Neal Pruitt's Secrets of WCW Nitro | wrestling stories from the voice of the nWo | Bischoff | Schiavone | Flair | Austin

A Secrets of Nitro update, including information on a new book from Guy Evans! BOOK INFO SITTING RINGSIDE, VOLUME 1: WCW DavidPenzerBook.com SYNOPSIS From 1995 to 2001, Ted Turner’s World Championship Wrestling (WCW) famously battled Vince McMahon’s World Wrestling Federation (WWF) for Monday night ratings supremacy. While on the WCW side, numerous autobiographical accounts have been written of the time period, relatively few participants witnessed the ‘War’ in its entirety. As the unmistakable ‘voice of WCW’ and its long-time ring announcer, David Penzer was featured on every episode of Monday Nitro and Thunder - the only on-screen personality in WCW to do so. Moreover, he witnessed the proceedings from the best seat in the house - ringside! In this candid, revealing and highly entertaining memoir, Penzer recounts his unlikely journey to the big-time - from his humble beginnings in South Florida to the lofty heights of WCW and the ‘Monday Night Wars’. With an affable, engaging and self-effacing style, Penzer takes readers behind the curtain like never before, revealing both the personal and professional struggles he encountered in rising the ranks of a famously tough business. In Sitting Ringside Volume 1, Penzer also ‘opens the vault’ on a veritable ‘treasure trove’ of bonus materials - from production notes, to show formats, to internal documents which he has kept for over 20 years. Fans may be surprised to discover what’s included! As Kevin Sullivan states in the book’s foreword, Penzer was the “least likely to succeed in the wrestling business” - but over the course of a ten-year (1991-2001) association with WCW, Penzer became a utility player like no other. In addition to fulfilling the role of WCW’s lead ring announcer, Penzer provided assistance on the production end of the business, as well as talent relations, and even the creative department during the company’s dying days. As such, he provides an intriguing insiders’ account of WCW’s ‘rise and fall’ - delivered with unprecedented insight and perspective. In particular, Penzer demonstrates an astute, compelling, and highly nuanced view of several of his most well-known contemporaries, including: Co-written by NITRO author Guy Evans, Sitting Ringside Volume 1 is a unique look at an historic era in pro wrestling - and one man’s dream to be a part of it. Foreword by Kevin Sullivan Contains rare documents, show formats and notes from behind the scenes at World Championship Wrestling! Print Length: 500 pages

Produced in partnership with NITRO author Guy Evans, Grateful covers Eric Bischoff’s post 2006-career, including his WWE return, AEW involvement, TNA experience and much more. Explore the unlikely journey that culminated in Bischoff’s surprise induction into the WWE Hall of Fame! “If you had asked me in 2006 what the next 15 years of my life would look like, it would be nothing like what ultimately transpired.” – Eric Bischoff Amazon USA: Amazon.com: Grateful eBook : Bischoff, Eric, Evans, Guy: Books Amazon UK: Grateful eBook : Bischoff, Eric, Evans, Guy: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store Amazon Canada: Grateful eBook : Bischoff, Eric, Evans, Guy: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store Amazon Australia: Grateful eBook : Bischoff, Eric, Evans, Guy: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store

NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW...is now available in AUDIO format! Order NOW -> https://wcwnitrobook.com/item/nitro-the-incredible-rise-and-inevitable-collapse-of-ted-turners-wcw-audio-book REVIEWS: "The most definitive, well written and thoroughly researched book on the rise and fall of WCW." --Eric Bischoff, former WCW President "This is - without question - the very best book ever written on professional wrestling." --Conrad Thompson "Well written and captivating...a fresh take on [the] time period." --Chris Harrington, AEW Vice-President of Business Strategy "I consider this book a must-read." --Sean Ross Sapp, Fightful.com

As promised, Secrets of Nitro returns with Episode 42: Directing Ted Turner!!! -> Don't forget to order NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com or Amazon.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com

In Episode 41 of Secrets of WCW Nitro, Neal discusses his impressions of both a recent WWE show, and AEW's 'Double or Nothing' event. Enjoy! -> Don't forget to order NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com or Amazon.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com

Special bonus for Secrets of Nitro listeners...here is Neal's interview with Sean Waltman, recorded during 'Starrcast 1' in Chicago. Enjoy! -> Don't forget to order NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com or Amazon.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com

We are back with answers to more of your questions! Neal talks about the wrestling media, rushing segments to air, why WCW was such a "mess" in terms of music, and much more...enjoy! -> Don't forget to order NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com or Amazon.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com Learn more about the upcoming Starrcast convention in Las Vegas: www.starrcast.com

