British pro wrestling star Bevan, The Bastard Son, becomes the first bona-fide "three-peat" guest as he returns to the show for the first time in 3 years!Last time we spoke, the in-ring star and owner of No Mercy Wrestling discussed what was the start of his new venture as the fledgling Welsh promotion was at that point looking forward to welcoming WWE legend Scotty 2 Hotty through its ropes, and a lot has transpired since then.Bevan discusses the growth and genesis of No Mercy Wrestling, which has truly become one of the Welsh superpowers on the British wrestling scene, as well as his acquisition of a second promotion - VCW Pro - along the way, and the challenges involved in running two companies and how they serve each other as well.We also discuss the fallout of No Mercy/Brilliance Pro's latest event in Caerphilly over the summer, 'Broken Empire' and a look ahead to the culmination of his feud with 'The Brilliance' James Ellis at their next and final show of the year on 30th November!To keep up with Bevan's own latest news and updates, be sure to following him on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bevanbastardson_pw/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bevanandhellFor all latest news, upcoming events and tickets for No Mercy Wrestling:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nomercywrestleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomercywrestle/X: https://x.com/nomercywrestleWebsite: https://www.nomercywrestling.co.uk/You can catch No Mercy's action on Demand No Mercy via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DemandNoMercy #onceuponaturnbuckle #wrestling #interview #NoMercyWrestling #BevanBastardSon
Chris welcomes back to the show wrestling writer, podcaster and ex-WWE Magazine editor Brian R. Solomon to discuss his newest release 'Irresistable Force', the long-awaited biography of wrestling icon Gorilla Monsoon.Monsoon was a larger-than-life character on- and off-screen and the voice of an entire generation of wrestling fans growing up in the 80s and 90s, but his story is one that has never been told in full - until now, and Brian Solomon is the man for the job.In this episode, Brian discusses the reasons behind wanting to bring Gorilla's story to the masses, the people he worked with to make it happen and the challenges in piecing together such a storied life and career, which included in-ring rivalries with Bruno Sammartino, becoming one of the key figures at the top of Capitol Wrestling alongside Vince McMahon Snr. and of course his legendary on-screen moments and real-life friendship with Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan.'Irresistable Force' is available to buy as of 30th September in the US, and due for release in the UK around November 2025.For his latest and upcoming news and events, be sure to follow Brian's social media pages and website:Website: https://brianrsolomon.wixsite.com/authorFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrianSolomonWriterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianrsolomon/X: https://x.com/brianrsolomon#OnceUponATurnbuckle #podcast #interview #BrianRSolomon #GorillaMonsoon
Aaron Blanchard has been a recognisable face on the British indie scene for many years now, and after 3 years he makes his return to Once Upon A Turnbuckle to discuss his new ringside venture as Big Manager Blanch, not only manager, cheerleader and cohort of 'The Brilliance' James Ellis, but also the current Commissioner and Worldwide Champion of VCW Pro!In his latest visit to the show, Blanch discusses the roots of his latest personal, the chemistry between himself and The Brilliance and also a delve into the legendary wrestling managers of yesteryear that have inspired and shaped his character in and outside of the ring.For all his latest news, updates and appearences, be sure to check out Big Manager Blanch on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigmanagerblanch/#OnceUponATurnbuckle #interview #BritishWrestling #indiewrestling #BigManagerBlanch
In this week's episode of Once Upon A Turnbuckle, Chris is joined by renowned podcaster and author Ben Veal, host of the famous 'Wrestling Life with Ben Veal' podcast and more recently co-author of the incredible autobiography of WWE and WCW legend Marc Mero, 'Badd to Good'.Ben discusses his earliest childhood memories of wrestling, which event captured and secured his lifelong fandom, through to the role of his first podcast Good Journeys in creating and establishing Wrestling Life with Ben Veal as one of the most recognised wrestling podcasts in the industry, and of course how he became the man to help tell Marc Mero's amazing life story.Ben releases a new episode of Wrestling Life Online every Tuesday, so be sure to subscribe and check out all of his previous interviews with wrestling greats past and present: https://www.youtube.com/@UCJWcY3n_ypqnj9vRp4lnRkg Be sure to also check out Ben's social pages to keep up-to-date with all latest news and future releases:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wrestlinglifeonline/ and https://www.instagram.com/benvealwrites/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wrestlinglifeonlineWebsite: https://www.wrestlinglife.online/ #onceuponaturnbuckle #podcast #BenVeal #WrestlingLifeOnline #interview
