Tag Archives: Andre The Giant

Podcast

Episode 373: Act Like You’ve Seen One Before

This week on Stick to Wrestling we’re turning the clock back to August 1985, and business is booming.

—Andre the Giant in Trouble! The “Eighth Wonder of the World” is heavier than ever, and the strain is showing. Once untouchable, Andre is now fighting a battle not just in the ring, but with his own body as he’s clearly encountering difficulty just getting around. Has the Giant’s time finally caught up with him?
—Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy – Collision Course! Two of the biggest forces in the WWF are on a direct path toward each other. Given what the WWF was selling at the time this really was a dream match to many fans.
—The Rise of “Macho Man” Randy Savage! He’s brash, he’s unpredictable, and in one unforgettable moment, he shocks the wrestling world by choosing a complete unknown to guide his career…a woman who will soon become one of the most famous names in the sport.
—Piper’s Pit: The Decline of a Legend? Once the most must-see segment in wrestling, we look at why Hot Rod’s talk segment is losing steam.
—The Bundy–Heenan–Studd Alliance! Bundy makes it official, joining forces with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan and Big John Studd, then making a statement with a savage attack on Andre the Giant.
—Corporal Kirchner: Not Sgt. Slaughter’s Second Coming! The comparisons are there, but we set the record straight on why Kirchner is a different soldier altogether.

Plus, we’ve got rare and classic audio including the unforgettable segment where Randy Savage introduces his new manager to the world, so what are you waiting for? Download and listen to this wicked good podcast today!

STICK TO WRESTLING…give us sixty minutes and perhaps indeed we’ll give you a rawboned weekly classic pro wrestling podcast.

Produced by Lou Kipilman

Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam is a production of the Arcadian Vanguard Podcast Network

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Podcast

Episode 372: Jarred By Gene

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we review the WWF during the month of 1985! We talk Randy Savage, Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper, Paul Orndorff, Bobby Heenan, Corporal Kirchner, Big John Studd, Ricky Steamboat, Terry Funk, Andre the Giant, Barry Windham, Jimmy Hart, Magnificent Muraco, Captain Lou Albano, Greg Valentine, The Hart Foundation, Nikolai Volkoff, Junkyard Dog, Tito Santana, Mr. Fuji, Brutus Beefcake, Mike Rotundo, Uncle Elmer, British Bulldogs, Bob Orton Jr, Missing Link, George Wells, Gene Okerlund, Iron Sheik, George Steele, Killer Bees, Adrian Adonis, Hillbilly Jim, and more!

Plus there’s lots of great, rare audio and we solve the mystery of the “other” Doug Gilbert, so what are you waiting for? Download and listen to this wicked good podcast today!

STICK TO WRESTLING…give us sixty minutes and perhaps indeed we’ll give you a rawboned weekly classic pro wrestling podcast.

Produced by Lou Kipilman

Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam is a production of the Arcadian Vanguard Podcast Network

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Podcast

Episode 370: We Expected Him To Kick Out

Hulk Hogan passed away on July 24, 2025. On that day, the Stick To Wrestling podcast was fortunate to quickly assemble a special tribute episode honoring The Hulkster.

We were lucky to be joined by a great group of guests who shared their stories, memories, and thoughts about what Hulk Hogan meant to them, and to the world of wrestling.

We hope you enjoy this heartfelt tribute to one of professional wrestling’s most iconic figures.

Produced by Lou Kipilman

Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam is a production of the Arcadian Vanguard Podcast Network

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Podcast

Episode 368: I Can Be Macho Man?

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING, we dive headfirst into the madness that was WWF in July 1985. Expect high drama, hot crowds, and some fast-paced booking. On the card:

— Randy Savage makes his WWF debut and immediately proves he’s not just some flashy gear and Slim Jim energy: the man radiates future legend.
— The Roddy Piper vs. Paul Orndorff feud heats up faster than a Waffle House griddle, and Bobby Heenan shows up with a gas can and a maniacal grin.
— Tito Santana wins back the Intercontinental Title from Greg Valentine, who responds like any sore loser would: by teasing an unhinged spiral.
— The Ricky Steamboat vs. Magnificent Muraco feud kicks off with Steamboat taking a broken chair to the back, because nothing says “here comes a red-hot feud” like a wood shampoo.
— Barry Windham & Mike Rotundo reclaim the WWF tag titles, but let’s be honest: were they already sliding down the card faster than you can say “U.S. Express”?
— Adrian Adonis returns wearing black leather and using a finisher so confusing it might qualify as performance art.

