In Ring Wrestling Podcast

About In Ring Wrestling Podcast

The In Ring Wrestling Podcast is a dynamic show hosted by Kevin Kelly and Casey Thompson that dives deep into the world of professional wrestling. Combining firsthand experiences with behind-the-scenes stories, the podcast offers a unique perspective on iconic eras like the Monday Night Wars, legendary promotions such as WWE and WCW, and the unforgettable personalities that shaped the industry. Each episode explores fascinating topics like infamous matches, backstage anecdotes, and personal milestones in the hosts’ wrestling careers, providing listeners with entertaining and insightful content

Publisher

Kevin Kelly, Casey Thompson

Category

sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Dec 2024

Latest episode

27 Feb 2025

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Feb 2025

   Linda McMahon Running Education, Vince at the Super Bowl?!

   Linda McMahon is set to take over the Department of Education?! 🤯 Kevin Kelly & Casey Thompson break down her Congressional hearing, the McMahon family's role, and the surprising absence of Vince McMahon!💼 Did Vince’s Federal Case Disappear Right Before Linda’s Testimony?🏛 Triple H, Shane & Stephanie McMahon – Real Support or Just for Show?🔥 Did Vince & Tony Khan Meet at the Super Bowl?📚 Could Wrestling Influence the Future of Education?!PLUS: Insider stories on Undertaker’s stance on Vince, the McMahon family dynamic, and what this political move could mean for wrestling!💥 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for More Wrestling News & Behind-the-Scenes Stories! 🎤🔥 #McMahon #LindaMcMahon #WrestlingPodcast #WWENews #VinceMcMahon

2. 

   12 Feb 2025

   Bob Cook Talks Legendary Wrestling Punch, Working with WCW, and Learning from Terry Funk

   Bob Cook joins Kevin Kelly and Casey Thompson on the In-Ring Wrestling Podcast to share incredible stories from his time in professional wrestling. Known for having one of the greatest punches in wrestling, Bob talks about his philosophy on wrestling psychology, working with legends like Terry Funk and Dusty Rhodes, and why the art of throwing a punch is a lost skill in today’s wrestling. Don’t miss this deep dive into wrestling history with one of the most respected veterans in the business.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction to Bob Cook2:12 – The Origin of Bob Cook’s Legendary Punch5:35 – Training Under The Great Malenko10:22 – Why Bob Cook Hates the Term "Enhancement Talent"15:08 – Stories from WCW: Working with Dusty Rhodes & Terry Funk22:44 – The Lost Art of Throwing a Great Punch in Wrestling30:12 – Road Stories with Kevin Sullivan & Blackjack Mulligan40:05 – What’s Wrong with Modern Wrestling Psychology?50:48 – Bob Cook on His Wrestling School and Teaching Philosophy1:05:10 – Bob’s Favorite Opponents and Matches1:10:35 – The Importance of Honoring Wrestling’s History1:12:00 – Closing Thoughts & Upcoming Projects#BobCook #WrestlingPodcast #ProWrestling #WCW #TerryFunk #DustyRhodes #WrestlingHistory #InRingWrestlingPodcast #WrestlingPsychology #OldSchoolWrestling

3. 

   6 Feb 2025

   Kevin Kelly on AEW: Love It or Hate It?

   What’s it really like behind the curtain at AEW? Kevin Kelly gives an inside look at the locker room, production team, and the talent he worked with. While AEW has a roster of top stars and a talented crew, not everything runs smoothly. From working with legends like Billy Gunn to sharing the reality of AEW’s backstage culture, Kevin and Casey give fans a candid breakdown of what’s really going on.

4. 

