Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast-logo

Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast

Sports & Recreation Podcasts

30+ year veteran Hall of Fame pro wrestling journalist Wade Keller from Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter and PWTorch.com discusses the top stories of the week in pro wrestling with top-level guest cohosts and interviews pro wrestling's newsmakers each week. 640160 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.

Location:

St Paul, MN

Description:

30+ year veteran Hall of Fame pro wrestling journalist Wade Keller from Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter and PWTorch.com discusses the top stories of the week in pro wrestling with top-level guest cohosts and interviews pro wrestling's newsmakers each week. 640160 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.

Language:

English


Episodes
Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

INTERVIEW CLASSIC (10 YRS AGO): Bob Backlund autobiography co-author Robert Miller with insights on working with former WWF Champion on book

10/26/2025
In this week’s Interview Classic episode from ten years ago (10-15-2015), PWTorch editor Wade Keller and PWTorch columnist Bruce Mitchell interviewed Bob Backlund autobiography co-author Robert Miller who discusses going from fan to friend as he wrote definitive Backlund chronicle. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.

Duration:01:59:43

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

15 YRS AGO: Paul Heyman's vision for TNA if he took it over, Nash's big interview, WWE Movies, more

10/24/2025
Today we jump back 15 years to the Oct. 21, 2010 episode of the PWTorch Livecast featuring PWTorch assistant editor James Caldwell and PWTorch columnist Greg Parks. They discussed with live callers on Kevin Nash's interview covering multiple WWE & TNA coverage, tonight's TNA Impact, Paul Heyman's vision for TNA if he joined the promotion, TNA Reaction with more explanation of "they," Kaval's booking on Smackdown, whether WWE can create marketable stars trying to create "comedic" sides to their stars, Japan vs. U.S. media coverage of wrestling, TMZ marketing JWoww vs. Cookie better than TNA would book it, and much more. In the previously VIP-exclusive Aftershow, they discussed who should be first in line to face Jeff Hardy for the TNA Title, what it says about TNA's booking that they don't have a strong babyface ready for Hardy, Bragging Rights overview & whether it's worth ordering & predictions on the top three matches, WWE Movies, including the Hollywood Reporter ripping "Knucklehead," the inevitable "Stand Up for WWE" campaign response telling the audience to stand up against elitist Hollywood movie reviewers, and so much more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.

Duration:01:42:27

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

15 YRS AGO: Stand Up for Controversy! Tough Enough revival, Jeff Hardy's heel turn, Tito Santana, Briscoes, R-Truth, Heyman, more

10/23/2025
Today we jump back 15 years to the Oct. 20, 2010 episode of the PWTorch Livecast featuring PWTorch editor Wade Keller and cohost Pat McNeill, they discussed the controversy erupting over the "Stand Up For WWE" campaign as it relates to Linda McMahon's political campaign. Also, live calls on Jeff Hardy's heel turn, Paul Heyman's goals for TNA, R-Truth's absence this week, Tough Enough's format, Bischoff's comments on ROH and Bret's comments on Bischoff, MVP's push, the Jeff Jarrett-Kurt Angle relationship, potential for Sunday's Daniel Bryan-Dolph Ziggler match, Hornswoggle's character, and more. In the previously VIP-exclusive Aftershow, the McNeill Live Event center, Listener Email Questions on Tito Santana and a WWE continuity editor, plus the Briscoes, Kaval, and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.

Duration:01:31:45

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

5 YRS AGO FLAGSHIP: Keller & Powell talk Jericho-MJF song and dance, new Omega presentation, Reigns-Uso, Retribution, HIAC hype, more

10/22/2025
In this week’s Flagship Flashback episode of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast from five years ago (10-22-2020), PWTorch editor Wade Keller was joined by Jason Powell from ProWrestling.net and the Pro Wrestling Boom podcast. They discussed the top happenings in pro wrestling over the last week including NXT, AEW Dynamite, Raw, Smackdown, Hell in a Cell, and Impact’s Bound for Glory. Some specific topics include Pat McAfee joining Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch, the new presentation of Kenny Omega and how to interpret it, the odd framing of The Young Bucks, the latest chapter with Roman Reigns and Jey Uso, trying to figure out the point of Retribution, the stellar Jon Moxley-Eddie Kingston hype, Eric Young vs. Rich Swann as the headline match at Bound for Glory, and of course the Chris Jericho-MJF steak dinner song and dance routine. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.