After eight long months, Neal Pruitt's Secrets of WCW Nitro returns! In this long-awaited comeback episode, Neal answers YOUR questions...and also discusses meeting Guy in Chicago, the upcoming Starrcast convention in Las Vegas, attending Ric Flair's 70th Birthday party, and much, much more. Enjoy! -> Don't forget to order NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com or Amazon.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com Learn more about the upcoming Starrcast convention in Las Vegas: www.starrcast.com

Neal Pruitt's Secrets of WCW Nitro will be at the Starrcast convention this weekend! Listen for more details and get in touch if you'd like to meet up: secretsofnitro@gmail.com

In a very special episode of Neal Pruitt's Secrets of WCW Nitro, Neal and Guy discuss the making of NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW! ORDER THE BOOK NOW AT www.wcwnitrobook.com and Amazon.com! 175,000+ words, 56 chapters, and more new info than you'll believe! Paperback: https://wcwnitrobook.com/item/nitro-the-incredible-rise-and-inevitable-collapse-of-ted-turners-wcw-paperback E-book: https://wcwnitrobook.com/item/nitro-the-incredible-rise-and-inevitable-collapse-of-ted-turners-wcw-e-book Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/NITRO-Incredible-Inevitable-Collapse-Turners/dp/0692139176/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Synopsis In April 1999, Entertainment Weekly asked its readers what many Americans were surely wondering to themselves: how did wrestling get so big? As a consequence of the heated ratings competition between World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), the spectacle had taken over Monday nights on prime-time cable television. But in a departure from the family-friendly programming produced by the last industry boom - the 1980s wave, which made household names of Hulk Hogan, 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper and Andre the Giant - the new era of wrestling combined stunning athleticism with a raunchy sex appeal, engrossing story lines and novel production techniques that reflected a changing society and its shifting values. Once again, wrestling was a ubiquitous phenomenon - only this time, it seemed as though the fad would never end. With both WCW and WWF expanding into other forms of entertainment - movies, video games, music and the like - the potential for growth appeared to be limitless. But with uncertainty surrounding its corporate future, and increasingly uninspired programming eroding its audience, WCW stood on the verge of collapse. Three years into a five-year plan devised by its charismatic leader - a former Blue Ribbon Foods salesman named Eric Bischoff - the company whose unexpected ascension initiated the entire boom was operating on borrowed time. For by the end of the five-year plan, WCW ceased to exist. But NITRO is a story about much more than WCW and the Monday Night Wars. It is a story of an era, a time in which the media and cultural landscape precipitated - and later supported - pro wrestling's mainstream popularity. It is a story of how a company made in the image of an intuitively brilliant risk-taker betrayed its original promise. It is a story of how a handful of men, each struggling with their own limitations, facilitated a public obsession that changed television forever. And so, with the inside knowledge of a journalist, the perspective of a historian, and the passion of a fan, author Guy Evans provides a fresh look at an unfortunate inevitability - the downfall of World Championship Wrestling. Bolstered by exclusive interviews with over 120 former TBS and WCW employees, NITRO is the definitive picture of the last wrestling boom. Featuring exclusive interviews and comments from: Eric Bischoff, fmr. President of World Championship Wrestling; Harvey Schiller, fmr. President of Turner Sports; Jamie Kellner, fmr. CEO of Turner Broadcasting System; Bill Burke, fmr. President of TBS network; Joe Uva, fmr. President of Turner Entertainment Sales and Marketing; Scot Safon, fmr. SVP of Marketing for TNT network; Kevin Nash, WWE Hall of Famer and 5-time WCW world champion; Diamond Dallas Page, WWE Hall of Famer and 3-time WCW world champion; Vince Russo, fmr. WCW writer; Marcus 'Buff' Bagwell, fmr. WCW superstar and 5-time world tag team champion; Kevin Sullivan, fmr. WCW superstar and head booker; Hugh Morrus, fmr. WCW superstar; Neal Pruitt, fmr. WCW Feature Producer and voice of the nWo; David Crockett, fmr. WCW Vice President of Production; Dick Cheatham, fmr. Group Controller for TBS; Alan Sharp, fmr. WCW Director of Public Relations; Mike Weber, fmr. WCW Director of Marketing; Rob Garner, fmr....

