Skip to content
Pro Wrestling Stories
  • Choose a Story
  • About
    • About Pro Wrestling Stories
    • Contact
      • E-mail
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Twitter
    • Policies
      • Disclaimer, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosure Policies
      • Editorial Policies
    • Write For Us
  • Dark Tales
  • Interviews
  • Territories
  • Merch
    • Stories T-Shirt Collection
    • Logos T-Shirt Collection
    • Homage Tees (Use code “PWS”)
  • Meet The Team
  • More
    • Women Wrestling Pioneers
    • Shoot Fights
    • Lists
    • In Memoriam
    • Podcasts
      • Pro Wrestling Stories Presents (2015)
      • The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo (2018-19)
      • The Pro Wrestling Stories Podcast (2020)
    • Pro Wrestling Documentaries, Books, and Movie Reviews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Pro Wrestling Stories
  • Choose a Story
  • About
    • About Pro Wrestling Stories
    • Contact
      • E-mail
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Twitter
    • Policies
      • Disclaimer, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosure Policies
      • Editorial Policies
    • Write For Us
  • Dark Tales
  • Interviews
  • Territories
  • Merch
    • Stories T-Shirt Collection
    • Logos T-Shirt Collection
    • Homage Tees (Use code “PWS”)
  • Meet The Team
  • More
    • Women Wrestling Pioneers
    • Shoot Fights
    • Lists
    • In Memoriam
    • Podcasts
      • Pro Wrestling Stories Presents (2015)
      • The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo (2018-19)
      • The Pro Wrestling Stories Podcast (2020)
    • Pro Wrestling Documentaries, Books, and Movie Reviews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Paul Heyman

Kurt Angle forces Shawn Michaels to tap out with the Angle Lock at WrestleMania 21 on April 3, 2005 - the culmination of a rivalry that began with one of wrestling’s most awkward backstage introductions.

Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels’ Embarrassing First Encounter

by JP Zarka  May 18, 2026

It was 2002. Kurt Angle was waiting for Shawn Michaels backstage. He had something to say – and he probably should have kept it to…

ECW announcer Joey Styles built his career calling other people's fights. On a 2008 WWE flight home from an overseas troops tour, he gave JBL (John Bradshaw Layfield) one of his own.

JBL and Joey Styles’ Brutal Real-Life Fight on a Plane

by JP Zarka  May 12, 2026

Nobody on that flight expected Joey Styles to be the one. The real story of the fight between JBL (John Bradshaw Layfield) and Joey Styles.

Turner executive Richard Steinberg shares 27 behind-the-scenes road stories, ribs, and disasters from WCW's wildest era.

Inside WCW: 27 Wild Tales From a Turner Executive

by Richard Steinberg  Mar 10, 2026

Turner executive Richard Steinberg shares 27 behind-the-scenes road stories, ribs, and disasters from WCW’s wildest era.

Crash Holly won 22 Hardcore titles and 25+ championships in WWE. But, behind the Attitude Era fun, his story ended in heartbreak at 32. Photo Credit: All Pro Wrestling, WWE. Artwork by Pro Wrestling Stories.

Crash Holly: Rise and Tragic Fall of WWE’s “Super Heavyweight”

by Matt Roberts  Jun 5, 2026

Crash Holly won 22 Hardcore titles and 25+ championships in WWE. But, behind the Attitude Era fun, his story ended in heartbreak at 32.

The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin stare each other down at the height of the Attitude Era, in a rivalry that fueled record ratings, sold out arenas, and produced three WrestleMania main events between 1999 and 2003. Discover the 13 pivotal moments that took them from their first collision to their final shared ring.

The Rock vs Stone Cold: 13 Moments That Defined Their Rivalry

by Aarij Arifeen  Feb 12, 2026

13 defining The Rock vs Stone Cold Steve Austin moments, from a RAW Stunner rewriting WWE’s future to what pushed them to the breaking point.

RVD drops to his knees in celebration in the ring as Paul Heyman hands him the WWE Championship after beating John Cena at ECW One Night Stand in 2006.

RVD vs John Cena: The Night ECW Defied The Impossible

by Joseph Finnegan  Nov 21, 2025

Relive RVD vs John Cena at ECW One Night Stand 2006, where a hostile Hammerstein crowd, ECW pride, and an unthinkable WWE title change rewrote…

The Mass Transit Incident remains one of the most controversial moments in ECW's history.

Mass Transit Incident: How One Match Nearly Ended ECW

by Marc Madison  Nov 18, 2025

ECW’s 1996 mass transit incident turned a house show into a brutal flashpoint that nearly destroyed the promotion.

