Dangerous Conversations w/Doug Gilbert and Tommy Rich

The episode kicks off with Tommy getting ready for WrestleCon in Las Vegas, breaking down what fans can expect, who’s going to be there, and why it’s become one of the biggest wrestling gatherings in the world.From there, the conversation turns into exactly what this show does best:Doug brings in some fan researched stats and questions, leading to a fun (and sometimes hilarious) look at: The championships Tommy held and which ones meant the most How titles were treated differently in the territory days vs. today The importance of regional titles like the Georgia Heavyweight Championship And why having too many belts today can take away from their meaningThey also dive into some of the more random (but fun) topics fans bring up: Ring music choices and how sometimes it wasn't well thought out Old tag team runs, forgotten promotions, and obscure titles And how certain small details stick with fans for decades This is one of those episodes that feels like you're just riding in the car to the next town with the Memphis Mafia: stories, laughs, memories, and a whole lot of “you can’t make this stuff up!” ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This week on Dangerous Conversations, Doug Gilbert and Tommy “Wildfire” Rich kick things off a bit differently rather than going into one longform topic, they kick off with a wide ranging, free flowing conversation that perfectly captures what makes this podcast special.We get:A full rundown of upcoming appearances, fan fests, and where you can catch The Memphis Mafia back together againStories from the road, including airport chaos, travel headaches, and how things have changed for wrestlers on the moveBehind the scenes insight into upcoming conventions featuring some of the biggest names in wrestling historyBut where this episode really shines is when the guys start digging into the past…Doug and Tommy break down:A classic 1970s Louisville Gardens card, including a wild six-man featuring Lawler, Dundee, Tojo, and moreThe art of building angles back in the territory days and how one feud could stretch for weeks with different stipulationsWhy gimmick matches actually meant something back then—and how they drew moneyAll that and much, much more on another can't episode of "Dangerous Conversations"! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This week on Dangerous Conversations, a listener sent Gene Jackson a list of the Top 20 Memphis Tag Teams of All Time from a recent poll, so “Dangerous” Doug Gilbert and “Wildfire” Tommy Rich sit down and go through the list sharing memories and opinions on all the teams listed. You may be surprised at whose on the list and where they ranked. You may be even more surprised by who DIDN'T make the list. Expect:Behind-the-scenes stories you’ve never heardHonest (sometimes brutal) opinionsMemphis locker room historyAnd at least one pick that will absolutely shock fansIf you think you know Memphis tag team wrestling….give the show a listen and share your thoughts with us! We may do a show in the future based on the feedback. You can post your lists in the comments or email them to douggilbertpodcast@outlook.com ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

On Episode #60 of Dangerous Conversations with “Dangerous” Doug Gilbert & “Wildfire” Tommy Rich, the guys take you on a wild ride from Tennessee to Tokyo and everywhere in between!Before diving into the stories, Doug and Tommy talk about their upcoming appearances, including Tommy’s Menifee Street Fight in Kentucky and upcoming stops in Jackson, Henderson, Jonesboro, St. Louis, and beyond. Wildfire’s back in shape at 240 pounds and ready for anything, no holds barred.Then things shift overseas.This week’s main topic? Japan.Doug and Tommy break down:- The culture shock of first arriving in Japan- Life on the tour buses and tiny hotel rooms- Learning how to order food (and how to say “restroom”) in Japanese- The brutal physical style and the “young boy” training system- Bruiser Brody & Stan Hansen clearing crowds like the Red SeaThe guys also talk about Brian Christopher in Japan, Memphis hardcore inspiring Onita to create FMW in Japan, and the differences between American and Japanese crowds. This episode is packed with travel stories, cultural differences, inside the business perspective, and laugh out loud moments that only Doug & Tommy can deliver each and every week on Dangerous Conversations! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