THE WAIT IS OVER! NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW is here!!! 175,000+ words, 56 chapters, and more new info than you'll believe! Paperback: https://wcwnitrobook.com/item/nitro-the-incredible-rise-and-inevitable-collapse-of-ted-turners-wcw-paperback E-book: https://wcwnitrobook.com/item/nitro-the-incredible-rise-and-inevitable-collapse-of-ted-turners-wcw-e-book Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/NITRO-Incredible-Inevitable-Collapse-Turners/dp/0692139176/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Synopsis In April 1999, Entertainment Weekly asked its readers what many Americans were surely wondering to themselves: how did wrestling get so big? As a consequence of the heated ratings competition between World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), the spectacle had taken over Monday nights on prime-time cable television. But in a departure from the family-friendly programming produced by the last industry boom - the 1980s wave, which made household names of Hulk Hogan, 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper and Andre the Giant - the new era of wrestling combined stunning athleticism with a raunchy sex appeal, engrossing story lines and novel production techniques that reflected a changing society and its shifting values. Once again, wrestling was a ubiquitous phenomenon - only this time, it seemed as though the fad would never end. With both WCW and WWF expanding into other forms of entertainment - movies, video games, music and the like - the potential for growth appeared to be limitless. But with uncertainty surrounding its corporate future, and increasingly uninspired programming eroding its audience, WCW stood on the verge of collapse. Three years into a five-year plan devised by its charismatic leader - a former Blue Ribbon Foods salesman named Eric Bischoff - the company whose unexpected ascension initiated the entire boom was operating on borrowed time. For by the end of the five-year plan, WCW ceased to exist. But NITRO is a story about much more than WCW and the Monday Night Wars. It is a story of an era, a time in which the media and cultural landscape precipitated - and later supported - pro wrestling's mainstream popularity. It is a story of how a company made in the image of an intuitively brilliant risk-taker betrayed its original promise. It is a story of how a handful of men, each struggling with their own limitations, facilitated a public obsession that changed television forever. And so, with the inside knowledge of a journalist, the perspective of a historian, and the passion of a fan, author Guy Evans provides a fresh look at an unfortunate inevitability - the downfall of World Championship Wrestling. Bolstered by exclusive interviews with over 120 former TBS and WCW employees, NITRO is the definitive picture of the last wrestling boom. Featuring exclusive interviews and comments from: Eric Bischoff, fmr. President of World Championship Wrestling; Harvey Schiller, fmr. President of Turner Sports; Jamie Kellner, fmr. CEO of Turner Broadcasting System; Bill Burke, fmr. President of TBS network; Joe Uva, fmr. President of Turner Entertainment Sales and Marketing; Scot Safon, fmr. SVP of Marketing for TNT network; Kevin Nash, WWE Hall of Famer and 5-time WCW world champion; Diamond Dallas Page, WWE Hall of Famer and 3-time WCW world champion; Vince Russo, fmr. WCW writer; Marcus 'Buff' Bagwell, fmr. WCW superstar and 5-time world tag team champion; Kevin Sullivan, fmr. WCW superstar and head booker; Hugh Morrus, fmr. WCW superstar; Neal Pruitt, fmr. WCW Feature Producer and voice of the nWo; David Crockett, fmr. WCW Vice President of Production; Dick Cheatham, fmr. Group Controller for TBS; Alan Sharp, fmr. WCW Director of Public Relations; Mike Weber, fmr. WCW Director of Marketing; Rob Garner, fmr. WCW Vice President of TV Programming and Sales Jerry Jarrett, legendary wrestling promoter and booker... And many, many, many more!

A tremendous continuation from last week's show!! -> Don't forget to order NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com

Neal speaks with the "Money Man" of Turner Broadcasting in our latest episode! -> Don't forget to preorder NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com

ICYMI: Neal sat down with the great Tony Schiavone in October, and what resulted was a fascinating 50-minute interview! We'll be back with an original episode next week, right here on Neal Pruitt's Secrets of WCW Nitro! -> Don't forget to preorder NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com

Gary Michael Cappetta - The World's Most Dangerous Announcer - returns to talk Cactus Jack losing his ear (!), working with El Gigante, his stage show, advice for young wrestlers, and more! Check it out and enjoy! -> Don't forget to preorder NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com

Gary Michael Cappetta - The World's Most Dangerous Announcer - joins Neal this week on Secrets of Nitro! Topics include working with Gorilla Monsoon, idolizing Bruno Sammartino, WCW memories and more! -> Don't forget to preorder NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com

"The Assassin" Jody Hamilton returns to discuss his working relationship with Neal, Deep South Championship Wrestling, advice for young wrestlers, adventures in Japan, and more! -> Don't forget to preorder NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com

The man, the myth, the legend! "The Assassin" Jody Hamilton - wrestler, promoter and trainer for over five decades - joins Secrets of Nitro for a rare interview. Sit back and learn from a true icon of the sport! Also, don't forget to preorder NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com

Neal catches up with Nigel Sherrod, formerly of Deep South Wrestling, a WWE developmental territory. In a wide-ranging talk, Nigel talks about his work refuting The Fabulous Moolah controversy, his time working with Neal, Lucha Libre, and much more! Enjoy! Also, don't forget to preorder NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com

Mark Jindrak - aka Marco Corleone - returns to talk his time in OVW, working for CMLL, acting on Mexican television, and much more! Enjoy! Also, don't forget to preorder NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com