25 Pro Wrestling Feuds Cut Short By Real Drama

by Jason LeBlanc  Sep 16, 2025

These 25 pro wrestling storylines were cut short by injuries, politics, and creative changes that left fans wanting more of a payoff.

In 2002, Eddie Guerrero shattered CM Punk’s world with one brutal lesson. Read on to discover the moment that ignited a WWE legend.

Eddie Guerrero’s Final Gift to CM Punk Before Death

by Richard Thompson  Sep 3, 2025

In 2002, Eddie Guerrero shattered CM Punk’s world with one brutal lesson. Discover the moment that ignited a WWE legend.

Maven Huffman’s transformation, from middle school teacher to WWE star after winning the first-ever Tough Enough on MTV to YouTube sensation in recent years, masks a darker journey marked by hidden struggles, devastating losses, and a path to redemption that tested everything.

Maven: WWE Tough Enough Made Him, But Life Tested Him

by Matt Roberts  Aug 6, 2025

From WWE Tough Enough winner to mystery disappearance, Maven Huffman’s hidden battles led to an unexpected digital resurrection.

Bruiser Brody, Jim Cornette, Sean Oliver, and Stone Cold Steve Austin – four of the pioneers who helped turn pro wrestling shoot interviews into an unfiltered phenomenon that forever changed how fans see the business.

Pro Wrestling Shoot Interviews: How One Lie Changed Everything

by Tim Buckler  Jul 8, 2025

One vengeful promoter shattered it all. See how that moment sparked the tell-all era of pro wrestling shoot interviews.

From attending The Undertaker’s first wedding to heartfelt moments with legends like Yokozuna, here are 50 unforgettable fan encounters with wrestlers.

50+ Unforgettable Fan Encounters with Wrestling Legends

by Javier Ojst  Aug 15, 2025

50+ unforgettable fan encounters with wrestling legends. Heartwarming, hilarious, and wild tales revealing a rare glimpse behind the curtain!

“Sweet and Sour” Larry Sweeney (1981–2011), pictured in and out of character. A gifted performer whose brilliance lit up indie wrestling until tragedy struck.

Larry Sweeney: Wrestling’s Sweet and Sour Tragedy

by Evan Ginzburg  May 21, 2025

“Sweet and Sour” Larry Sweeney had it all. But, his tragic fall left wrestling with one of its greatest lost legends and “What ifs?”

Sabu wields a steel chair around the time of his infamous 1993 encounter with the Yakuza.

Sabu, FMW, and the Deadly Yakuza Clash That Nearly Ended It All

by Rutvik Keche  May 15, 2025

Wrestling legend Sabu nearly died at the hands of the Yakuza in Japan… until Mike Awesome stepped in and risked everything to save him.

With decades of ring experience, Sabu is a game-changer and a legend of the ring.

Sabu Is Gone, But His Pain-Filled Legacy Remains

by Javier Ojst  May 15, 2025

Remembering Sabu, who bared his heart about his uncle (The Original Sheik), Ric Flair, Vince McMahon, and the death of his girlfriend.

Discover 5 horrific ECW injuries that changed careers: broken necks, severed ears, and the fire that nearly killed Terry Funk.

5 Lesser-Known ECW Injuries That Nearly Killed Wrestlers

by Griffin Kaye  Feb 27, 2025

Discover 5 horrific ECW injuries that changed careers: broken necks, severed ears, and the fire that nearly killed Terry Funk.

Zombies in wrestling—an unforgettable spectacle that blurs the lines between horror and sport, but is it a gimmick best left in the grave?

5 Zombie Moments in Wrestling You Can’t Miss!

by Tim Buckler  Oct 29, 2024

When wrestling met the undead, the results were as bizarre as they were chaotic! Dive into 5 iconic showdowns where zombies took center ring!

The forgotten Pensacola Wrestling territory, known by three names—Southeastern Wrestling, Continental Championship Wrestling, and CWF—left an indelible mark on WWE. Its influence lingers in the ring, shaping the stars and storylines of today’s wrestling world.

A Ghost Story: The Territory That Still Haunts WWE

by Bobby Mathews  Oct 24, 2024

This lost wrestling territory, once known as Southeastern and Continental Championship Wrestling, still haunts WWE in unexpected ways.

Discover how a 4 AM promo transformed a struggling Steve Austin into a wrestling icon, marking the rise of ‘Stone Cold’ in ECW.

Steve Austin: The 4 AM Promo That Changed It All

by JP Zarka  Oct 24, 2024

Discover how a 4 AM promo transformed a struggling Steve Austin into a wrestling icon, marking the rise of ‘Stone Cold’ in ECW.

Undertaker and Brock Lesnar stare each other down just prior to their history-changing match at WrestleMania 30.