Duration:02:09:20

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

NEW FLAGSHIP: Keller & Heydorn talk WWE roster depth after Seth and Fatu injuries, Cena's last opponent, Moxley-Darby, Joe's turn

10/21/2025
PWTorch editor Wade Keller presents the Tuesday Flagship edition of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast with guest co-host Zack Heydorn from Brass Ring Media and Sports Illustrated. They cover these topics: Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.

Duration:01:49:53

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

15 YRS AGO LIVECASTS: McMahon's YouTube video & WWE's response to "criticism," Bischoff-Bret, Tough Enough's return, Stand Up For WWE, more

10/20/2025
Today we jump back 15 years to two back-to-back episodes of the PWTorch Livecast from Oct. 18 and 19, 2010. On the Oct. 18, 2010 episode, PWTorch assistant editor James Caldwell and PWTorch columnist Bruce Mitchell discussed with live callers Vince McMahon's YouTube video, what it says about WWE's state, whether McMahon should be removed from power in WWE, historical perspective on WWE "rallying the troops," tonight's WWE Raw, WWE's one big "ace in the hole" being John Cena and Wade Barrett, the lack of hype for Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett at the PPV, TNA's booking of female TV characters, WWE & TNA struggling to draw on house show tours right now without John Cena and Jeff Hardy on tour, and much more. On the Oct. 19, 2010 episode, PWTorch editor Wade Keller and ProWrestling.net's Jason Powell, they discussed in-depth last night's Raw and the final hype for Sunday's Bragging Rights PPV. Also, a discussion with callers about the previous week's Impact and the dismal quarter hour ratings trends, whether WWE might shake up their approach to PPVs, the Eric Bischoff-Bret Hart war of words, Linda McMahon's future if she loses, the whole "Stand Up for WWE" campaign, and more. This includes the previously VIP-exclusive Aftershow. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.

Duration:02:42:45

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

10 YRS AGO FLAGSHIP: Keller & Powell react to Austin's interview with Brock Lesnar, Raw a sinking ship creatively paying price in viewership

10/19/2025
In this week's Flagship Flashback episode of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast from ten years ago (10-20-2015), PWTorch editor Wade Keller was joined by Jason Powell from ProWrestling.net and the Pro Wrestling Boom podcast. They discussed the Steve Austin interview with Brock Lesnar, plus reaction to last night's Raw and the breaking news of Raw's rating. They also field phone calls from live listeners on a variety of WWE-related topics. Then, in the previously VIP-exclusive Aftershow, they follow up on the Livecast to absorb the ratings news, plus answer a wide range of email topics including Global Force Wrestling, a Kane-Seth Rollins PPV prediction, a bold declaration from Keller regarding Seth, TNA in India, and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.

Duration:02:13:05

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

15 YRS AGO LIVECASTS: Cornette-Mark Madden rivalry, Bruce Prichard's history, TNA's lack of heel/face dynamic, Jersey Shore-TNA, Matt Hardy

10/19/2025
Today we jump back 15 years to two back-to-back episodes of the PWTorch Livecast from Oct. 14 and 15, 2010. On the Oct. 14, 2010 episode, PWTorch editor Wade Keller and columnist Pat McNeill, they take live calls for the full hour with topics including the Jim Cornette-Mark Madden rivalry, Bruce Prichard's history, TNA's lack of strict face/heel definitions, TNA's Jersey Shore cross promotion, Gail Kim and Mickie James, Shocking Angles, and more. Plus in the VIP Aftershow, Keller and McNeill discuss the possible big changes WWE might initiate in the face of declining business. On the Oct. 15, 2010 episode, PWTorch assistant editor James Caldwell and PWTorch columnist Greg Parks includes discussion with live callers on last night's TNA Impact, including an in-depth review of the key segments and overall show and why they didn't work despite TNA's best efforts, plus discussion of Impact viewership that came in before the Livecast, Matt Hardy's release and why WWE finally released him, his future likely in TNA, the one missing element from Impact with brief focus on Kurt Angle's retirement, a Jenna vs. Sharmell reference, why the "no wrestling" beginning to Impact wasn't a bad concept, just bad execution, Cena vs. Nexus and what WWE could do with the angle going forward. Plus, more phone calls in the Bonus Livecast on Hardy's heel turn and first heel promo, Dixie's "smug s---" comment & Tweet, and in the VIP Aftershow, in-depth preview of Smackdown and an overview of the Bragging Rights line-up to this point and why it's not worth ordering yet. Then, in the previously VIP-exclusive Aftershow, they discussed Matt Hardy in TNA, Kevin Nash, and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.