Wrestling fans of a certain age will take any opporunity to travel back in time to the golden days of the early-90s WWF. For us in the UK, it was a time where WWF was everywhere - on our TVs (if you were lucky enough to have Sky), on our newsstands, toy shops and even amongst our favourite snacks and in the pop charts!With his new book 'Rampage', author Lee Herbert has done what no-one else has before - taking us back in time to the era where the WWF exploded onto the scenes in the UK, giving us an insight into all the players that made it happen - including the top guys from Merlin (who gave us those gorgeous sticker albums) and Silver Vision (who gave us our loibrary of VHS tapes) amongst others.Lee drops into Once Upon A Turnbuckle to chat about his new book, the journey it took him on from inception to publication, and his own fond memories of being a childhood wrestling fan in the 90s.'Rampage' is available to order NOW via https://rampagebook.myshopify.com/ and https://www.wrestlinglife.online/The book is also available in eBook format from Amazon:https://amzn.eu/d/ePu2iDuTo keep up-to-date with Lee's latest news and future releases, be sure to follow him on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwframpagebook/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568342758142To keep up-to-date with Chris' latest shows and news, be sure to follow his social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onceuponaturnbuckle/ and https://www.instagram.com/thestorymanuk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OnceUponATurnbuckle and https://www.facebook.com/DMTPodNet#OnceUponATurnbuckle #podcast #90swrestling #WWF90s #RampageBook
A lot has happened in the world of Jon Walker and @SlammastersWrestling since Chris last chatted to him on the show nearly 4 years ago!
Back in 2021, Jon and his Slammasters co-founder Big D had a few shows under their belts after Covid derailed plans temporarily, and fast-forward a few years and the organisation is thriving, having found a spiritual home in Portland House in Cardiff, and fresh off the back of the latest show in which former WWE US and Cruiserweight champion Kalisto (now known as Samuray del Sol) made his debut!In this episode, Jon discusses attracting and working with international stars like Kalisto, Doug Williams, Danhausen, Rhyno and Eric Young, the quality Slammasters staple stars like Man Like Dereiss and 'The Brilliance' James Ellis and also the meteoric rise of the inaugural Slammasters Women's Champion Mariah May, who has since gone on to great success in AEW and to her recent debut in NXT.For those wrestling fans who love a story of dedication, commitment, the love of the one true sport and seeing the benefits of some good old-fashioned hard work, this one is for you!To keep up-to-date with all of the upcoming news and events from Slammasters Wrestling, be sure to check out their social media pages:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slammasterswrestling/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slammasterswrestlingTo buy tickets for their upcoming show 'Final Fall at the Banking Hall' on Sunday 19th October, go to the official Slammasters website: www.slammasterswrestling.comTo keep up-to-date with latest news and future episodes of the podcast:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OnceUponATurnbuckleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/onceuponaturnbuckle#SlammastersWrestling #Cardiff #onceuponaturnbuckle #podcast
In this episode, Chris sits down with Buddy Sotello Esq., who is something of a rarity in today's wrestling world - a heel manager with old school values and a talent for knowing how to create real believable heat with the crowd."The Master of the Contract" discusses his earliest memories of discovering wrestling in his childhood, the in-ring and ringside performers who inspired him, and the influences behind his own persona.
We hear just some of his memories training and working independent promotions including All Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Iron, taking bumps and working the crowd to create what he calls "Buddy's pockets of hate."
As the first wrestling manager to appear thus far on Once Upon A Turnbuckle, this is definitely a perspective that wrestling enthusiasts will want to miss!
