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Pro Wrestling Stories
  • Topics
    • Dark Tales of Wrestling
    • Shoot Interviews
    • Wrestling Territories
    • Women Wrestling Pioneers
    • Shoot Fights
    • Lists
    • In Memoriam
    • Pro Wrestling Documentaries, Books, and Movie Reviews
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  • Podcasts
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    • The Pro Wrestling Stories Podcast (2020)
    • Songs From The Squared Circle
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Matt Pender

62 Postshttps://linktr.ee/OdESSA_NZ
Matt Pender is an old-school wrestling fan who currently lives in New Zealand. He is also a musical performer with his band OdESSA who can be investigated at the link above. He can be reached by e-mail at matthew.pender@hotmail.co.nz.
Bret Hart.

Bret Hart – 12 Stories That Show Who the Real Hitman Is

by Matt Pender

Bret Hart has had a lot to say about his peers, but what do they have to say about him? These 12 memorable stories show…

The Undertaker was the longest-tenured WWE wrestler of all time. But what do his peers have to say about him?

Unmasking WWE’s the Undertaker: 20 Stories That Reveal A Surprising Side

by Matt Pender

The Undertaker was the longest-tenured WWE wrestler of all time. But what do his peers have to say about him?

Andre the Giant - 16 Unforgettable Tales Told By His Friends

Andre the Giant – 16 Unforgettable Tales Told By His Friends

by Matt Pender

Here are sixteen of the most memorable stories on the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” Andre the Giant, from the people who knew him best.

Shocking Times Andre the Giant Made Life Miserable For Wrestlers

by Matt Pender

Andre the Giant wasn’t always easy to get along with. The following stories illustrate a not often known side of the “gentle” giant!

Secret History of WWE’s American Dream Dusty Rhodes: 18 Untold Stories

by Matt Pender

Dusty Rhodes left an indelible mark on people in and out of wrestling. But what was the American Dream like when the cameras weren’t around?

Steve Austin delivers his impassioned ECW promo at 4am.

Steve Austin – The Night of the Greatest Promo of All Time

by Matt Pender

Paul Heyman remembers the night the young, down-on-his-luck Steve Austin composed one of the greatest promos of all time.

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair over the years.

A Surprising Side of Ric Flair Not Often Seen – 25 Notorious Tales

by Matt Pender

These tales reveal a surprising perspective on Ric Flair – the limousine-riding, jet-flying, kiss-stealing, wheelin’ dealin’ son of a gun!

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair over the years.

A Surprising Not Often Seen Side of Ric Flair – 13 Notorious Tales

by Matt Pender

These tales reveal a surprising perspective on Ric Flair – the limousine-riding, jet-flying, kiss-stealing, wheelin’ dealin’ son of a gun!

Harley Race was considered by many the legitimate toughest man to grace the squared circle. But what was he like behind the scenes?

15 Tales That Unveil the Hidden Side of Former Wrestling Champ Harley Race

by Matt Pender

Harley Race was considered by many the legitimate toughest man to grace the squared circle. But what was he like behind the scenes?

Jake "The Snake" Roberts with his reptilian counterpart Damian, The British Bulldogs' Matilda, and Koko B Ware with his beloved bird, Frankie.

Chilling Stories on the Animals in Professional Wrestling

by Matt Pender

Here is a shocking look into the real-life, tragic stories of many of our favorite animals in professional wrestling.

Ultimate Warrior and Sting on Their Broken Relationship

by Matt Pender

Ultimate Warrior and Sting started out in the business together in 1985 but never spoke highly of one another after. Here, both men tell all.

Before his passing, the Ultimate Warrior opened up about the use of steroids and performance-enhancing drugs in wrestling.

Ultimate Warrior on the Deceptive Way Wrestlers Obtained PEDs

by Matt Pender

Ultimate Warrior on the pros and cons of performance-enhancing drugs and the deceptive means wrestlers used to obtain them.

Owen Hart - 6 Stories Showing The Kind of Man He Was

Owen Hart – 6 Stories Revealing The Kind of Man He Was

by Matt Pender

These tales reveal exactly the kind of man Owen Hart was. Stories from Bret Hart, Triple H, Scott Hall (Razor Ramon), Jim Ross, and more.