The Streak: Why It Ended for The Undertaker – Secret Details

by Joseph Finnegan  Aug 23, 2024

The untold story of The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar: Uncover the secret details behind the historic end of “The Streak” at WrestleMania 30.

On October 26th, 1996, ECW crossed a line. An angle involving The Sandman was so distasteful that it silenced the usually wild ECW crowd.

Sandman Incident: Controversial Time ECW Went Too Far

by Javier Ojst  Aug 15, 2024

On October 26th, 1996, ECW crossed a line. An angle involving The Sandman was so distasteful, it silenced the usually wild ECW crowd.

In professional wrestling, promos are often just as vital as the in-ring action. From fiery rants born out of real-life frustrations to emotional confessions, in these ten unforgettable wrestling promos with their own secret backstory, the boundary between persona and reality led to some truly iconic moments!

Hidden Secret Behind 10 Unforgettable Wrestling Promos!

by Aaron Young  Jan 11, 2024

From Steve Austin to Roman Reigns, explore 10 unforgettable wrestling promos and the hidden secret story behind them!

Paul Heyman and Tommy Dreamer.

Tommy Dreamer and His Terrifying Plan to Murder Paul Heyman

by Marc Madison  Jan 18, 2024

The devotion Tommy Dreamer had toward ECW took a sinister turn: he plotted to murder his mentor Paul Heyman before taking things further.

Marvel's WCW: World Championship Wrestling fizzled out after only 12 issues. We dig into the untold tale behind why the WCW comic failed.

WCW Comic Disaster: How It All Went Wrong!

by Javier Ojst  Apr 30, 2023

Marvel’s WCW: World Championship Wrestling fizzled out after only 12 issues. We dig into the untold tale behind why the WCW comic failed.

The following wrestling managers deserve a bit of our love by making professional wrestling exceptionally better by being a part of it!

11 Wrestling Managers Who Deserve Some Love

by Bobby Mathews  Nov 11, 2022

The following wrestling managers deserve a bit of our love by making professional wrestling exceptionally better by being a part of it!

Every so often, WWE will shock and awe fans (even if it means purposely fooling them)! Here are ten times WWE trolled their viewers.

10 Surprising Moments WWE Deceived Their Fans

by Ethan Absler  Feb 3, 2023

WWE has had many shocking moments over the years. Learn about the times they purposely deceived their fans (you won’t believe the stories)!

Paul Heyman introduces fans to "the next big thing," Matt Morgan, on WWE SmackDown on October 30th, 2003.

Matt Morgan: From Rising Star to WWE Departure

by Javier Ojst  Mar 9, 2023

At 7’0″ and 300lbs, Matt Morgan should have ascended to the very top of the WWE. Which begs the question: what went wrong?

Jerry Lynn over the years.

Jerry Lynn: Unsung Artist of The Mat

by Ian Aldous  Oct 6, 2022

Jerry Lynn elevated wrestling to an art form. A tremendous technician, he delivered many classics. So why is this artist of the mat unsung?

Behind the tables, steel chairs, and barbed wire, there was also undeniably strong character work in ECW. Here are ten performers who turned scraps to gold as they developed before our eyes on the chaotic yet exciting stage of ECW.

10 Wrestlers Who Turned Scraps to Gold in ECW

by Griffin Kaye  Apr 22, 2025

The following performers turned scraps to gold as they developed before our eyes on the chaotic yet exciting stage of ECW!

The ever-unpredictable New Jack.

New Jack: Secret History on Wrestling’s Most Violent Man

by Javier Ojst  Jun 23, 2025

New Jack made a name for himself as one of the business’s most dangerous and unpredictable wrestlers. This is his shocking story!

ECW was around before Paul Heyman worked his magic. This is the story of "Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert and the oft-ignored original ECW.

Eddie Gilbert’s ECW Before Paul Heyman’s Revolution

by Jordan Talbot  Jul 7, 2022

ECW was around before Paul Heyman worked his magic. This is the story of “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert and the oft-ignored original ECW.

Bobby Lashley during his WWE debut on SmackDown, September 23rd, 2005.

Bobby Lashley – The Freak Accident That Almost Ended Tragically

by Ian Aldous  Jan 10, 2023

Over a decade before he became the “CEO of The Hurt Business,” Bobby Lashley was a young buck at the genesis of his wrestling career.

ECW Champion, Vince McMahon.

WWE ECW Relaunch: Where Did It All Go Wrong?

by Ian Aldous  May 22, 2023

It all started so well. ECW was brought back to life in WWE, though not as fans endearingly remembered it.