   3 Feb 2025

   2025 Royal Rumble Review

   🔥 Royal Rumble 2025 was INSANE! 🔥 Kevin Kelly & Casey Thompson break down ALL the chaos from one of WWE's wildest events ever. From Jey Uso’s SHOCKING victory over John Cena to the brutal Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens ladder match—this episode pulls no punches! ⚠️ Kevin Kelly couldn’t even watch the ladder match! Why? Because it was THAT dangerous. We're talking about the terrifying Alabama Slam on a ladder that left Kevin Owens wrecked. Cody’s relentless drive? Unbelievable. 👊 Plus: Why Jey Uso’s win is a MAJOR game-changer The SCARIEST spot of the night (and Kevin’s real-time reaction) Cody Rhodes pushing his body beyond limits The BIGGEST crowd pops—Stone Cold, The Rock, Undertaker WrestleMania 41 predictions & what’s next for the Bloodline 🎯 Your Thoughts Matter: Who had the BEST moment of the Rumble? Did Cody & KO go TOO FAR? 👇 COMMENT BELOW 👇 🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS for more wrestling breakdowns, behind-the-scenes stories, and in-depth analysis from the In-Ring Wrestling Podcast! #RoyalRumble2025 #CodyRhodes #KevinOwens #JeyUso #WWE #WrestleMania41 #InRingPodcast

5. 

   31 Jan 2025

   Is Tony Khan Too Sensitive for Wrestling?

   When AEW's Tony Khan heard Chris Charlton's commentary during a New Japan Pro Wrestling event, he reportedly couldn't resist texting and complaining about the criticism. The comments, which reflected a wrestler's kayfabe perspective, were taken personally by Khan, leading to repercussions for Charlton. This raises the question: is this the kind of behavior fans and employees should expect from AEW's public face? In this segment, Kevin Kelly and Casey Thompson dissect the situation, highlighting how a leader's thin skin can reflect poorly on an organization. They explore the differences between WWE's Vince McMahon, who embraced being called out for business, and Tony Khan's overly reactive approach. Could Tony Khan’s sensitivity ultimately damage AEW’s credibility as a competitor to WWE, or is this just another chapter in the high-stakes world of pro wrestling? Tune in to hear the full breakdown and what this could mean for AEW moving forward.

6. 

   27 Jan 2025

   Top 5 WCW's Toughest Wrestlers of the Attitude Era | IRWP #10

   Who had the toughest roster during the iconic Attitude Era? On this episode of the In Ring Wrestling Podcast, Kevin Kelly and Casey Thompson dive deep into the legendary tough guys of WCW. From The Barbarian to Haku, Casey reveals his Top 5 toughest wrestlers from the era, recounting wild stories of in-ring intensity, bar brawls, and locker room legends. Hear untold stories about Ravishing Rick Rude’s infamous Minnesota crew, the iron grip of Mr. Wonderful Paul Orndorff, and the chaos that made Haku the toughest man in wrestling history. Plus, Kevin shares personal anecdotes, from meeting Mr. Hughes to remembering the unforgettable moments of Dirty Dick Slater. Stay tuned to vote on who you think had the tougher roster—WCW or WWF—and let us know if your favorites made the cut! Takeaways: The Barbarian’s unmatched physical toughness. Dirty Dick Slater’s no-nonsense approach in and out of the ring. Rick Rude’s loyalty to his Minnesota roots and legendary toughness. Paul Orndorff’s legendary confrontation with Vader. Haku’s status as the toughest wrestler in history, both in the ring and the streets. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction and WCW vs WWF Toughness Debate 04:45 – #5 08:15 – #4 13:00 – #3: 21:18 – #2: 35:37 – #1: the King of Toughness 39:52 – Honorable Mention: Harley Race’s Impact on Wrestling 40:22 – Kevin Previews Next Week’s WWF Tough Guy List

7. 

   20 Jan 2025

   Gigging and Aspirin OVERLOAD!!