Shocking Times Andre the Giant Made Life Miserable For Wrestlers

by Matt Pender

Andre the Giant wasn’t always easy to get along with. The following stories illustrate a not often known side of the “gentle” giant!

The Undertaker was the longest-tenured WWE wrestler of all time. But what do his peers have to say about him?

Undertaker: 18 Stories Showing the Kind of Man He Is

by Matt Pender

The Undertaker was the longest-tenured WWE wrestler of all time. But what do his peers have to say about him?

Karma came around to bite Marty Jannetty once in the form of Scott Hall!

Scott Hall Takes a Sleeping Marty Jannetty By Surprise

by Matt Pender

Scott Hall tells the story of the time he had no choice but to deliver a bit of rough justice to Marty Jannetty after being…

The tale of Hulk Hogan and DDP is one of respect and admiration.

DDP and Hulk Hogan: An Unlikely Tale of Admiration

by Matt Pender

DDP got his start late in the game at 35, and his wrestling career didn’t take off right away. But, Hulk Hogan took notice!

Dusty Rhodes left an indelible mark on people in and out of wrestling. But what was the American Dream like when the cameras weren't around?

Dusty Rhodes: Secret History on the American Dream

by Matt Pender

Dusty Rhodes left an indelible mark on people in and out of wrestling. But what was the American Dream like when the cameras weren’t around?

Here are 20 of the best wrestling ribs and practical joke stories. Some are lighthearted, while others are just plain cruel!

Ribs and Practical Jokes in Professional Wrestling – 20 of the Best Stories!

by Matt Pender

Here are 20 of the best wrestling ribs and practical joke stories. Some are lighthearted, while others are just plain cruel!

Scott Hall opens up about how he lost respect for Bret Hart after going to his house.

Scott Hall on the “Shrine” Bret Hart Had For Himself

by Matt Pender

Scott Hall ruled the squared circle and had no time for wrestling figures or being a mark. Bret Hart, on the other hand…

The Rockers (Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty) celebrate winning the WWF Tag Team Championship over The Hart Foundation on October 30th, 1990's episode of Saturday Night's Main Event. Their triumph, however, would be short-lived.

The Rockers and Their Canceled WWF Championship Win

by Matt Pender

The Rockers (Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty) became WWF Tag Team Championship in 1990. Their triumph, however, would be short-lived.

Andre the Giant - 16 Unforgettable Tales Told By His Friends

Andre the Giant – 16 Unforgettable Tales Told By His Friends

by Matt Pender

Here are sixteen of the most memorable stories on the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” Andre the Giant, from the people who knew him best.

Bret Hart.

Bret Hart – 12 Stories That Show Who the Real Hitman Is

by Matt Pender

Bret Hart has had a lot to say about his peers, but what do they have to say about him? These 12 memorable stories show…

WCW Monday Nitro | Behind the Curtain on Its Final Show

WCW Monday Nitro: Secret Story of Its Final Show

by Matt Pender

From the inner workings of the WCW buyout to what it felt like behind the curtain on that final Monday Nitro, those who were there…

For years, controversy shrouded the murder of Bruiser Brody. Reports from those present the night of his stabbing raise the question: was his murder a cover-up? We look closely into this through accounts from those there while celebrating his life through tales from those who knew him best.

Bruiser Brody: His Unpunished Murder and Influence in Wrestling

by Matt Pender

For years, controversy surrounded the murder of Bruiser Brody. Was it a cover-up? We look into this and his influence on pro wrestling.

RIP Owen Hart (1965-1999).

Owen Hart’s Death: What Really Happened, From Those There

by Matt Pender

Those were there reflect on the stunt which led to the tragic death of Owen Hart. What went wrong? And why Vince McMahon let the…

Steroid Use in the WWE: Candid Truth by Hulk Hogan, The Rock and More

Steroid Use in the WWE: Candid Truth by Hulk Hogan, The Rock and More

by Matt Pender

Steroid Use in WWE was common. Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Lex Luger, The Ultimate Warrior, and other superstars open up on the topic.

