The Indy Wrestling Experience

Episode #56 - Third Shift (Adam Carter & Flux)

We're back with a hefty episode this week, featuring a hot new tag team lighting it up in New York and looking to extend their reach, Adam Carter & Flux known as Third Shift. Bob and Jon have a blast with these guys who have been friends for twenty years, did backyard wrestling together as teenagers, diverted from wrestling when life took over, then decided to take a shot at their dream during COVID. In addition to wrestling, these guys love their hockey and their college football. We talk about that, including Flux's former career as a college football coach. If these guys come to your area, check them out. 
Before that in our news and notes segment, we discuss
The Controversy at Shitsho Wrasslin' and the allegations made against the promoter.
Wrestlecade pre-sales have begun
Richard Holliday's wild weekend stating at Outta Control Wrestling
Update on Matt Tremont after he collapsed during a match with Krule
Dezmond Cole takes a medical hiatus from wrestling
Focus Pro "All Eyez on Me"
Zilla's troublesome crew causing issues
MJF defends the AEW World title on the indies once again
We also talk at length about the changing landscape of independent wrestling streaming and content consumption. IWTV and Triller's schedules are getting lighter, HighSpots.Tv is shutting down, and many promotions are switching to Youtube or Patreon subscriptions for access to live events and event libraries, plus private Discords to maintain community. Is this good or bad for the promotions making this change? Is this good or bad for independent wrestling as a whole? Listen as we dive in on this very important topic.
Our IWX Watch This returns with a great episode of NWA Duke City Championship Wrestling, Season 4 Episode 23, featuring two fun matches. First Carmen Guepardo takes on Taylor Yorke, then a triple threat main event with Johnny Manga vs Valak Vile vs Robbie Avion. This entire show is a ton of fun and it's only a half hour long. Worth checking out for sure. 
In our Control Center, we preview two shows coming up this weekend at:
Central States Wrestling
Frontier Elite Wrestling
Next week, we will be joined by Vito Fratelli, who is on a belt-collecting trail of dominance throughout the State of California as the champion at NTLL, WCWC, 3PWA and Lucha Pro. 

Episode #55 - Joe Crowe (Spartan Pro Wrestling)

We're getting back to the normal program this week. We have one interview and it is with Joe Crowe, ring announcer for Spartan Pro Wrestling. We have a really fun conversation with Joe about wrestling, ring announcing and more, plus Joe tells us about his "geeky" interests, the books to which he's contributed, and his experiences on the convention circuit. 
Before that, Jon and Bob circle back to our discussion of the LJN-like figures being released by Mid-Atlantic Territory Wrestling. Next, we discuss Krule's wild ride of title wins and losses over just the last few weeks, including recently dethroning Myron Reed for the Wrestling Revolver title. We also discuss Tiphani Grady's belt collector status and her current run of dominance, Nikki Blackheart's instant impact in Metroplex Wrestling, and Sammi Chaos winning FIRE Queen of Maryland at ACW.
We also talk about Ken Dixon's surprising win at MCW, the incredible 8 man tag match MCW signed for Fan Jam, and Teddy Hart's controversial recent appearance at an independent show. 
In our Control Center, we preview three shows coming up this weekend at:
Focus Pro Wrestling
Outta Control Wrestling
Ryse Pro Wrestling
Next week, we will be joined by Adam Carter and Flux, the tag team known as Third Shift! Stay tuned!!
-----------------------------
00:00:00 -News and Notes
00:37:22 - Joe Crowe interview
01:30:42 - Control Center

Episode #54 - RPW Gets Unreal & The Sampson Effect

We're back after the snow! This week, Ragin Pro Wrestling CEO Rich Buchholtz returns after the big reveal that Kaci Lennox was Jordan Blu's partner in Savage Seduction all along. After RPW Redemption, Savage Seduction has taken control of the company. Rich joins us to discuss how the story unfolded, then takes the first step in regaining control of the company by issuing an OPEN CHALLENGE to both Jordan Blu and Kaci Lennox. Will they accept?
After that Rich, changes course and gives us an Unreal-like view into the backstage decisions, planning, and storytelling devices Rich used to kick this story off, and how he plans to mold this story into the future. 
We are also joined by UPW Champion Sampson for the first time since he hung up on us back in October. Sampson discusses his rapidly filling 2026 schedule, including trips to Texas, Canada and more while also maintaining his UPW title reign that now approaches two years! Sampson puts these promotions and everyone else on notice that the "Sampson Effect" is real. 
We start the show, though, discussing the anticipated release of LJN-like wrestling figures for the stars of Mid-Atlantic Territory Wrestling. Bob and Jon geek out about this and start unraveling all of the possibilities for, what we hope will be, a new retro throwback trend in wrestling figures. 
Next week, we are joined by Joe Crowe of Spartan Pro Wrestling who will tell us about his history as a ring announcer and commentator, the books he's written, and the many many sci-fi and comic book conventions in which he participates on a regular basis. 
--------------------------------------------------------------
00:00:00 - Intro, MATW Wrestling Figures
00:15:10 - Rich Buchholtz interview
01:14:18 - Sampson Interview

