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| It's a replay of the live Heyman cast on the Network Photo Credit: WWE.com |
If you're new, here's the rundown: I listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are better wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but these are the ones in my regular rotation that I feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If I can save other folks some time, I'm happy to do so.
Show: Steve Austin Show
Episode: 227 (June 9, 2015)
Run Time: 1:23:04
Guest: Paul Heyman (14:20)
Summary: This is the audio-only version of the interview Austin conducted with Heyman live on the WWE Network June 1. They start recalling their first meeting, leading into the formation of the Dangerous Alliance. Austin then asks Heyman about Brock Lesnar, which leads into some talk about CM Punk. Austin rants a bit about disrespect of the DDT and gets Heyman to talk about delivering great promos. Heyman explains his long history with the McMahon family leading to his 2006 departure from WWE. After they share a few early 1990s road stories, Heyman turns the tables to ask Austin a few questions, including an attempt to goad him into fighting Lesnar at WrestleMania 32.
Quote of the week: “No. 1, he loves the business, but he loves his children more. And his children need a father more than WWE needs Brock Lesnar. No. 2, and I’ve used this analogy many times, but any time he appears, it’s special. It’s not just commonplace — you can’t miss a Brock Lesnar match. It’s not just must see, it’s can’t miss.”
Why you should listen: If you haven’t seen the video version, through lack of WWE Network access, time or personal preference for audio only, your wait is over. If you haven’t read anything about this interview until now, my personal favorite moments were any time Heyman invoked something from his earliest NWA/WCW days. And hearing Austin unexpectedly lapse into his true Stone Cold persona near the end was fascinating.
Why you should skip it: There’s nothing to be gained if you’ve watched the video. But if you’re still on the fence, it should be noted there’s a lot of familiar ground covered here you’re likely to remember from listening to Heyman’s earlier appearances on Austin’s show, and Austin’s strong feelings on the DDT are reaching “Jim Ross asking about the Undertaker’s streak ending” level of repetitive.
Final thoughts: There’s a really good chance you don’t need my thoughts, on June 10, to help you make up your mind about an interview you could have digested as of June 1. This episode would have been stronger had it built on their earlier podcasts instead of rehashing, but I understand the need to retrace steps for a what might be a largely new audience. I generally enjoy Heyman, though I will concede his reputation in some corners exceeds his actual contributions. Mostly I’m just glad this one is in the books so we can put to rest the stupid “Austin has heat wince Vince McMahon” rumors. And ultimately, given what else has popped into my iTunes feeds of late, this was my favorite episode of any of my regular shows in the very recent past.
Show: Steve Austin Show
Episode: 227 (June 9, 2015)
Run Time: 1:23:04
Guest: Paul Heyman (14:20)
Summary: This is the audio-only version of the interview Austin conducted with Heyman live on the WWE Network June 1. They start recalling their first meeting, leading into the formation of the Dangerous Alliance. Austin then asks Heyman about Brock Lesnar, which leads into some talk about CM Punk. Austin rants a bit about disrespect of the DDT and gets Heyman to talk about delivering great promos. Heyman explains his long history with the McMahon family leading to his 2006 departure from WWE. After they share a few early 1990s road stories, Heyman turns the tables to ask Austin a few questions, including an attempt to goad him into fighting Lesnar at WrestleMania 32.
Quote of the week: “No. 1, he loves the business, but he loves his children more. And his children need a father more than WWE needs Brock Lesnar. No. 2, and I’ve used this analogy many times, but any time he appears, it’s special. It’s not just commonplace — you can’t miss a Brock Lesnar match. It’s not just must see, it’s can’t miss.”
Why you should listen: If you haven’t seen the video version, through lack of WWE Network access, time or personal preference for audio only, your wait is over. If you haven’t read anything about this interview until now, my personal favorite moments were any time Heyman invoked something from his earliest NWA/WCW days. And hearing Austin unexpectedly lapse into his true Stone Cold persona near the end was fascinating.
Why you should skip it: There’s nothing to be gained if you’ve watched the video. But if you’re still on the fence, it should be noted there’s a lot of familiar ground covered here you’re likely to remember from listening to Heyman’s earlier appearances on Austin’s show, and Austin’s strong feelings on the DDT are reaching “Jim Ross asking about the Undertaker’s streak ending” level of repetitive.
Final thoughts: There’s a really good chance you don’t need my thoughts, on June 10, to help you make up your mind about an interview you could have digested as of June 1. This episode would have been stronger had it built on their earlier podcasts instead of rehashing, but I understand the need to retrace steps for a what might be a largely new audience. I generally enjoy Heyman, though I will concede his reputation in some corners exceeds his actual contributions. Mostly I’m just glad this one is in the books so we can put to rest the stupid “Austin has heat wince Vince McMahon” rumors. And ultimately, given what else has popped into my iTunes feeds of late, this was my favorite episode of any of my regular shows in the very recent past.