On Episode #58 of Dangerous Conversations, “Dangerous” Doug Gilbert and Tommy “Wildfire” Rich settle in for another wild ride through wrestling history with road stories and the reality of life inside the territory era with plenty of the unpredictable tangents that make this show what it is.This episode blends classic road story storytelling with deeper discussion about the wrestling business itself, including promoter reputation, territory economics, and how relationships in wrestling were often built on trust, handshake deals, and personal reputation.The conversation moves between hilarious travel stories, territory promotion memories, and serious reflection on how the business has changed, especially when it comes to media, storytelling, and how wrestling history is presented today. The episode also dives into a bigger philosophical theme:How wrestling history gets told…Who gets to tell it…And why personal experience often differs from the “documentary version” fans see years later.As always, the episode wraps with upcoming appearance talk, fan interaction appreciation, and reflections on how surreal it is to still be talking wrestling 40–50 years after first breaking into the business. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

On this episode of Dangerous Conversations with “Dangerous” Doug Gilbert & Tommy “Wildfire” Rich, the questions drive the show and the answers go deep.Episode #56 is a wide ranging, old school wrestling discussion covering Continental Wrestling, Memphis, WCW, and the realities of booking, heat, and territory psychology all told through firsthand stories you won’t hear anywhere else.Doug and Tommy discuss upcoming appearances, including autograph signings and potential convention stops, before diving headfirst into listener questions that spark some of the most candid conversation yet.On this episode:* Continental Wrestling vs. Memphis — similarities, differences, and why both worked* The Florida/Alabama loop and how Continental’s geography shaped the product* Eddie Gilbert’s brilliance as a booker and performer* Why Eddie was more comfortable (and more dangerous) as a heel* False sincerity, psychology, and why Eddie’s angles always landed* Eric Embry’s controversial booking run and why it stayed afloat longer than expected* Business realities, bad draws, and when the numbers don’t lie* The WCW Battle Bowl / Lethal Lottery concept and what Tommy thought about it* Kamala, Botswana Beast, and who is Ben Peacock?* Kamala look-alikes, Japan runs, and why James Harris never cared* Randy Hales’ short lived Continental managerial run and unforgettable promos (included)* Pistol Pez Whatley, Willie B. Hurt, and Eddie’s eye for character reinvention* Why heels called matches back in the day and why that mattered* Traveling stories, fan encounters, and life on the road before cell phonesAs always, Doug and Tommy don’t sugarcoat anything if something worked, they explain why; if it failed, they tell you exactly where it went wrong. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

On this episode of Dangerous Conversations, “Dangerous” Doug Gilbert and Tommy “Wildfire” Rich sit down with Gene Jackson for a deep, no nonsense discussion about one of the most misunderstood concepts in professional wrestling: heat.What does “getting heat” actually mean?Why is it different from “taking the heat”?And why do many modern wrestlers completely miss the point?Doug and Tommy break it all down the only way they know how with decades of real world experience from the territories, blunt honesty, and stories that don’t come from message boards or podcasts, but from working six nights a week in front of crowds who believed in what they were doing.Topics include:* The real meaning of heat, comebacks, and hot tags* Why referees shouldn’t be the ones getting heat* The difference between old school psychology and modern spot heavy wrestling* Why selling matters more than moves* The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express blueprint and why it still works* Why today’s “back-and-forth” style kills crowd investment* Territory wrestling vs. modern independent wrestling* Why fans still want heroes and villains, not “in-betweeners”* How belief, mystique, and kayfabe created emotional investmentThis episode isn’t about nostalgia, it’s about why wrestling worked, and why those lessons still matter today.If you’re a fan who’s ever wondered what’s missing, or a wrestler who actually wants to understand psychology instead of choreography, this is essential listening.👉 New episodes weekly👉 Send in your questions — Doug & Tommy will answer them (douggilbertpodcast@outlook.com)👉 Like, subscribe, and join the conversation This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this season finale of Dangerous Conversations, Doug Gilbert, Tommy “Wildfire” Rich, and Gene Jackson close out Season Two with stories, laughs, and plenty of road tales! Doug and Tommy break down their whirlwind schedule—comic cons, wrestling shows, and horror conventions—plus wild behind-the-scenes stories from the road, like their infamous “spider in the dressing room” scare and how Doug almost left his wallet in the back of a truck. The guys also reflect on AEW’s recent tribute to Eddie Gilbert, sharing heartfelt moments with Jeff Jarrett, Sting, and Tony Khan. Hear how much Eddie’s legacy still means today, and why Tony Khan earned their respect as one of wrestling’s true good guys. Other highlights include: Meeting sports legends like Lawrence Taylor and Reggie Jackson at upcoming events. Old school Memphis Mafia vibes as Doug & Tommy double-shot across towns just like the territory days. Comic Con craziness, from costumes to fan interactions with Honky Tonk Man and Lou Ferrigno. This episode is the perfect send-off before Season Three kicks off soon. Don’t miss the stories, the laughs, and the chaos that only Doug & Tommy can bring. Follow Doug on Facebook at Dangerous Doug Gilbert, Instagram at @RealDougGilbert, and X at @RealDougGilbert. Stay tuned for Season Three updates right here!

