Windy City Slam

Steve Ahrendt talks CSW, Rocket Pro, Frontline

He’s done a little bit of everything on the Chicagoland independent scene, including broadcasting, managing, podcasting, working as an authority figure, and even wrestling. Steve Ahrendt returns to Windy City Slam Podcast to discuss a loaded card for Chicago Style Wrestling’s “Nowhere Generation,” the latest happenings in CSW, his match at Rocket Pro against Shaq Jordan and run-in with Aaron Stone, Mario Pardua becoming NWA Chicago Champion, Frontline Pro’s “Honor Bound,” and which former WWE Money In The Bank winner was one of his favorite wrestlers. Plus, Mike recaps WWE Backlash and previews a local AEW Dynamite, along with sharing news from House of Glory, AAW Pro, POWW Entertainment, 2econd Wrestling, ARW Pro and Iron Spirit Pro.

Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

Tony Gabagool recaps Rocket Pro season finale

Friend of the show, “The Godfather of the Lovely Intoxicated Men,” Tony Gabagool joins Windy City Slam Podcast for his first full-fledged interview as he recaps Rocket Pro Wrestling’s “Kicks on 66” season finale. Gabagool discusses the chaotic Three Stages of Hell main event between The Freebirds and Youth Gone Wild as well as some of the other craziness that went down in Joliet last weekend. Gabagool also offers his views on the independent wrestling scene and WWE. Plus, Mike talks WWE Backlash and the recent talent releases, reports local highlights and previews shows by Pro Wrestling Ventures, POWW Entertainment, ARW Pro, Illinois Valley Wrestling Federation and Iron Spirit Pro.

Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

Ezio Orlandi makes mark at 2econd Wrestling

One of the Chicago area’s rising stars, Ezio Orlandi, and his cohorts in FOBIA are strong-arming their way toward the top of 2econd Wrestling. Orlandi returns to Windy City Slam Podcast to discuss his journey, quest to regain the Maxwell Street Heritage Championship, thoughts on Sean Login, what to expect at “Anchorfists,” starting to train at the Chicago Style Wrestling school, expanding his reach in the Midwest, upcoming match against former AEW and NXT wrestler Parker Boudreaux and more. Plus, Mike gives tribute to Steve “Mongo” McMichael, recaps TNA Rebellion, Midwest Championship Wrestling, Black Label Pro, Ego Pro Chicago and Southland Championship Wrestling and previews cards for Rocket Pro Wrestling, POWW Entertainment and C3 Ultimate Wrestling.

Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

AMB, Oscar Rodriguez talk MCW; WrestleMania 41 recap

In a stacked episode, AMB and Oscar Rodriguez of Midwest Championship Wrestling join Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about MCW “Street Fight” this weekend in Ottawa. AMB and Rodriguez discuss the card, the evolution of MCW and trying to grow the brand every day. Plus, former WWE.com writer Jordan Garretson returns to dive deep into WrestleMania 41 weekend, including a megastar who was conspicuous by his absence, the ups and downs of the show, Paul Heyman and Seth Rollins’ new union, John Cena’s 17th World Championship and much more. Also, Mike talks TNA, Chicago Style Wrestling, Ego Pro Chicago and Southland Championship Wrestling.

Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

Alfonso Gonzalez returns; Events galore including Mania

The now-former Freelance Wrestling World Champion Alfonso Gonzalez returns to Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about the emotions of winning the title, dreams of wrestling Damien Sandow, defending the Freelance Underground Independent Championship at Defiant Pro, previewing matches at the upcoming Ego Pro Chicago show in Shorewood, relationship with Robert “Ego” Anthony, having a hot sauce named after him and more. Plus, we recap an insane weekend of action around Chicagoland, including Freelance, AAW Pro, DREAMWAVE/Uprising and ARW and Tony Gabagool stops by to review Rocket Pro’s “Spring Break.” Mike also makes his predictions for WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas and previews Chicago Style Wrestling’s “Tears In The Rain.”

Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

TINY talks POWW, passion for wrestling

Chicago wrestling legend TINY returns to Windy City Slam Podcast to talk about retiring from in-ring competition and helping backstage at POWW Entertainment. He also talks about the future of the company in talents such as Mason Percs and Will Emory, a burgeoning women’s division and a busy month of shows in May. TINY also reflects on the recent passings of “Awesome” Ondy Austin and Mr. Bill. Also, Mike recaps the Chicago debut of Wrestling Revolver and AEW Dynasty and previews a colossial weekend of action ahead from promotions such as Freelance Wrestling, AAW Pro, DREAMWAVE/Uprising, Rocket Pro Wrestling, ARW and New Japan Pro Wrestling’s “Windy City Riot.”

Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

AAW’s Jimmy D; Sami Callihan of TNA/Wrestling Revolver

Longtime ring announcer and broadcaster for promotions such as AAW Pro, Freelance Underground, Freelance Wrestling and Zelo Pro, Jimmy D is one of Chicago indie wrestling’s most recognizable voices. Windy City Slam Podcast welcomes Jimmy D for the first time to preview AAW’s “Ring of Fire,” discuss what drew him to wrestling, times working for various local promotions, interactions with Drew McIntyre, Eddie Kingston, Mustafa Ali, opinions on local stars such as Project MONIX and Alfonso Gonzalez, and who his influences are. Former TNA World Champion Sami Callihan also joins us to preview the Chicago debut of his promotion Wrestling Revolver as we break down the card, talk about his feud with Mance Warner, how hot TNA is and more. Plus, Mike recaps All Heel Wrestling and Game Changer Wrestling, highlights new champions at Wrestle League and previews GALLI Lucha Libre and AEW Dynasty.

Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

Sean Lennon talks CSW, Chicago scene

The Chicagoland independent wrestling scene is robust with great talent spread out through many promotions. PWE Report’s Sean Lennon joins Windy City Slam Podcast to recap Chicago Style Wrestling’s “Figure Four Leaf Clover” (which featured some surprises), Freelance Wrestling (including their top champions and the Red Star Medallion), the state of Chicagoland indie wrestling, top local independent women and more. Plus, Mike recaps Freelance and previews POWW Entertainment, Wrestle League, Ultimate Combat Gauntlet and Game Changer Wrestling shows.

Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

“The Ragna-Rocker” KRUX blazes trail

“From the Far Side of the World Tree,” “The Ragna-Rocker” KRUX makes his debut appearance on Windy City Slam Podcast to explain his mission in pro wrestling, preview Illinois Valley Wrestling Federation’s inaugural show “The Donnybrook Brawl,” his connection with Angus McDuff, his inspirations to get into wrestling, working with PRW and ARW Pro and how he could fit in as a Juggalo. Plus, Mike recaps TNA Sacrifice and WWE/NXT Roadblock, hits the highlights of Iron Spirit and Defiant Pro and previews cards for Freelance Wrestling, Chicago Style Wrestling, Southland Championship Wrestling and GALLI Lucha Libre.

Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!

Sean Galway’s comeback; Ali/Kross at SSW

A gruesome leg injury and excruciating rehab didn’t stop Sean Galway from returning to what he loved. A year after breaking his leg in a match, “The Irish Stallion” joins Windy City Slam to walk us through his origins in the wrestling business, training at Freelance Wrestling Academy, what he remembers from his debut match, his “gambler” gimmick, the match vs. Dante Leon at Iron Spirit Pro where he suffered the injury, the long rehab and his return to the ring at Freelance Wrestling. Plus, Mike recaps SSW Entertainment’s “HORSEPOWER III” and a class encounter between Mustafa Ali and Jordan Kross with audio from Ali’s post-match promo. There are also results from ARW Pro, 2econd Wrestling and AEW Revolution and previews of NXT, TNA, Iron Spirit and Defiant Pro.

Mike Pankow is a 25-year-plus professional journalist and wrestling superfan who covers local Chicagoland wrestling and national promotions like AEW and WWE. If there is something going on in Chicago, Mike knows about it. Enjoy "Wrestling, Chicago-Style" on The Broadcast Basement On-Demand Radio Network! Music by Jason Shaw on Audionautix.com. Get your local wrestling fix every Tuesday everywhere podcasts can be found and always at WindyCitySlam.com!