   Join hosts Kevin Kelly and Casey Thompson as they take you on a journey through the world of professional wrestling! From their time in WCW to the evolution of the wrestling industry, this episode is packed with unforgettable stories, insights, and reflections. 🚨 Highlights in This Episode: 🎭 Behind-the-scenes dynamics of WCW – the good, the bad, and the brutal. 💪 The role of enhancement talent in shaping wrestling shows. 🩸 The art of 'color' (blading) and its controversial history in wrestling. 📽️ How wrestling production has evolved in the age of streaming. 🌟 Nostalgic tales of legends like Black Bart and memorable pay-per-view experiences. 🤔 Reflections on storytelling, career longevity, and the future of wrestling promotions. 📅 Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction to Wrestling Stories 2:40 - Behind the Scenes in WCW 5:30 - Tales of Locker Room Drama 9:46 - The Art of 'Color' in Wrestling 18:22 - Memories of Black Bart and Wrestling History 21:47 - Upcoming Guests and Future Topics 22:58 - The Royal Rumble and Pay-Per-View Experiences 29:16 - The Evolution of Wrestling Production 40:03 - Streaming and the Future of Wrestling Promotions 49:57 - Reflections on Wrestling Memories and Connections 🛑 Takeaways from the Episode: WCW's backstage environment was complex and intense. Enhancement talent were unsung heroes in wrestling's success. The history of 'color' in matches highlights wrestling's gritty reality. Streaming is reshaping how we experience wrestling today. Wrestling storytelling remains at the heart of the sport's longevity. 💥 Don’t miss our upcoming guest Bob Cook, a legendary enhancement talent with stories you won't want to miss! 📲 Follow Us: 📺 YouTube | 🎧 Spotify | 🍎 Apple Podcasts 💬 Leave your questions in the comments for our next guest! 🎥 Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes wrestling stories and insights. #Wrestling #WCW #WrestlingStories #Streaming #WrestlingLegends #EnhancementTalent

8. 

   17 Jan 2025

   Nasty Ned Brady’s WILD Wrestling Story!

   Who was the Repo Man? In this explosive episode of the In-Ring Wrestling Podcast, Kevin Kelly and Casey Thompson unravel the untold story of Nasty Ned Brady, his infamous Repo Man gimmick, and the unexpected twist that brought Barry Darsow into the picture. Nasty Ned Brady’s Break: How a promising character created for Ned turned into WWF's Repo Man—and the fallout that followed. Nasty Ronnie’s Role: Did the Tampa manager play a part in the shocking transition of the Repo Man gimmick to Barry Darsow? Kevin and Casey dissect the backstage drama. From Repossessor to Redemption: Learn how Nasty Ned pivoted, renamed himself, and kept fighting to make his mark in professional wrestling. This week’s deep dive is packed with insider stories, including: Wrestling vignettes filmed at Universal Studios. How WCW’s Florida tapings shaped wrestling careers. The camaraderie and conflicts in Florida’s wrestling scene. 💬 Have thoughts about Repo Man, Nasty Ned Brady, or Nasty Ronnie? Share your take in the comments! 0:00 - Introduction Kevin Kelly and Casey Thompson kick off the episode with updates and banter about the life of enhancement wrestlers. 2:15 - Who is Nasty Ned Brady? Casey recounts his early memories of Nasty Ned Brady and his journey in Florida wrestling. 5:21 - The Repo Man Origin Story Kevin shares the shocking story of how Nasty Ned’s “Repo Man” gimmick was transformed into a WWF sensation with Barry Darsow. 8:44 - The Role of Nasty Ronnie The duo dives into Nasty Ronnie’s alleged backstage dealings and their impact on Ned’s career trajectory. 12:05 - Universal Studios Tapings Behind-the-scenes stories from the IWF and WCW tapings at Universal Studios, including filming vignettes and Ned’s evolution to “The Repossessor.” 16:10 - Barry Darsow’s Repo Man Casey and Kevin analyze Barry Darsow’s portrayal of the Repo Man and how it was lifted from the IWF concept. 19:38 - Florida Wrestling in the Early 90s How the closure of Florida Championship Wrestling changed the local wrestling scene and the opportunities for enhancement talent. 24:50 - Ned Brady’s Legacy Kevin and Casey reflect on Nasty Ned Brady’s career, his resilience, and the lessons he left behind. 29:00 - Final Thoughts and Next Week’s Tease Casey hints at upcoming stories, including his memories of Sid Vicious and more backstage WCW tales. 🎧 Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts to stay connected with the world of wrestling’s untold stories.

9. 