Be sure to check out Buddy's podcast 'Wrestling & Everything - Coast to Coast', with co-host Evan Ginzburg:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WrestlingAndEverythingCoasttoCoastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4eRXnG48lo&list=PLZVZEnLbi7l57A_i6ddz-zpxFn_rpHAVH#onceuponaturnbuckle #podcast #BuddySotelloEsq #wrestlingmanager #interview
Wrestling fans of the '90s and 00s will best remember @StroMaestro as WCW's classical eccentric, The Maestro, but as we find out soon enough he had already had quite the storied career before even reaching Atlanta.From his early days in collegiate wrestling, to being for the professional ranks by legends Ivan Koloff and Nelson Royal, to his runs in Jim Cornette's Smoky Mountain Wrestling and USWA, en route to learning about his familial link to Gorgoeus George, tag-teaming with Jake 'The Snake' Roberts in Mexico and then eventually answering a call from 'Macho Man' Randy Savage which took him to WCW.Along the way, we are treated to some awesome wrestling trivia too, including "Which soon-to-be-famous WWF/E gimmick was Rob Kellum first considered for?"This is a must-see for all old-school and 90s wrestling fans!To keep up-to-date with Rob Kellum's latest news and appearances, be sure to follow his social media pages:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StroTheMaestroInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/maestrorobkellumX: https://www.x.com/thestroTo donate to Rob's GoFund me:https://gofund.me/6f8d3938#OnceUponATurnbuckle #90sWrestling #00sWrestling #WrestlingLegends #TheMaestro #PapaStro
If you're looking for someone with some wrestling stories to tell - look no further!Evan Ginzburg is the Senior Editor for Pro Wrestling Stories and a contributing writer since 2017. He’s a published author, with his latest book, "Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets," released on January 7th, 2025. He was an Associate Producer on the Oscar-nominated movie "The Wrestler" and the acclaimed wrestling documentary "350 Days." He is a 30-plus-year film, radio, and TV veteran and a voice-over actor on the radio drama "Kings of the Ring."In this episode, Evan chats to Chris about his life in and around wrestling, including:- His role and influence on set of hit movie, 'The Wrestler'- Improvising a scene for the movie with Mickey Rourke- Friendships and road stories with the likes of Johnny Valiant, Nikolai Volkoff and the Iron Shiek- His documentary movie '350 Days', which lifted the veil on the real-life experiences on the road through the lens of greats such as Bret 'Hitman' Hart, 'Superstar' Billy Graham, The Iron Shiek and Ox Baker- Old school versus current generation of wrestling- Evan's new memoir, 'Wrestling Rings, Blackboards & Movie Sets'And much more!Evan's new book is available now on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Wrestling-Rings-Blackboards-Movie-Sets-ebook/dp/B0DSB3Q25C?ref_=ast_author_dpTo keep up-to-date with Eva's latest news and musings, be sure to check out his Facebook page and group:https://www.facebook.com/EvanGinzburgsOldSchoolWrestlingMemories#OnceUponATurnbuckle #wrestling #podcast #wrestlingauthor #EvanGinzburg
When British wrestling sensation Rhiannon Jade was last on the show (as Echo Reed) her wrestling story was still in it's infancy and many a chapter was yet to be written. Fast forward 4 years and boy does she have some tales to tell!From moving from Devon to Wales to further her career, two summers spent training and performing under WWE legend Dr. Tom Prichard in the US through to making her TNA debut against a former Knockouts World Champion and winning her most important title yet...it's all here!This is certainly one you do not want to miss!#OnceUponATurnbuckle #podcast #RhiannonJade #britishwrestling
In this episode, Chris welcomes British wrestling star 'The Stallion' Chris Bronson to the show's 60th episode.
Chris B shares his early memories of wrestling and beyond, including:-
And much more!
Sharing a love of old school wrestling, the two Chrises also find time to chat about The Stallion's choices for his wrestling Mount Rushmore, his dream WrestleMania opponent and even his take on the upcoming Cena-Cody showdown.
To keep up-to-date with Chris Bronson's latest news and appearances, be sure to following him on his socials:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075934617594
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris__bronson/
#onceuponaturnbuckle #podcast #StallionChrisBronson #ChrisBronson #BritishWrestling
In a very special episode, Chris welcomes back wrestling fan and collector Andrew Lacelle to the show for a discussion which is well overdue - the magic of wrestling figures!
Chris and Andrew both come armed with their Top 5 favourite wrestling figures of all time. Built purely on their own memories and personal significances, the pair chat about their love of WWF Hasbro, WCW Galoob, Remco AWA and WWF Jakks lines, each leading to their number 1 choices.
Be sure to check out Andrew's own Wrestling Action Figure Review feature over on his TikTok channel: www.tiktok.com/outlawjamboree
For more of Chris' own love for wrestling figures and to follow his journey back into figure collection, check out his new series 'Go Figure!' exclusively on his YouTube channel (Dead Men's Tales Podcast Network).
