The Wrestling Memory Grenade

The Wrestling Memory Grenade

You pull the pin and we’ll pick up the pieces… Join host Ray Russell for an exciting trip down Memory Lane as we analyze and discuss years of wrestling history from your favorite promotions. From Hulkamania to Mulkeymania, from the Four Horsemen to the nWo, from the Midnight Express to the Lex Express. Which promotion are we deep diving into next? What year have we time-traveled back to now? Tune in and find out!

Episodes

August 6, 2026 104 mins

The Grenade is back discussing JULY 1989 WWF News & Results. As SummerSlam '89 is announced, the WWF is finalizing its biggest story, featuring Hulk Hogan/Brutus Beefcake vs. Randy Savage/Zeus headlining the event. We'll also cover roster and television changes, including Roddy Piper's return, commentary shakeups, incoming talent like the future Tugboat, and several notable departures. We'll look at the latest on No Holds Barre...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

This week on the Grenade we close out the month of JUNE TV for 1989 in the WWF! The Ultimate Warrior has a RUDE AWAKENING for IC Champ Rick Rude, we see the debut of "The Widowmaker" gimmick as Barry Windham returns, Ted Dibiase confirms Jake Roberts is out with a neck injury, The Macho Man supports ZEUS in his quest to end Hulk Hogan, Bobby Heenan is no fan of Tony Schiavone (or Mean Gene), Honky Tonk Man has words for the Superfl...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

It's a special watchalong edition of Grenade #202, as old co-host Steven Xstat returns for the festivities and joins host Ray Russell for 2 hours of fun, talking the weekend of June 17, 1989 in the WWF! The Honky Tonk Man plays a tune on "Brother-Fly" Jimmy Snuka, pumping gas with the American Dream, Hulk Hogan threatens fans who haven't seen his movie yet, Battle of the boroughs when Bad News Brown battles The Brooklyn Brawler, Ra...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

This week on the Grenade, host Ray Russell continues on into the month of June TV for 1989 in the WWF. The Dusty Rhodes "Common Man" vignettes continue as the American Dream works in a butcher shop and a Mexican restaurant! Plus, the push to go see No Holds Barred continues, Honky Tonk Man responds to the Superfly, John Studd has words for Andre the Giant, does Hercules side with "Great Taste" or "Less Filling"(?), Bad News Brown c...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

This week marks the 200th edition of the Wrestling Memory Grenade as host Ray Russell jumps back in time to kick off JUNE TV for 1989 in the WWF! We celebrate this milestone event with the arrival of "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, as both a pizza delivery man AND a stable boy (complete with sound bites)! Plus, "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka makes an impactful return on The Honky Tonk Man, "KIng Hacksaw" Jim Duggan and Big John Studd de...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Special Guest Matt Crowder makes his Grenade debut as he joins host Ray Russell to discuss JUNE 1989 NEWS & RESULTS. Topics include No Holds Barred at the Box Office, Dusty Rhodes arrival, Superfly's return, Big John Studd & Owen Hart quit, Roddy Piper signs a new contract, Twin Towers on Arsenio, Savage vs. Hulk selling out arenas, Jake Roberts undegoes surgery, MSG undergoes renovations, Ronnie Garvin as Referee, Barry Wi...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

The Grenade is back with #198 as host Ray Russell looks at the WWF's Saturday Night's Main Event from May 27, 1989. The Big Boss Man challenges WWF Champion Hulk Hogan inside the STEEL CAGE! Plus, a surprise appearance by ZEUS, Tag Champs Demolition vs. The Brain Busters, IC Champ Rick Rude vs. King Duggan, The Macho Man vs. Jim Neidhart, the return of THE SUPERFLY, & more!

If you're enjoying WrestleCopia and interested in helpi...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

The Grenade returns with two more weeks of MAY 1989 WWF TV goodness! As we prepare for the upcoming SNME with Boss Man vs. Hogan in a Cage AND the premiere of No Holds Barred (at a theater near you... maybe), the WWF machine just keeps on trucking. The Rougeau Brothers attack the Rockers after Shawn & Marty try a hand at singing their own theme song! Plus, the coronation of new KING "Hacksaw" Duggan, Red Rooster vs. Brooklyn Br...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

New Grenade #196 as we kick off MAY TV for 1989 in the WWF. Looking into the first 2 weeks of May, the WWF debuts a new intro and look for it's Superstars TV program, ZEUS arrives in the ring, Ronnie Garvin is retired from wrestling but has a new job as WWF Trouble Shooting Referee! Speaking of referees, Danny Davis returns as an official while under probation, Warrior wants the IC Title back from Rick Rude, Brutus Beefcake vows re...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Welcome to a Special Edition of The Wrestling Memory Grenade #195 as Mike Mills of Booking the Territory joins Ray Russell to discuss WCW 1994, the talent, the structure change upon Hulk Hogan's arrival, and all of the good... AND bad things it caused for both the business, and the fans... Brother! As Mike would say.. Book It, Bitch!