Episode #53 - Brox Boulder: The Aftermath of AOG

We are back this week with double interview episode. We start with our exclusive sit-down with Brox Boulder who tells his story about the sale of FTC Art of Grappling, his ouster from his position as trainer and head of creative at the school by the new owner, and his new wrestling school and promotion called AFTERMATH. Brox tells us how Bobby Blaze and Jillian Hall inspired the logo for his new venture, what he plans to change from his time at AOG, and what he plans to do exactly the same moving forward. 
After that, we are joined by the CEO of Ragin Pro Wrestling, Rich Buchholtz, who updates us on the Savage Seduction situation which will culminate at RPW Redemption this Saturday, and will continue to be felt at RPW's next show, Adrenaline 1, the following week. Rich gives us some early behind the scenes information about the Savage Seduction angle, and promises to return to discuss the fall out next week. In addition, Rich gives his opinions on wrestler resumés, TKO ticket prices, and Rikishi's latest complaint against WWE. 
Jon takes the opportunity, with two guests, to ask some off the wall questions that lead to some great stories from Brox and Rich being rendered speechless. Check it out!!!
---------------------------------------------------
00:00:00 - Brox Boulder
01:19:59 - Rich Buchholtz
 

Episode #52 - Tully Tales, SHINE Sabotaged, & Brox Bounced

We’re back with a jam-packed episode featuring the return of one of our favorite guests, Tully Bertorelli, who is back to talk about recent events involving The Collective, his match for the UPW American Championship against “Nerd Rage” Melvin Hayes on Saturday at UPW Clash in Champion, and updates on some of his recent art and music releases.
 
We start the show talking about a bad experience Bob had (saved Jon just in time) attempting to watch the SHINE 85 pay per view. Bob talks about how his subpar experience with Club WWN in the past was overshadowed this time by a complete inability to view the show that was purchased 
 
Bob and Jon also discuss the huge news regarding a shake up and new ownership at FTC Art of Grappling which saw Brox Boulder ousted as trainer, and the voluntary departures of many of the former FTC AOG talent. Brox has started his own school called Aftermath. Brox will join us next week for an exclusive interview about his departure from FTC AOG and the inspiration behind Aftermath. Don’t miss it!!
 
Before we get to Tully, Bob and Jon debate the new licensing model being used by the Creator Sports Network, which recently signed Ohio Valley Wrestling as their first wrestling entity. Is it the wave of the future or just another gimmick that will ultimately fail? Bob and Jon have different opinions and they begin the debate about creator-led live sports that is certainly just beginning.
 
Finally, Jon introduces you (and Bob) to the world of Soft Ground Wrestling out of Uganda. If you have not seen clips of this promotion, go check them out. It’s a cool new spin on wrestling. Some of your favorite stars have appeared there already!
 
In our Control Center, we preview three shows happening this weekend, all on Saturday from:
 
Heartland Championship Wrestling
The Gulf Coast Wrestling
KAOS Wrestling
 
Next week will be a huge show. We will have Brox Boulder discussing the events that led to his departure from FTC AOG and starting his own school. We will also be joined by Rich Buchholtz in the final moments before RPW Redemption and the reveal of the folks behind Savage Seduction. STAY TUNED!!
 
00:00:00 – Intro, News & Notes
00:47:30 – Interview with Tully Bertorelli
01:29:02 – Control Center

Episode #51 - Closures, Retirements & Hiatuses

We are back from the holiday break with a ton of news and notes to get to. Unfortunately, as the new year begins, most of the recent news is about endings. KCWA in Pennsylvania and Deadlock Pro Wrestling are no more, Tony Deppen is taking an indefinite mental health break from professional wrestling, Dan Barry wrestled his final match and Mercedes Martinez announces her retirement at the end of 2026. 
Bob and Jon also talk about three IWTV title changes that happened over a three week span. Bear Bronson won the IWTV title, then lost it to Krule days later. Soon after, Bang & Matthews added to their belt collection, defeating Miracle Generation to win the vacant IWTV Tag Team Championships.
On top of all that, there's a storm brewing in Wisconsin, and its name is Savage Seduction. RPW CEO Rich Buchholtz continues to be threatened by this mysterious faction that will make their plans known on January 24 at RPW Redemption.  All this is going on while, at the same time, Silas Young announces he is not medically cleared to defend the RPW Championship against Sampson at Redemption. RPW quickly named a replacement in what is now a match for the Vacant RPW Championship. We will have Rich on in two weeks to help us make sense out of all this confusion.
Our IWX Watch This is New Heights Wrestling "NHW Pro TV Ep. 6" which was posted to NHW's YouTube channel last week. This is a fun episode, capped off by a lumberjack match between Hunter Hendrix and Drake Zavior for the NHW Pride Championship. In addition, we get Dominic Bianco vs Caden Albright and Logan Yand vs the impressive Max Striker. 
In our Control Center, we preview three shows coming up this weekend from:
Focus Pro Wrestling
REAL Pro Wrestling
Wrestlemerica 
And this Control Center has some really fun promos too. Check it out!!
Next week, we return with Tully Bertorelli, who will catch us up on his life, wrestling and otherwise, and preview his huge match against Melvin Hayes for the UPW American Championship on January 17. STAY TUNED!!
 