#OnceUponATurnbuckle #podcast #wrestling #prowrestling #actionfigures #galoob #WCWGaloob #hasbro #WWF #WCW
In this brand-new episode, Chris brings you a guest that is not just the coolest, not just the best but simply...JUSTIN CREDIBLE!
Wrestling legend PJ Polaco has a storied career in and around the squared circle and he is here to tell you all about it. From his early days training with the Harts, through his WWF/E days as the 'Portuguese Mn-o-War' Aldo Montoya to his trend-setting run as ECW World Champion, Justin Credible.
Highlights include:-
-Being trained by Keith Hart and Lance Storm
- His early run as PJ Walker, including a TV victory over IRS
- The genesis of Aldo Montoya
- His switch to ECW and birth of Justin Credible
- ECW's influence on the 'Attitude' era- Return to WWE and his role in the famed Invasion angle- The importance of right place, right time- Who his dream opponent would be at WrestleMania
And much more!
Be sure to follow PJ on his social media pages:
X: @pjpolaco
Instagram: @pjpolaco
And check out his merchandise on Pro wrestling Tees:www.prowrestlingtees.com/justincredible
#OnceUponATurnbuckle #podcast #PJPolaco #JustinCredible #AldoMontoya
In the second half of our BLOCKBUSTER double feature, British tag team sensation Toby St. John drops in to chat about his pathway into wrestling, from his childhood days idolisation Shawn Michaels, through to having the opportunity to work with and learn from wrestling legends in the US!Highlights include: -Old school wrestling,- His favourite HBK match;- Making the decision to get into the ring himself;- Forming his friendship and tag team success with Jordan Sparkes;- 'The Blockbusters' rise to be one of the hottest on the British scene;- Winning OVW and NWA Tag Team gold;- Being trained by Dr. Tom Prichard;- Tag team match with The Andersons in the US, with the legendary 'Enforcer' Arn Anderson at ringside;And much more!#OnceUponATurnbuckle #podcast #TobyStJohn #TheBlockbusters
In this brand-new episode of Once Upon A Turnbuckle, Chris welcomes British wrestling sensation Jordan Sparkes back to the show!
Since we last spoke in late-2021, Jordan's career has gone from strength-to-strength quite literally, and has seen him start 2025 off with a bang as he currently co-holds tag team gold in 4 seperate promotions in the US and UK as part of 'The Blockbusters', as well as his first-ever singles Heavyweight title.
From honing his true in-ring persona, to training and performing in America and taking the British tag team scene by storm - there's definitely a lot to catch up on!
Highlights include:-
To keep up-to-date with Jordan's latest news and upcoming appearances, be sure to follow his socials:
Facebook: @jordansparkespw
Instagram: @jordansparkespw
#OnceUponATurnbucke #podcast #wrestling #JordanSparkes
It's the long-awaited return of Once Upon A Turnbuckle and what a perfect way to kick off the new era!
'The Brilliance' James Ellis, one of the hottest properties on the British indie scene today and newly-crowned New Wave Wrestling champion, returns to the show to catch us up on his career over the last few years.
Highlights include:-
And much more!
To follow James' latest news and upcoming appearances, be sure to follow him on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065881731345Instagram:
www.instagram.com/jamesellispw
August 29th 1992. Wembley Stadium, England.
The date that will live on in the hearts of all wrestling fans as being that which gave us one of the greatest PPV's (SummerSlam '92) and arguably one of the greatest wrestling matches in history, as 'The British Bulldog' Davey Boy Smith realised his dream and defeated his brother-in-law, Bret 'Hitman' Hart, for the WWF Intercontinental Championship in front of over 80,000 of his countrymen.
It was a match in itself which was steeped in drama, intrigue and masterful storytelling in the ring, and is little wonder why we are still talking about it and reliving the magic of that match 30 years later.
For this very special episode of the show, Chris welcomes back Steven Bell (author of the incredible 'Dynamite & Davey: The Explosive Lives of The British Bulldogs) to watch the match in its entirety once more, with Steve using his extensive and knowledge that led him to write his fantastic book to help pad out the backstory of this epic encounter.
'Dynamite & Davey: The Explosive Lives of The British Bulldogs', is available to order from Amazon and all major stockists, as well as from Steve's website below.