Duration:02:48:45

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

AEW WRESTLEDREAM PPV PREVIEW + TONY KHAN MEDIA Q&A: Keller & Krol preview entire card

10/17/2025
PWTorch editor Wade Keller presents our AEW WrestleDream PPV Preview episode of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast. Wade is joined by former PWTorch Newsletter columnist Eric Krol. They look at the entire announced line-up with a mix of predictions and analysis of the build plus thoughts on the current state of AEW. Also, some closing thoughts on the Kota Ibushi injury and his potential future in the ring after recovery. After that, we present the Tony Khan media Q&A from Thursday discussing primarily WrestleDream including his thoughts on if "Hangman" Page feels more confident with this AEW World Title reign than last time. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.

Duration:02:33:10

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

15 YRS AGO: Keller & Hoops talk Linda McMahon's Senate campaign, Jeff Hardy heel turn, Samoa Joe's TNA standing, WWE layoffs in 1995

10/16/2025
Today we jump back 15 years to the Oct. 13, 2010 episode of the PWTorch Livecast featuring PWTorch editor Wade Keller and his cohost PWTorch Nostalgia columnist Brian Hoops. They discussed with live callers the latest in the Linda McMahon Senate campaign, Jeff Hardy's heel turn, where TNA storylines are going starting Thursday on Impact, Samoa Joe's standing in TNA, WWE's weak house show draw over the weekend and why they didn't draw in a major region like Los Angeles/Orange County, plus the McNeill Live Event Center. In the previously VIP-exclusive Aftershow, more discussion of TNA storylines, including where Fortune fits in with Team Hogan, plus the 20 years ago Torch Newsletter look back at WWF layoffs and other topics. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.

Duration:01:29:16

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

5 YRS AGO FLAGSHIP: Keller & Fann talk AEW’s 1st year on TNT, NXT’s 1st year on USA, NJPW G1 standings & surprises, WWE Draft analysis

10/15/2025
In this week’s Flagship Flashback episode of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast from five years ago (10-15-2020), PWTorch editor Wade Keller was joined by PWTorch's Rich Fann. They discussed the WWE Draft including Montez Ford, Seth Rollins, Keith Lee, and Big E, plus Retribution with Mustafa Ali, highlights of AEW’s 1st year on TNT and where there’s room for improvement, NXT’s 1st year on USA, NJPW G1 standings & surprises so far, assessing and comparing Capital Wrestling Center, ThunderDome, and Daily’s Place, and more including scattered emails questions. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.

Duration:02:10:18

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

NEW FLAGSHIP: Keller & Fann discuss Seth and Ibushi injuries and is it time to reign in dangerous style, Breakker spear, more

10/14/2025
PWTorch editor Wade Keller presents the Tuesday Flagship edition of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast with guest co-host Rich Fann, a PWTorch columnist and podcaster. They cover these topics: Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.

Duration:01:56:51

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

15 YRS AGO LIVECASTS: Keller & Powell on Cena-Barrett follow-up, PG designation, Bound for Glory hype, Hell in a Cell overuse, more