Koko B. Ware and his bird Frankie in happier times.

Koko B. Ware and the Tragedy That Befell His Iconic Bird

by Matt Pender

The tragic story of Frankie, the beloved bird of professional wrestler Koko B. Ware. What tragedy eventually befell the iconic bird?

Bruno Sammartino wins the WWWF Championship for the very first time after defeating Buddy Rogers in just 48 seconds at Madison Square Garden on May 17, 1963. [Photo: Pro Wrestling Illustrated]

Bruno Sammartino and Buddy Rogers – The 1963 WWWF Title Screwjob

by Matt Pender

This important moment in professional wrestling history between Bruno Sammartino and Buddy Rogers all but marked the end of one career and launched another.

Gerald Brisco consoles Brock Lesnar backstage at WrestleMania 19.

Brock Lesnar Nearly Plunged WrestleMania 19 into Tragedy

by Matt Pender

Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle, and others talk about the spectacular botch that nearly plunged WrestleMania 19 into tragedy.

Why I Became a Wrestler: Roddy Piper, Jake Roberts, and More

Why I Became a Wrestler: Roddy Piper, Jake Roberts, and More

by Matt Pender

Roddy Piper, Blackjack Mulligan, and Jake Roberts share what inspired them to become professional wrestlers.

Harley Race was considered by many the legitimate toughest man to grace the squared circle. But what was he like behind the scenes?

Harley Race: Secret Tales of His Tenacity Outside the Ring

by Matt Pender

Harley Race was considered by many the legitimate toughest man to grace the squared circle. But what was he like behind the scenes?

Bruno Sammartino and Ivan Koloff square off at Madison Square Garden, January 18, 1971.

Bruno Sammartino and Ivan Koloff – The Night They Shocked the World

by Matt Pender

Bruno Sammartino and Ivan Koloff reflect on the night Koloff almost started a riot by ending Bruno’s almost 8-year reign as world champion.

The tag team of Rhythm and Blues - Honky Tonk Man and Greg Valentine

Honky Tonk Man and Greg Valentine – Rhythm and Blues (and Unkept Promises)

by Matt Pender

Initial reluctance and unkept promises. Hunka hunka, this is the story of Rhythm and Blues according to Honky Tonk Man and Greg Valentine.

Bruno Sammartino and Stan Hansen – The Botch That Broke Bruno

by Matt Pender

In 1976, Stan Hansen changed the career of Bruno Sammartino forever. Here, both men discuss this near-tragic incident.

Paul Orndorff, Vader, and backstage witnesses describe the messy backstage fight that led to the departure of Vader from WCW in 1995.

The Messy Fight Between Paul Orndorff and Vader in WCW

by Matt Pender

In ’95, Paul Orndorff and Vader got into a heated argument backstage that led to an all-out fight. According to Vader, he had been at…

The Von Erichs and The Fabulous Freebirds had one of the wildest feuds in wrestling. But did these spectators take things too far?

Von Erichs and Fabulous Freebirds: Secret Tale Behind Their Feud

by Matt Pender

The Von Erichs and The Fabulous Freebirds had one of the wildest feuds in wrestling. But did these spectators take things too far?

Roddy Piper and Greg Valentine - Their Lauded Feud & Dog Collar Match

Roddy Piper and Greg Valentine – Their Lauded Feud & Dog Collar Match

by Matt Pender

Permanent damage was inflicted and they beat the hell out of each other. Roddy Piper and Greg Valentine discuss their memorable feud.

In one of the most shocking moments in wrestling history, Ric Flair debuts on WWF television for the first time with Bobby Heenan alongside his NWA Championship Belt, WWF Prime Time Wrestling, September 9th, 1991.

Why Ric Flair Left WCW for Arch-Rival WWF in 1991

by Matt Pender

Ric Flair opens up about why he shockingly abandoned WCW for arch-rival WWF in 1991, taking the NWA championship belt with him.

Sean Waltman opens up about how he once beat WWE substance testing through an unexpected assist by a corrupt administrator in 1995.