PLUS, Johnny Mac breaks down the worst night in pro wrestling history (it’s not the Heroes of Wrestling pay per view, but it could have been its spiritual ancestor), so what are you waiting for? Download and listen to this wicked good podcast today!

STICK TO WRESTLING…give us sixty minutes and perhaps indeed we’ll give you a rawboned weekly classic pro wrestling podcast.

Produced by Lou Kipilman

Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam is a production of the Arcadian Vanguard Podcast Network

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Podcast

Episode 359: Pull Someone Else Over

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we take a deep dive into the WWF of forty years ago, May 1985! We talk Hulk Hogan, Bobby Heenan, Magnificent Muraco, Roddy Piper, The Hart Foundation, Wendi Richter, Randy Savage, Andre The Giant, Fred Blassie, Jesse Ventura, Barry Windham & Mike Rotondo, Ricky Steamboat, Big John Studd, Greg Valentine, Mad Maxine, Paul Orndorff, Rocky Johnson, Iron Sheik, Jimmy Snuka, Gene Okerlund, Jimmy Hart, Fabulous Moolah, Junkyard Dog, The British Bulldogs, Brutus Beefcake, Bob Orton Jr, Captain Lou Albano, Tito Santana, Mr. Fuji, Pedro Morales, Ken Patera, Nikolai Volkoff, Tony Atlas, The Missing Link, Dr. Jerry Graham, and more!

Plus there’s rare audio, discussion of “sold” wrestling shows, and Oprah Winfrey talk, so what are you waiting for? Download and listen to this wicked good podcast today!

STICK TO WRESTLING…give us sixty minutes (well, more than that this week) and perhaps indeed we’ll give you a rawboned weekly classic pro wrestling podcast.

Produced by Lou Kipilman

Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam is a production of the Arcadian Vanguard Podcast Network

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Uncategorized

Episode 353: Do You Fish? I Fish.

This week on STICK TO WRESTING we review the WWF from the month of March 1985, which of course includes a review of the first Wrestlemania!

We talk Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper, Mr. T, Bobby Heenan, Bruno Sammartino, Andre The Giant, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Orndorff, Greg Valentine, Big John Studd, Ricky Steamboat, Bob Orton Jr, Tito Santana, King Kong Bundy, David Sammartino, Junkyard Dog, Jimmy Hart, Brutus Beefcake, Magnificent Muraco, Buddy Rose, Johnny V, Jimmy Snuka, and more!

It’s a double extra large, extra long episode with lots of rare audio including Mr. T appearing on Late Night with David Letterman, so what are you waiting for? Hit play and dive into this wicked good episode now!

STICK TO WRESTLING: Give us sixty minutes, and perhaps indeed we’ll give you a rawboned weekly classic wrestling podcast.

Produced by Lou Kipilman

Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam is a production of the Arcadian Vanguard Podcast Network

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Podcast

Episode 350: I See Dead People

This week STICK TO WRESTLING is joined by newcomer Las Takacs, and we take questions from our listeners! Discussed on this week’s show:

–Should Andre The Giant have been turned earlier than 1987?
–How would a Bruno Sammartino and Lou Thesz WWWF / NWA unification match have impacted the sport?
–With all of the good-to-great tag teams in the WWF, why were Greg Valentine and Brutus Beefcake given the titles?
–After their July 4, 1982 match in Atlanta, should there have been a Ric Flair vs Bob Backlund rematch?
–Could Arn Anderson have been a main event wrestler?
–What’s an underrated territory that no one talks about?

Plus there’s talk of a concert by The Wiggles, so what are you waiting for? Hit play and dive into this wicked good episode now!