To keep up with Steve's latest news, be sure to check out his social media pages too:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dynamite-Davey-The-Explosive-Lives-of-The-British-Bulldogs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven_bell1985/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BulldogsBook123
Website: https://www.stevenbellwrites.com/
Enjoyed this episode?
Then please be sure to subscribe/follow and also follow me on my social media for further news of future shows.
Facebook: @OnceUponATurnbuckle & @DMTPodNet
Instagram: @onceuponaturnbuckle & @dmtpodnet
Twitter: @DMTPodNet
**Theme song 'Halloween Night' used courtesy of Jayde Garrow.**
Chris welcomes back another returning guest this week, as he catches up with wrestler and owner/promoter of No Mercy Wrestling, Chris Bevan!
We chat about the growth of No Mercy since our last interview (in summer 2021), which has seen their debut show, the inception of it's own 'Iron Cobra' tournament, the importance of working alongside his fellow promoters and their upcoming show, featuring a certain special guest who will be 'Worm-ing' his way into Pembrokeshire, showing he isn't 'Too Cool' to hang with the No Mercy crew!
To keep up with the latest news, be sure to follow both the No Mercy Wrestling and Bevan's own social media pages:
Facebook: @NoMercyWrestle & @bevanandhell
Instagram: @nomercywrestle & @bevanbastardson_pw
Twitter: @NoMercyWrestle & @bevanbastardson
Enjoyed this episode?
Then please be sure to subscribe/follow and also follow me on my social media for further news of future shows.
Facebook: @OnceUponATurnbuckle & @DMTPodNet
Instagram: @onceuponaturnbuckle & @dmtpodnet
Twitter: @DMTPodNet
**Theme song 'Halloween Night' used courtesy of Jayde Garrow.**
In this gem of a show, Chris welcomes Brian R. Solomon, writer, author and host of the 'Shut Up & Wrestle Podcast'.
Brian has made his name as not only a writer and editor for WWE Magazine in the early 2000s but also as an author of renowned wrestling books including 'WWE Legends', 'Pro Wrestling FAQ' and his latest release, 'Blood & Fire: The Unbelievable Real-Life Story of Wrestling's Original Sheik'.
He is also a contributor to well-respected publications, Pro Wrestling Illustrated and Inside The Ropes.
Listen in as Brian recalls his time working for WWE, his own experience and take on the doomed WWF/WCW 'Invasion' angle and how and when he found his love for wrestling history. Brian also talks about the challenges faced in bringing the story of The Sheik, wrestling's most hated and mysterious star, to life.
To keep up-to-date with Brian's current and upcoming news, be sure to follow him on social media:
Facebook: @BrianSolomonWriter
Instagram: @brianrsolomon
Twitter: @BrianRSolomon
You can also find his books to order via Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and his podcast 'Shut Up & Wrestle' is available on all major platforms. #OnceUponATurnbuckle #BrianRSolomon #TheSheik
Enjoyed this episode?
Then please be sure to subscribe/follow and also follow me on my social media for further news of future shows.
Facebook: @OnceUponATurnbuckle
Instagram: @onceuponaturnbuckle
Twitter: @TetreaultBlay
**Theme song 'Halloween Night' used courtesy of Jayde Garrow.**
In a perfect companion to our recent episode with wrestling legend B. Brian Blair, Chris welcomes the other half of the writing team that brought us the fantastic 'Truth Bee Told' - journalist and wrestling biographer, Ian Douglass!
Ian drops in to discuss his writing work, which includes not only his latest offering with Brian Blair but also previous books created with Dan 'The Beast' Severn, Bugsy McGraw and Hornswoggle.
We also catch Ian's thoughts on the current and past pro wrestling scene, the star responsible for his love of pro wrestling and the one moment that made him proud to call himself a fan of the 'one true sport'.
Check out Ian's work on his website www.iandouglass.net, as well as on Twitter (@StreamGlass). You can also grab your own copy of any of Ian's books so far via Amazon!
Enjoyed this episode?
Then please be sure to subscribe/follow and also follow me on my social media for further news of future shows.
Facebook: @OnceUponATurnbuckle
Instagram: @onceuponaturnbuckle
Twitter: @TetreaultBlay
**Theme song 'Halloween Night' used courtesy of Jayde Garrow.**