Sean Waltman on Who Helped Wrestlers Beat a Drug Test

by Matt Pender

One time, to the surprise of Sean Waltman, a corrupt administrator unexpectedly helped him and others beat the test.

Strike Force: Tito Santana and Rick Martel.

Tito Santana and Rick Martel – The Rise and Demise of Strike Force

by Matt Pender

Tito Santana and Rick Martel thrived as Strike Force but were doomed with a gimmick that killed their momentum. This is their story.

Bruno Sammartino and Vince McMahon used to share the stick as commentators for the then-WWF in the early 1980s, but a heated feud between the two of them kept Sammartino away from WWE for over 25 years.

Bruno Sammartino and Vince McMahon’s Venomous 25-Year Feud

by Matt Pender

Bruno Sammartino and Vince McMahon hated one another, creating quite a tense moment when the two met for the very first time in over 25…

The Can-Am Connection - Tom Zenk and Rick Martel. They were positioned to become one of the greatest WWF tag teams of their time, but greed and a deep hatred for one another got in the way.

Can-Am Connection: How Greed Killed Former WWE Tag Team

by Matt Pender

Tom Zenk and Rick Martel of Can-Am Connection were poised to become one of the greatest teams in WWE until greed got in the way!

The bond between Scott Hall and Curt Hennig ran deep.

Scott Hall and Curt Hennig’s Secret Bond Beyond The Ring

by Matt Pender

Learn about the unique bond between Curt Hennig and Scott Hall, two pro wrestlers known for their athleticism and loyalty to each other.

Butch and Luke of The Bushwhackers, then known as The Sheepherders.

Inside The Bushwhackers’ Wild Early Struggles

by Matt Pender

Before Butch and Luke became The Bushwhackers, they were a despised violent team who were very lucky to leave towns with their lives!

DDP gets the 1-2-3 victory over “Macho Man” Randy Savage at WCW’s Spring Stampede pay-per-view, April 6th, 1997.

Heartwarming Story Behind Randy Savage and DDP Feud

by Matt Pender

The DDP and Randy Savage match-up was memorable on-screen, but the real story behind their feud will warm your heart and make your day.

“We have contact!” Big Stan Hansen makes hamburger meat out of "Johnny Gunn" Tom Brandi.

Stan Hansen Receives Unexpected Taste of His Own Medicine

by Matt Pender

Stan Hansen hit hard, and very few wrestlers stood up to it. There was, however, this one time Big Stan got knocked down a few…

Bob Backlund tossing a twig! Backlund has always been a man of exceptional strength, and as one unfortunate heckler learned at a bar in Florida in the 1970s, Backlund’s kindness should NEVER be taken as a weakness!

How Bob Backlund Humiliated Obnoxious Trucker

by Matt Pender

Bob Backlund is known for his kind nature outside of the ring, but as this heckling truck driver learned: don’t take kindness as a weakness!

Ultimate Warrior and “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase. [Photo: Saturday Night’s Main Event, October 30th, 1990 / WWE.com]

Details on Ultimate Warrior’s Initial WWE Hall of Fame Refusal

by Matt Pender

Ultimate Warrior refused entry into the 2011 WWE Hall of Fame. Ted DiBiase explains why it would have made quite a tense environment!

Bobby “The Brain” Heenan Vs. The Ultimate Warrior - A war of words! [Photo: June 25th, 1988]

Bobby Heenan and Ultimate Warrior – A War of Words!

by Matt Pender

Not everyone in the wrestling industry gets along. Take, for instance, the not oft-discussed hatred between Bobby Heenan and Ultimate Warrior.

Steve Austin delivers his impassioned ECW promo at 4am.

Steve Austin – The Night of the Greatest Promo of All Time

by Matt Pender

Paul Heyman remembers the night the young, down-on-his-luck Steve Austin composed one of the greatest promos of all time.

Big Van Vader.

Vader and the Time His Eye Popped Out During a Match

by Matt Pender

In 1990, Vader saw his eye quite literally come out of the socket. Despite the gruesome injury, ending the match never crossed his mind!