STICK TO WRESTLING: Give us sixty minutes, and perhaps indeed, we’ll give you a rawboned weekly classic wrestling podcast.

Produced by Lou Kipilman

Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam is a production of the Arcadian Vanguard Podcast Network

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Uncategorized

Episode 349: Settling Scores

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING features Part Two of our review of all things WWF, February 1985!

The month was a turning point in the WWF’s history, with celebrity involvement and mainstream exposure paving the way for WrestleMania I. The War to Settle the Score on MTV was a massive success, setting the stage for professional wrestling’s boom in the mid-to-late 1980s.

The WWF was aggressively expanding nationwide, competing with regional territories. The promotion was actively signing top talent from rival organizations, and Vince McMahon’s vision was pushing WWF toward becoming a global powerhouse.

We also review The War to Settle the Score, a pivotal event that aired on MTV featuring Hulk Hogan vs. Roddy Piper for the WWF Championship. The match ended in disqualification after interference from Paul Orndorff and Bob Orton Jr. Mr. T came to Hogan’s aid, setting the stage for the first WrestleMania.

Plus there’s lot of rare and classic audio, so what are you waiting for? Hit play and dive into this wicked good episode now!

STICK TO WRESTLING: Give us sixty minutes, and perhaps indeed, we’ll give you a rawboned weekly classic wrestling podcast.

Produced by Lou Kipilman

Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam is a production of the Arcadian Vanguard Podcast Network

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Podcast

Episode 348: Mr. Giant, What An Idiot

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we take a look at what was going on in the WWF during February 1985!

We talk Roddy Piper, Bobby Heenan, Hulk Hogan, Mr. T, Paul Orndorff, Cyndi Lauper, Captain Lou Albano, Magnificent Muraco, Big John Studd, Wendi Richter, Jesse Ventura, David Schultz, Mad Dog Vachon, Bob Orton Jr., Blackjack Mulligan, Greg Valentine, Bret Hart, Jimmy Snuka, Andre The Giant, Junkyard Dog, Barry Windham, Johnny V, Adrian Adonis, Mr, Fuji, Ken Patera, Brutus Beefcake, Iron Sheik, Ivan Putski, Fabulous Moolah, Fred Blassie, Tito Santana, David Sammartino, Mr. Wrestling II, Dick Murdoch, Johnny Rodz, Mike Rotondo, Jim Neidhart, Rick McGraw, Nikolai Volkoff, Judy Martin, Jack & Jerry Brisco, Sal Bellomo, and more!

Plus there’s lot of rare and classic audio, so what are you waiting for? Hit play and dive into this wicked good episode now!

STICK TO WRESTLING: Give us sixty minutes, and perhaps indeed, we’ll give you a rawboned weekly classic wrestling podcast.

Produced by Lou Kipilman

Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam is a production of the Arcadian Vanguard Podcast Network

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Podcast

Episode 345: State Haircut

This week on STICK TO WRESTLING we finish our review of the WWF during the month of January 1985!

We talk Vince McMahon, Hulk Hogan, Bobby Heenan, Roddy Piper, Barry Windham, Wendi Richter, Iron Sheik, Captain Lou Albano, Tito Santana, Gene Okerlund, Magnificent Muraco, Fred Blassie, Greg Valentine, Big John Studd, Tonga Kid, Jack & Jerry Brisco, Cyndi Lauper, Blackjack Mulligan, Ken Patera, Johnny Rodz, Adrian Adonis, Mike Rotondo, Andre The Giant, Bob Orton Jr, Dick Murdoch, Salvatorre Bellomo, Junkyard Dog, Mr. Fuji, Jimmy Snuka, Bret Hart, Paul Orndorff, Brutus Beefcake, Nikolai Volkoff, and more!

Plus there’s lot of rare audio and an absolutely wild segment from Tuesday Night Titans, so what are you waiting for? Hit play and dive into this wicked good episode now!

STICK TO WRESTLING: Give us sixty minutes, and perhaps indeed, we’ll give you a rawboned weekly classic wrestling podcast.

Produced by Lou Kipilman

Stick To Wrestling with John McAdam is a production of the Arcadian Vanguard Podcast Network

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS