and Owen Hart and Shawn Michaels have a great match. Taka Michinoku versus Tajiri fizzles out, and Dude Love has an unfortunate run-in with Kane. Ahmed now lives in an oil slick of his own making!

1h 10m
Dec 04, 2023
WWE Raw: October 13th, 1997

We’ve dropped the Commandant and now we’ve got… the Jackal?  In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, a two-man podcast booth gets some strong Jobber of the Week contenders with the Patriot, Flash Funk, and Ahmed Johnson.  Goldust and Marlena are back with a loaded purse, Uncle Cletus gets his nose broken when the Legion of Doom wins the Tag Titles, and Tajiri shows hints of the Japanese Buzzsaw.  What’s a little casual racism if it’s Jerry Lawler saying it?

1h 5m
Nov 20, 2023
WWE Raw: October 6, 1997

Who’s ready for a lumberjack match where no one really wins?  In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the boys watch the fallout from Badd Blood, and the fallout of Brian Pillman’s death.  Jim Cornette, Rocky Maivia, Triple H and Bret Hart are all highlights, while Vince McMahon’s interview with Melanie Pillman reaches an all-time low in bad taste. Marc Mero returned to the ring, and Kane showed up to smear the Hardy Boys.  Owen is a loogie that needs Hawk-ed up!

1h 1m
Nov 13, 2023
WWE In Your House 18: Badd Blood

It’s the first ever Hell in a Cell match!  In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the boys sit down for In Your House 18: Badd Blood, and more Attitude Era milestones!  The first ever Hell in a Cell match is another Match of the Year candidate, and the Nation of Domination shows up for a great match.  Unfortunately, matches featuring Vader, the Patriot, the Disciples of Apocalypse, and the Godwinns all fall short.  Bret Hart is on his way out, but thank goodness the Minis are here to stay!

59m
Nov 06, 2023
WWE Raw: September 29, 1997

Wait, we’re still getting the Sultan?  In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the boys take a look at the go-home episode of Monday Night Raw leading into the Badd Blood Pay Per View.  Farooq defeats Ahmed Johnson in the Intercontinental Title chase, the Headbangers retain the Tag Team Championships, and the Undertaker takes on Hunter Hearst Helmsley to round things out- or is it Triple H now?

1h 0m
Oct 30, 2023
WWE Raw: September 22, 1997

It’s the 200th episode spectacular! In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the boys get major milestones of the Attitude Era in Raw’s first episode at Madison Square Garden. After a tremendous buildup, Vince McMahon finally gets a Stunner by Stone Cold Steve Austin, while matches featuring Owen Hart, Brian Pillman, Goldust and Bret “the Hitman'' Hart all look good. Cactus Jack debuts in a great match against Hunter Hearst Helmsley, HOWEVER Jim “the Anvil” Neidhart is back- and still has that goatee!

58m
Oct 16, 2023
WWE Raw: September 15, 1997

Vince McMahon wants Shawn Michaels’ BULGE in our FACES!  In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the boys get a night of lowlights in an unusually bad episode of Monday Night Raw.  Ken Shamrock and Faarooq’s brief match was great, but things went downhill when a bombed-out Sunny showed up, Mr. Sucky and the minis wasted everyone’s time, and the Patriot made Owen Hart look bad in the ring. Would you rather talk about the Truth Commission or Goth Marlena and Zubaz pants?

52m
Oct 09, 2023
WWE Raw: September 8, 1997

Max mini es muy muy malo!  In this episode of Wrasslin' Raw, the boys dig into the fallout from the Ground Zero Pay Per View, with matches featuring Vader and minis, a No Holds Barred match, and a Three Way Dance.  Even with Brian Pillman's perversions, we've saved the best for last- the debut of Uncle Cletus Godwin!

58m
Oct 02, 2023
WWE In Your House 17: Ground Zero

Who doesn’t want to see Earl Hebner get goozled? In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the boys examine In Your House: Ground Zero, and some of the best and worst Pay Per View wrestling in recent memory. Matches featuring Goldust, Brian Pillman, and a new crop of Lucha Minis all fall flat, while Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker get 5 stars. The tag team division gets new champions, and Bret Hart won’t even speak the Patriot’s name going into their match. The medics in Louisville are terrible!

1h 5m
Sep 25, 2023
WWE Raw: August 18, 1997

Who’s ready to grow another testicle? In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the boys watch the last Monday Night Raw episode leading into the Ground Zero Pay Per View. Matches featuring the Legion of Doom and Flash Funk fall short, while the main event brings together the Undertaker, Mankind, Shawn Michaels, and Hunter Hearst Helmsley. Goldust and Marlena accept a challenge from Brian Pillman, and there continues to be too much of the Patriot on our screens. That kid is back on our screens again!

57m
Sep 18, 2023
WWE Raw: August 11, 1997

Who’s ready for a… Country Whipping Match? In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the boys find out just how much Scott Putski can do in three and a half minutes - not much! Additional matches featuring Ken Shamrock and Flash Funk round out the card, while the Patriot gets way too much screen time. Shawn Michaels and Mankind are in the main event, and Stone Cold Steve Austin’s broken freakin’ neck continues to be a sore spot. On a positive note, we’re fortunate enough to see Chainz wrestle, right?

1h 1m
Sep 11, 2023
WWE Raw: August 4, 1997

Hopefully that’s the last time Ahmed Johnson shows up overdressed! In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the boys get the fallout from SummerSlam, and the in-ring stories keep moving forward. Bret and Owen Hart kick the episode off on a high note, and Stone Cold Steve Austin makes a questionable decision to wrestle. The new Commissioner, Sergeant Slaughter, makes his debut, and Brian Pillman is his first target. Vince McMahon gets his heart broken, and Bob Holly gets… a victory? Unbelievable!

1h 0m
Sep 04, 2023
WWE: SummerSlam 1997

The key was three! In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the boys sit down to talk about the 1997 SummerSlam, a very mixed bag of match quality and storytelling. Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Mankind have a highly-rated steel cage match, Ken Shamrock finally snaps against the British Bulldog, and Stone Cold Steve Austin gets his neck broken by Owen Hart. Shawn Michaels’ referee uniform is appropriately sized, and Ahmed Johnson remains disgustingly overdressed. Mother or not, Marlena’s hot!

1h 15m
Aug 28, 2023
WWE Raw: July 28, 1997

If you’ve got the hose, Pittsburgh is the hole! In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the boys get the go-home Raw Is War leading into SummerSlam 1997. Bret Hart and the Pittsburgh crowd have an energetic confrontation, as do Chyna and Mankind. The Patriot gets some action in the ring, while Ahmed Johnson shows up wearing all of the baby oil ever produced. The Cartoon Stable division gets a new member with the Truth Commission, and Dr. James Andrews does everyone a solid. Let’s all bump and grind!

1h 12m
Aug 21, 2023
WWE Raw: July 21, 1997

Let’s be honest, who hasn’t wanted to slap the shit out of Vince McMahon?  In this episode of Wrasslin’ Raw, the boys get another mixed bag of matches featuring Vader, Ken Shamrock, Goldust, and Farooq.  The tag team division gets highlighted in a three way tag match, while the main event (a six-man tag team Flag Match!) gives us Dude Love, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and the Hart Foundation.  Holy crap, it’s a burnt piece of wood!

1h 8m
Aug 14, 2023