TERRY TAYLOR Shares His Thoughts on Today’s Wrestling Audience

by Matt Pender

Terry Taylor weighs in on fans knowing the in’s and out’s of what was happening behind the curtain and how it’s affected the format of…

Mr. Fuji was known for his "devious" ribs and practical jokes.

When Pranks Go Too Far: The Shocking Reality of Mr. Fuji

by Matt Pender

Mr. Fuji was devious on and off-camera, and these shocking stories will surely have you looking at him in a different light!

Steve Austin, Owen Hart, and the infamous botch that injured Austin's neck at SummerSlam 1997.

Steve Austin – The Neck Injury That Changed His Life Forever

by Matt Pender

Steve Austin vs. Owen Hart should have been an instant classic. Instead, an amazing gaffe occurred that changed Austin’s life forever.

Ric Flair and Bret Hart – A War of Words!

by Matt Pender

Ric Flair and Bret Hart once weren’t the biggest fans of one another. Not by a long shot! Here, each explains why the other is…

If the name Meng or Haku doesn't ring a bell, perhaps you know him better by the name of Tonga Fifita, Prince Tonga, King Tonga, or King Haku. He is the most terrifying man ever to step foot inside a squared circle.

Meng: 15 Tales on Wrestling’s Toughest S.O.B.

by Matt Pender

He has gone by the names of Meng, Haku, Tonga Fifita, and more. He is the most terrifying man ever to step foot inside a…

OLE ANDERSON Worker Puts Gun to the Back of His Head

by Matt Pender

It’s no secret. Ole Anderson was a jerk. Here’s the story of the time Ole learned a tough lesson after making a joke about the…

The Original Lineup of the Four Horsemen: Ole Anderson, Tully Blanchard, J.J. Dillon, Arn Anderson, and Ric Flair in 1986.

The Four Horsemen – Their Story, In Their Own Words

by Matt Pender

Each original member of the Four Horsemen reveals the story of their creation, demise, and madness experienced on the road together.

PLANE RIDE FROM HELL! The Exclusive WWE Inside Story

PLANE RIDE FROM HELL! The Exclusive WWE Inside Story

by Matt Pender

Put your seat upright, fasten your seatbelt – there may be some turbulence along the way. This is the story of WWE’s Plane Ride From…

Cheating, betrayal, Shawn Michaels, and more. This is the sad, sordid story of Tammy Sytch and Chris Candido. Warning: It’s not pretty!

Tammy Sytch and Chris Candido | The Sad Story of Sunny & Skip

by Matt Pender

Cheating, betrayal, Shawn Michaels, and more. This is the sad, sordid story of Tammy Sytch and Chris Candido. Warning: It’s not pretty!

Not every fairy tale is as it seems. This is the true story of the first couple of professional wrestling, Macho Man Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth.

Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth: Their Tragic True Story

by Matt Pender

Not every fairy tale is as it seems. This is the true story of the first couple of wrestling, ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage and Miss…

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  • Topics
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  • Podcasts
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    • The Pro Wrestling Stories Podcast (2020)
    • Songs From The Squared Circle
  • Write For Us
® 2023 Pro Wrestling Stories
  • Topics
    • Dark Tales of Wrestling
    • Shoot Interviews
    • Wrestling Territories
    • Women Wrestling Pioneers
    • Shoot Fights
    • Lists
    • In Memoriam
    • Pro Wrestling Documentaries, Books, and Movie Reviews
    • Huge Crowd Reactions
    • Nostalgic Wrestling Photos
    • Ask PWS
  • Choose a Story
  • About
    • About Pro Wrestling Stories
    • Contact
      • E-mail
      • Facebook
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  • Meet The Team
  • Merch
    • HOMAGE.com – Our favorite in retro wrestling attire! (Use code “PWS” for a nice surprise)
    • PWSTees.com – Your favorite Pro Wrestling Stories, on a tee!
  • Podcasts
    • Pro Wrestling Stories Presents (2015)
    • The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo (2018-19)
    • The Pro Wrestling Stories Podcast (2020)
    • Songs From The Squared Circle
  • Write For Us