Abraham Lincoln preparing to send Jack Armstrong all the way to hell! Chokeslam! | The History of This Iconic Wrestling Move

Chokeslam! Secret History of an Iconic Wrestling Move

by Tim Buckler  Feb 9, 2023

A look back at the history of the chokeslam maneuver where we try to answer some age-old questions such as: Did Abraham Lincoln invent it?

Rey Mysterio Jr. and Psicosis face off at ECW Gangsta's Paradise, September 16. 1995.

Rey Mysterio Jr. and Psicosis | Stealing the Show in ECW

by Javier Ojst  Dec 8, 2023

Rey Mysterio Jr. and Psicosis in ECW was Extreme Lucha Libre at its finest. Paul Heyman entrusted both to create art. They did much more…

Debrah Miceli (Madusa and Alundra Blayze) over the years.

Blayze of Glory: The Madusa/Alundra Blayze Story

by Si Powell  Jan 18, 2023

Hers is a tale of changing the wrestling landscape, inspiring others, and, ultimately, monster trucks. This is Madusa, and here is her story.

The many faces of James Fullington, The Sandman.

The Sandman | James Fullington, Forever Living Dangerously

by Stosh Jonjak  Jan 10, 2023

Is he a career criminal? The village idiot? A drunken psychopath? Perhaps all 3. Put together, he’s the most decorated wrestler from ECW. He is…

Women of ECW: Beulah McGillicutty, Dawn Marie, and Francine.

Women of ECW: Untold Stories (More Than Meets the Eye!)

by Javier Ojst  Dec 8, 2023

ECW did everything they could to make sure you didn’t change the channel. With these three ladies, there was a lot more than meets the…

In April 2000, Mike Awesome did something no other wrestler had done in the WWE, WCW, or ECW. Here, he did it on the same day!

Mike Awesome Makes WWE/WCW/ECW History on Same Day!

by Pro Wrestling Stories  Nov 14, 2023

In April 2000, Mike Awesome did something no other wrestler had done in the WWE, WCW, or ECW. Here, he did it on the same…

'The Advocate' Paul Heyman and 'The Beast' Brock Lesnar

Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman – Behind Their Deep Bond

by Joseph Finnegan  Jul 7, 2022

The bond between Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman runs deep. Here is how their fate aligned to become one of the greatest duos of all…

The Dangerous Alliance - Larry Zbyszko, Rick Rude, Bobby Eaton, Paul E. Dangerously (Paul Heyman), Arn Anderson, and Stunning Steve Austin

Dangerous Alliance: Their Brief, Impactful Influence on WCW

by Si Powell  Jan 13, 2023

The Dangerous Alliance and their brief yet impactful influence on WCW in the early ’90s with Paul E. Dangerously at the helm.

Dustin Rhodes and Raven Illustrate Why Wrestling is an Art Form

Dustin Rhodes and Raven Illustrate Why Wrestling is an Art Form

by Pro Wrestling Stories  Jul 7, 2022

Pro wrestling is a ride from grief to awe and anger to tears, and according to Dustin Rhodes and Raven, it’s one of the world’s…

Former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor battled Bam Bam Bigelow at WrestleMania XI.

Bam Bam Bigelow – “Was He a Main Eventer?” | Ask PWS

by Bobby Mathews  Jul 7, 2022

Did attitude and politics get in the way of Bam Bam Bigelow becoming a main eventer? We answer this and more in this edition of…

pro wrestling stories logo
DMCA.com Protection Status

Pro Wrestling Stories - Your daily source of nostalgia and a peek behind the curtain wall of wrestling’s past!

E-mail Us: admin at prowrestlingstories dot com
Business Address: JACE Media LLC, 2501 Chatham Rd #4582, Springfield, Illinois 62704, USA

By using this site, you agree to the legal terms set out in our Disclaimer, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosure. Learn more about Pro Wrestling Stories' Editorial Policies.

® 2026 Pro Wrestling Stories
  • Choose a Story
  • About
    • About Pro Wrestling Stories
    • Contact
      • E-mail
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Twitter
    • Policies
      • Disclaimer, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosure Policies
      • Editorial Policies
    • Write For Us
  • Dark Tales
  • Interviews
  • Territories
  • Merch
    • Stories T-Shirt Collection
    • Logos T-Shirt Collection
    • Homage Tees (Use code “PWS”)
  • Meet The Team
  • More
    • Women Wrestling Pioneers
    • Shoot Fights
    • Lists
    • In Memoriam
    • Podcasts
      • Pro Wrestling Stories Presents (2015)
      • The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo (2018-19)
      • The Pro Wrestling Stories Podcast (2020)
    • Pro Wrestling Documentaries, Books, and Movie Reviews