If you're enjoying WrestleCopia and interested in helping us continue to grow, please consid...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Guest John Poz joins Ray Russell as they discuss MAY 1989 WWF NEWS & RESULTS! Jake Roberts Arrested, Zeus begins to tour, Dusty Rhodes Arrives, Roddy Piper steps back in the ring, Hulk Hogan vs. The Macho Man takes a new turn with Sherri at ringside, Vince continues to screw with the NWA, No Holds Barred coming soon, David Sammartino apologizes, Bad News Brown finds a partner(?), Tag Champs Demolition vs. Twin Towers, IC Champ ...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

This week on the Grenade, Ray Russell continues the journey back to April 1989 WWF TV to close out the month with two more weeks of storylines, gimmicks, and action galore! A double dose of Brother Love, one comedic and one very serious in demeanor. While the Bushwhackers play pranks filled with sardines on poor Brother, Brutus Beefcake is assaulted and has his hair cut by the Macho Man & Sensational Sherri! Plus, Greg Valentin...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Coming out of WrestleMania V it's a "new season" of WWF action as we look at the first two weeks of April 1989 WWF TV. We see a post PPV angle where Hulk Hogan saves Elizabeth from the hands of the Macho Man, leading to the subsequent announcement of The Sensational Sherri as the new manager of Randy Savage! Plus, we're treated to the first two poetic vignettes featuring "THE GENIUS" Lanny Poffo! Several new house show feuds begin ...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

This week on the Grenade begins the new "season" of the WWF in 1989 as former WMG co-host Steve "XStat" stops by in a guest spot to discuss the Mania fallout. With WrestleMania V now behind us, The Macho Man finds himself a new manager as he comes back for "his" WWF title in rematches with Champion Hulk Hogan. Plus, we discuss the Tag Team scene, partners disband for a fresh start, new feuds, new gimmicks, new matches, new roles, N...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

It has arrived, PART 2 of the Grenade's WRESTLEMANIA V Definitive Edition Review! NEARLY FOUR HOURS OF AUDIO and THREE Guests covering everything from the return of one "Rowdy" Roddy Piper to the MEGA POWERS EXPLODING right before our very eyes (ears?)!

Guest #1: We kick off Part 2 with a bang as OVP's Joe Marotta stops by to visit Ray Russell and discuss a portion of the WrestleMania V Review. It's 90-plus Minutes of nonsto...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

The time has arrived! It is Part ONE of the Wrestling Memory Grenade's Definitive Edition WWF WRESTLEMANIA V Review! FOUR Guests join this episode as we cover everything from Rockin' Robin to the Martel heel turn! Three hours of memories and fun throughout!

Guest #1: We kick off the show as Jammie Ward joins to talk being live at the actual event, his memories of Trump Plaza, Rockin' Robin singing the anthem (kind of), King ...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

As we prepare for next week's Definitive Edition of the WWF WrestleMania V Review, this week the Grenade brings you a BONUS episode from a recent interview conducted by Ray Russell over at the Regional Rasslin Podcast, featuring Special Guest Brian R. Solomon to discuss his latest book "Irresistible Force", talking the storied career of Gorilla Monsoon. This episode covers a variety of topics including Gorilla's time as commentator...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

It's a very special episode of the Grenade this week as Jammie Ward joins Ray Russell to discuss the behind the scenes battle between the WWF and their WrestleMania V "Mega Powers Explode" PPV event being challenged by the Ted Turner led NWA's Clash of the Champions VI "Ragin' Cajun" event featuring Steamboat vs. Flair. Topics discussed on the program include the REAL reason the NWA ran the famed April 2nd event, how the cable and ...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

It's the final stop on the Road to WrestleMania V, the final 3 weeks of WWF TV closing out the month of March heading into April as we hear final comments from Hulk Hogan and WWF Champion Randy Savage before the Mega Powers EXPLODE! Plus, the finalized card for WrestleMania V and all of the last minute happenings before the big event featuring The Million Dollar Man, Brutus Beefcake, Demolition, Powers of Pain, Ultimate Warrior, RI...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

The Road to WrestleMania V continues this week in this two-parter. First, Guest John Poz (of the Two Man Power Trip Empire) joins Ray Russell early in the program to talk the explosion of the Mega Powers, and everything leading up to Hulk vs. The Macho Man, plus some other fun discussion about the big PPV event. Then from there, Ray breaks down the 20th edition of the WWF's Saturday Night's Main Event. Hulk Hogan vs. Bad News Brown...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    Betrayal Weekly

    Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.

  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • AdChoicesAd Choices