   17 Jan 2025

   Mental Struggles of Pro Wrestling | IRWP #8

   The mental struggles of professional wrestling take center stage in this episode of the In-Ring Wrestling Podcast. From the relentless grind of the road to the sacrifices wrestlers make in pursuit of their dreams, Kevin Kelly and Casey Thompson pull back the curtain on the emotional toll of life in the squared circle. Casey shares his deeply personal decision to walk away from wrestling to prioritize his family and mental well-being, while Kevin reflects on his own challenges during his time as an announcer. They also discuss how wrestlers coped with the pressures of the business and how the industry has evolved to address these issues. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction: The relentless grind of professional wrestling. 2:32 - Casey on the struggles of getting bookings and staying relevant. 6:45 - Kevin’s story of moving to Connecticut and the toll it took on his family. 10:12 - The reality of never having a day off in wrestling. 15:03 - Casey recalls his breaking point and choosing family over wrestling. 18:40 - The mental toll of being away from loved ones and the fear of being replaced. 22:17 - Coping mechanisms: How wrestlers dealt with the pressures of the business. 26:30 - Kevin on learning to balance personal life and professional aspirations. 30:45 - Closing thoughts: Wrestling’s emotional toll and lessons learned.

10. 

    10 Jan 2025

    Pro Wrestling: Real Injuries, Real Pain – Is ‘Fake’ an Insult?

    "Wrestling might be scripted, but the injuries are as real as they get. Kevin Kelly and Casey Thompson share unfiltered stories of life-threatening moments in the ring – from broken bones to dislocated jaws. Calling wrestling ‘fake’? Think again. This episode is a hard-hitting reminder of the risks these athletes take every time they step into the ring. 💥 Watch now and discover why the term ‘fake’ doesn’t belong in wrestling! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe. #WrestlingReality #ProWrestlingTruth #RespectTheAthletes" 00:00 Introduction and Early Conversations 02:46 The Impact of Vader in Wrestling 06:14 Injuries in Wrestling: Personal Experiences 09:01 Sid's Infamous Injury and Its Consequences 12:01 The Nature of Wrestling Rings and Bumps 15:04 The Art of Calling Matches in the Ring 17:46 Reflections on Classic Wrestling Matches 21:04 Injuries and Safety in Wrestling 23:49 The Respect and Dynamics in the Ring 27:06 Conclusion and Future Discussions

11. 

    10 Jan 2025

    Confronting Big Van Vader & Wrestling Legends | IRWP #5

    🚨 In Ring Wrestling Podcast Episode 5 🚨 This week, hosts Kevin Kelly and Casey Thompson dive into jaw-dropping stories from their time in pro wrestling. From facing Big Van Vader’s infamous stiff style to hilarious ribs involving Harley Race, this episode is packed with insider tales you’ve never heard before. ✅ Highlights in This Episode: -The truth about wrestling Big Van Vader—and standing up to him backstage. -Lex Luger’s armbar mishap and how Casey turned the tables. -Behind-the-scenes stories with legends like Harley Race, Blackjack Mulligan, and Owen Hart. -The unsung role of enhancement talent in building wrestling’s biggest stars. 📌 Next Week: Can you afford Christmas as an enhancement talent? A candid look at life behind the curtain. 👉 Hit LIKE if you enjoyed this episode, COMMENT your favorite moment, and SUBSCRIBE for weekly untold wrestling stories! Don’t forget to SHARE with your wrestling friends. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Kevin Kelly and Casey Thompson welcome you to Episode 5. 2:00 - How Social Media Changed Wrestling: Reflections on a bygone era. 4:30 - Wrestling Vader: Casey’s encounters with Big Van Vader and a backstage confrontation. 9:15 - The Hogan Match That Almost Happened: A missed chance to wrestle Hulk Hogan. 11:38 - Casey vs. Vader Backstage: The full story behind their confrontation. 16:21 - Lex Luger’s Armbar Incident: What happens when a wrestler underestimates Casey. 21:06 - Road Warriors Memories: Wrestling the Legion of Doom and behind-the-scenes antics. 23:26 - Ribs with Harley Race: Legendary stories about Harley, Blackjack Mulligan, and Owen Hart. 30:33 - Closing: Preview of next week’s deep dive into the economics of being an enhancement talent. Call to Action: 💥 Follow Us on Social Media for Exclusive Updates: 📸 Instagram: @inringwrestlingpodcast 🐦 Twitter/X: @InRingPodcast 🎥 TikTok: @in.ring.wrestling 📘 Facebook: @in.ring.wrestling 💬 Have a question or topic you want us to cover? Let us know in the comments or message us on social! #WrestlingPodcast #BigVanVader #HarleyRace #LexLuger #InRingStories #wwe

12. 