--------------------------------------
00:00:00 - Intro, News and Notes
00:50:42 - IWX Watch This - NHW TV Ep 6
01:13:47 - Control Center

Episode #50 - Underground Lucha Experience (S01 E05)

We're back this week with another Lucha Underground rewatch episode. This time, it's Season 1, Episode 5 "Boyle Heights Street Fight" which introduces a level of violence we have yet to see so far.  
The card:
Drago vs Mil Muertes
Mascarita Sagrada vs Son of Havoc (w.Ivelisse)
Chavo Guerrero vs Sexy Star
Big Ryck vs Prince Puma (Boyle Heights Street Fight)
Don't forget the rewatch links are located in our linktree. Watch along with us!
Next week, Bob and Jo return with more indy-focused episodes for the new year! STAY TUNED!!

Episode #49 - Underground Lucha Experience (S01 E04)

We're back this week with another Lucha Underground rewatch episode. This time, it's Season 1, Episode 4 "Thrill of the Hunt" which continues many of the storylines from the first three episodes. 
The card:
Sexy Star vs Ivellise
Fenix vs Pentagon Jr
Drago vs King Cuerno
Big Ryck vs Johnny Mundo
Don't forget the rewatch links are located in our linktree. Watch along with us!
Next week, we'll be back with Season 1, Episode 5. After the new year, Bob and Jo return with more indy-focused episodes! STAY TUNED!!

Episode #48 - IWX Year End Awards

We're back with the final regular indy-focused episode of the year and, of course, it's our Year in Review with our IWX Awards for 2025. We review our first year as the Indy Wrestling Experience while, at the same time, we each award performers and promotions for having a special 2025 in the following categories:
Male Performer of the Year
Female Performer of the Year
Tag Team of the Year
IWX Favorite of the Year
Live Moment of the Year
Favorite Match of the Year
One to Watch in 2026
Comeback of the Year
Ripple in the Matrix Award (Performer who made a huge splash in 2025)
IWX Watch This Show of the Year
Promo of the Year
Hagerstown Heat Award 
Storyline of the Year
Matt Cardona Award 
Congrats to all of the talents noted in this episode for their unique contributions to independent wrestling in 2025!
Before the awards begin, Bob and Jon take a moment to thank the recently-retired Missa Kate for an incredible career and some amazing moments for the fans.
Also, the IWXtra newsletter has arrived. This is your official supplement to the Indy Wrestling Experience podcast, as it contains tons of additional information that did not make it onto the podcast. In addition, we will be making announcements for entry into our monthly and year-end rankings, starting with a call for submissions for top managers. Subscribe to the IWXtra, then message me with your nominations for Top Manager!
The last two episodes of the year will be Underground Lucha Experience episodes that we pre-taped so Bob and Jon can recharge for 2026. Thanks to you all for your continued support!!

Episode #47 - Missing Megaphone, Jushin & Joey, and Lucha Lucha

We're back this week and making adjustments on the fly! We start the show talking about some events from Wrestlecade, including Jushin Thunder Liger's UN-retirement and Jimmy Hart's megaphone being stolen.
We discuss the recently released IWX Tag Team Top 400, which was released on Tuesday, and give some insight into how the top 10 teams each earned their spots. 
In personal medical news we discuss some less positive updates about John Nord and Joe Doering. Mr. Nord, it was announced, can no longer do public signings due to his deteriorating condition. Mr. Doering, who has battled brain tumors for years, was recently found to have a third brain tumor. We send our best out to both of those guys and discuss what we loved about them when they were  on our TVs in our younger years. 
We analyze some recent news in the business world of the wrestling business, as Coastal Championship Wrestling just announced a TV deal for their promotions and dates for the first live TV Tapings! We are big fans of the promotion and have touted their stars for a while. We are so glad to see CCW getting this huge opportunity. 
Before we go to the control center, Bob and Jon return to the topic of the WCPW/SLA/New Texas partnership on news that St. Louis Anarchy and New Texas have formally announced their partnership. 
In our Control Center, we preview three shows coming up this weekend, including the big GLCW Blizzard Brawl and SOAR Wrestling Worldwide's SOARCADE: Civil War, both on Saturday, as well as Fab Wrestling's No Mercy in December on Sunday. We've got some really good promos from some of the performers at SOAR and at Fab Wrestling. Thank you so much to those two promotions for their permission to use the audio from those promos on our show!
Finally, we had a last minute cancellation this week, but we won't leave you hanging. At the end of the episode, we have added the next Underground Lucha Experience episode. Use the links in our Linktree to watch Season 1 Episode 3 of Lucha Underground with us. This show features, Penta vs Drago vs Fenix, plus Mascarita Sagrada, Mil Muertes and more on the Chavo Guerrero saga. Great episode. Enjoy!
Next week, Jon and Bob return with one more regular episode before our Year End Awards show in two weeks. STAY TUNED!!!