10/13/2025
Today we jump back 15 years to two back-to-back episodes of the PWTorch Livecast from Oct. 11 and 12, 2010. On the Oct. 11, 2010 episode, PWTorch assistant editor James Caldwell and PWTorch columnist Bruce Mitchell includes discussion with live callers on the TNA Bound for Glory PPV, a Lively Argument on how to rate a PPV with horrible booking vs. decent-to-good wrestling, people in TNA conning Dixie into thinking re-creating WCW in the 1990s is the way to go, Raw vs. ESPN's Monday Night Football that night, whether the Raw ratings would hold up from last week's rebound, the audience caring about John Cena Week 1, but will they care Week 2 in Nexus, and much more. On the Oct. 12, 2010 episode, PWTorch editor Wade Keller and ProWrestling.net's Jason Powell discussed in-depth last night's Raw, in particular the John Cena-Nexus follow-up. Also they take live calls on a variety of subjects including the PG rating hurting fan interest, Hell in a Cell being overused, and more. Then, in the previously VIP-exclusive Aftershow, they discussed Matt Hardy in TNA, Kevin Nash, and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.

Duration:02:33:11

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

10 YRS AGO FLAGSHIP: Keller & Powell looking ahead to WM32, Bailey's big upside, Taker-Cena feud hint, Sting DVD preview, Ziggler-Lana-Rusev

10/12/2025
In this week's Flagship Flashback episode of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast from ten years ago (10-13-2015), PWTorch editor Wade Keller was joined by Jason Powell from ProWrestling.net and the Pro Wrestling Boom podcast. They discussed with live callers the previous night’s Raw including bad ratings, looking ahead to WrestleMania, Bailey's tremendous upside, Damien Sandow, Sting DVD preview, Dolph Ziggler-Lana-Rusev mess, and more. Then, in the previously VIP-exclusive Aftershow, they answered email topics including whether WWE was intentionally sabotaging Seth Rollins, was the Evolve-WWE relationship anti-ROH, TNA Title situation, a Taker vs. Cena feud hint, and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.

Duration:01:52:52

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

INTERVIEW CLASSIC (10 YRS AGO): Bob Backlund on whether he regrets not turning heel after losing title, Vince Sr.'s Backlund-Graham decision

10/11/2025
In this week’s Interview Classic episode from ten years ago (10-8-2015), PWTorch editor Wade Keller and PWTorch columnist Bruce Mitchell interviewed former WWF Champion Bob Baclund. Backlund spoke about the decision to write his 480 page autobiography, what he wrote about that he wouldn’t have had had written the book decades ago, and the transition from him to Hulk Hogan. After phone connection issues cut the interview short about 40 minutes into the show, Mitchell analyzed one of the major turning points in Backlund’s career when Vince McMahon Sr. committed to him over the surprisingly strong draw as heel champion, "Superstar" Billy Graham. Then, in a bonus segment, a previously-VIP-Exclusive Aftershow podcast with Jason Powell that we forgot to post last week from Sept. 29, 2015 covering these topics: Reaction to the reaction to Raw and predicting next week’s ratings, who were Triple H’s biggest influences, evaluating Paul Heyman-Big Show segment, making an issue of Kevin Owens’ weight, WWE’s selective acknowledgment of history, and more as they answer email questions. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.

Duration:01:47:02

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

15 YRS AGO LIVECASTS: Bruce Pritchard to TNA, WWE & TNA PPV philosophies, Rumble structure, Linda McMahon Senate debates, more

10/10/2025
Today we jump back 15 years to two back-to-back episodes of the PWTorch Livecast from Oct. 7 and 8, 2010. On the Oct. 7, 2010 episode, PWTorch assistant editor James Caldwell and Torch columnist Greg Parks includes discussion with live callers on tonight's live TNA Impact, Bruce Pritchard joining TNA, Hulk Hogan's trip to the hospital and who could replace him at Bound for Glory, whether TNA changes course at BFG without Hogan, TNA's PPV hype philosophy, changes WWE could make to their PPV hype, Austin Aries apparently leaving ROH, wrestlers pushed because they have "the look," and more. In the previously VIP-exclusive Aftershow, they discuss how the Royal Rumble is structured and laid out, ways to improve the Rumble, the strengths & weaknesses of the battle royal on Monday's Raw, Linda McMahon's debates this week and whether she improved, lost ground, or stayed the same, and more. On the Oct. 8, 2010 episode, PWTorch assistant editor James Caldwell includes discussion with live callers on last night's live TNA Impact, with every single aspect of the show covered along with an overall view of the product. Plus, the breaking news analysis at the start with Impact ratings and Reaction viewership. Also, comparison of WWE's audience buying into the storylines vs. TNA's audience choosing their favorites, a strong prediction for the three-way TNA Title match finish, social issues in wrestling, and much more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.