    10 Jan 2025

    In Ring Wrestling Podcast Episode 4 -Why Vince McMahon had a problem with pronouns

    Kevin Kelly talks about Vince McMahon's obsession with pronouns and the history behind the gorilla position. Casey talks about his first match with WWF and does a breakdown of their paydays and much more... #wwe #wwebehindthescene #wwemonday #wrestling #interview #wcw #inringwrestlingpodcast

13. 

    10 Jan 2025

    IN RING wrestling podcast episode 3 - Why wrestler told by BOSS to hurt himself during TV match

    Kevin Kelly & Casey Thompson talk about the story Kevin has teased in the last couple episodes that involves a match Casey had on TV with WCW and Casey causes over $120,000 worth of damage in one wrestling match. Casey causes Camera Havoc! Meeting with Hogan, Bischoff and Flair? Click link to watch match that the story is about https://youtu.be/sbk38YLVeQg?si=u2fmwsygTXCQZX_u Facebook Group - In Ring wrestling podcast Instagram - @inringwrestlingpodcast x - @InRingPodcast TikToc - @in.ring.wrestling #wrestling #wwe #wcw #aew #wrestlingpodcast #mondaynightwars #podcast #wcwsaturdaynight #wcwpro #kevinkelly #caseythompson #mondaynightwars #hulkhogan #stonecold #therock #wrestlingpodcast

14. 

    30 Dec 2024

    Inside the Monday Night Wars: Hogan’s Turn, WCW’s Rise, and Untold Stories from the Ring

    HULK HOGAN GOES HEEL! Join Kevin Kelly and Casey Thompson for Episode 2 of the In-Ring Wrestling Podcast! This week, we dive deep into the historic Monday Night Wars—from Hulk Hogan’s shocking heel turn at Bash at the Beach to WCW’s dominance during the 83 weeks ratings streak. Casey shares behind-the-scenes stories from WCW’s Nitro tapings at MGM Studios, including his firsthand perspective on the industry-changing events of 1996. Discover untold tales of working with wrestling legends, the chaos of live production, and how the NWO changed the game forever. Plus, hear Casey’s unique experience as a bell ringer during one unforgettable Nitro! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share—and tell three friends! Follow us on all social platforms for exclusive updates. Facebook Group - In Ring wrestling podcast Instagram - @inringwrestlingpodcast x - @InRingPodcast TikToc - @in.ring.wrestling #wwe #wcw #aew #mondaynightwars #wwemonday #wrestling #wcwsaturdaynight #podcast #wrestlingpodcast #hulkhogan #stonecold #therock #kevinkelly #caseythompson #oldschoolwrestling

15. 

    15 Dec 2024

    Welcome to the In-Ring Wrestling Podcast!

    Join hosts Kevin Kelly and Casey Thompson as they kick off the debut episode of the In-Ring Wrestling Podcast! With over six decades of combined experience in the wrestling industry, Kevin and Casey take you behind the curtain to explore untold stories, forgotten stars, and the realities of life in professional wrestling. In this episode, the hosts dive into the critical but misunderstood role of enhancement talent, share personal experiences from their time in WCW and WWF, and tease future stories that range from the Monday Night Wars to controversial backstage moments. Casey reflects on his career as a wrestler and his journey from being the "world's strongest teenager" to becoming an integral part of wrestling's golden era. If you’re looking for a podcast that skips the gossip and recaps, focusing instead on the history, psychology, and untold truths of professional wrestling, you’ve found it! Episodes are 30 minutes or less, so tune in each week and don’t forget to tell three friends about the In-Ring Wrestling Podcast! Key topics this episode: The misunderstood role of enhancement talent. Casey’s start in wrestling as the "world's strongest teenager." Behind-the-scenes anecdotes from WCW and WWF. Teasers for future episodes, including infamous incidents and controversial topics. Follow us on social media and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

415,456

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 46 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

47

Social presence

0

YouTube

82

Engagement

32