Duration:02:28:40

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

NEW FLAGSHIP: Keller & Parks - Did Samoa Joe or A.J. Styles have better body of work, plus TNA BFG preview, Don Callis Family, more

10/10/2025
PWTorch editor Wade Keller presents the Tuesday Flagship edition of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast with guest co-host PWTorch columnist and PWTorch podcast host Greg Parks. They discuss these topics: Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.

Duration:01:42:29

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

15 YRS AGO: John Cena and The Nexus, angles compared to storylines, suggestions for Overhaul of WWE and TNA, more

10/8/2025
Today we jump back 15 years to the Oct. 6, 2010 episode of the PWTorch Livecast featuring assistant editor James Caldwell and Torch Nostalgia columnist Brian Hoops includes discussion with live callers on Raw's TV ratings and storyline developments with Cena and Nexus, the challenge next week vs. tons of back-story for the Monday Night Football game on ESPN, Angles vs. Storylines from Lance Storm's column, thoughts on overhauling WWE's product per the Question of the Day, TNA's live Impact on Thursday, Hulk Hogan's back injury - shoot or a swerve?, TNA's surprises and changes, plus McNeill's Live Events Center, and more. In the previously VIP-exclusive Aftershow, they discuss overhauling TNA's product similar to the WWE QOTD, including emphasis on the X Division, tag wrestling, and women's wrestling. Plus, 20 years ago Torch Newsletter analysis of the Survivor Series '90 line-up full of big bodies from the "steroid era," Brocktober vs. Rocktober, and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.

Duration:01:49:40

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

5 YRS AGO FLAGSHIP: Keller & Martin talk NXT Takeover 31, AEW Dynamite with Cody’s big promo, Smackdown and Raw, UFC, New Japan G1, more

10/7/2025
In this week’s Flagship Flashback episode of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast from five years ago (10-8-2020), PWTorch editor Wade Keller was joined by cohost Todd Martin, a PWTorch VIP analyst. They discussed NXT Takeover 31, NXT on USA, AEW Dynamite, Smackdown, Raw, UFC, and New Japan G1. Among the hot topics are: Did WWE underplay Randy Orton’s attack on legends last week? A theory on what’s up with Undisputed Era? Who was the top star in wrestling at that point in time based on that week’s performance on TV? And much more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.

Duration:02:16:38

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

15 YRS AGO LIVECASTS: Foley and Flair's notable verbal exchange, Hell in a Cell, TNA working around Hogan's health issues, concussions

10/6/2025
Today we jump back 15 years to two back-to-back episodes of the PWTorch Livecast from Oct. 1 and 4, 2010. On the Oct. 1, 2010 episode, PWTorch assistant editor James Caldwell and PWTorch columnist Greg Parks includes discussion with live callers the previous night's TNA Impact - the good signs and the bad final 30 minute signs, Smackdown premiere tonight, Mick Foley and Ric Flair's verbal exchange and the sad reality of the promo in the big picture, potential WWE PPV changes including going back to brand exclusivity, plus PPV discussion of which matches could be added to Hell in a Cell on Sunday, which young stars could be main-eventing WrestleMania in six months, and how TNA works around Hulk Hogan's health issues for the Bound for Glory PPV six-man tag, concussion comparisons in WWE & NFL & MMA, and much more. In the Aftershow, they break down the Hell in a Cell PPV and look at potential twists. In the VIP Aftershow, Caldwell is joined by Pat McNeill for the pre-recorded McNeill Mailbag with listener questions, plus discussion of the Mick Foley book mention on WWE's website, and more. On the Oct. 4, 2010 episode, PWTorch editor Wade Keller and PWTorch columnist Bruce Mitchell take live phone calls leading up to WWE Raw, including instant reaction to Linda McMahon's televised Senate debate on Monday night, the Hell in a Cell PPV on Sunday, expected fall-out on Monday's Raw, how WWE can spark interest in Raw going forward, and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.

Duration:02:50:19