The Memphis Mafia are back! After a week off, Dangerous Doug Gilbert and Wildfire Tommy Rich return with a jam-packed episode of Dangerous Conversations. This week, the guys talk about their recent matches and signings, upcoming events across Tennessee, Arkansas, and beyond, and some hilarious road stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Then, they dive into a wide-ranging Q&A session from fans, covering: Memories of the Snowman vs. Jerry Lawler controversy in 1990. Early encounters with a young “Stunning” Steve Austin in USWA. Wild times in Japan, including teaming with Terry Funk and Kabuki’s retirement match. Thoughts on Terry Golden’s KAW promotion and their involvement with it. Behind-the-scenes stories about Eddie Gilbert & Jerry Lawler’s real relationship. Opinions on celebrities in wrestling, from Andy Kaufman to today’s stars. Candid takes on managers like Jimmy Hart and "bookers" like Eric Embry. Memories of crossing paths with names like Gary Young, Maxx Payne, Kevin Nash, Bobby Eaton, and Dennis Condrey. Whether Jeff Jar...

Get ready for a wild ride back to 1999 as "Dangerous" Doug Gilbert and “Wildfire” Tommy Rich tell the story of the Memphis Mafia’s arrival in Randy Hales’ Power Pro Wrestling! In this first part of the story, the guys cover the behind-the-scenes moments leading up to their Power Pro debut—plus a few fun road stories from their prior territory days. They also circle back and clarify a couple of points from last week's "End of the USWA" episode. Hear how Doug’s mom, Peggy Gilbert, became part of one of Memphis TV’s most shocking angles, the surprising way Tommy Rich came out of “the box” to swerve the fans, and how WWF developmental talents like JR Smooth (Rikishi), Rosey, and Glenn Kulka factored into the mix. The boys share how they kept the “shock factor” alive, the real-life ribbing that spilled into TV storylines, and the art of making good Southern wrestling television that kept heat on the heels and kept the babyfaces strong. It’s classic Memphis chaos with laughs, history, and first-hand stories you won’t hear anywhere else. This is the build-up to the Memphis Mafia invading Power Pro Wrestling—Part 1 sets the stage for what’s to come!

The Memphis Mafia is back! In Episode #46 of Dangerous Conversations with "Dangerous" Doug Gilbert & "Wildfire" Tommy Rich, Gene Jackson sits down with Doug and Tommy for their 7th “Ask Doug & Tommy” fan Q&A episode, and it’s a wild one from start to finish! This week, the boys tackle YOUR questions and open up about: Doug’s very first match in Malden, Missouri and the incredible wrestling history that came out of that small town Tommy’s memories of his Memphis run in 1980–81, winning and losing the NWA World Title, and why he turned heel on Lawler Hulk Hogan vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin – who meant more to the wrestling business? Eddie Gilbert’s psychology in the ring and why he could make ANY opponent look good The ugliest injuries they’ve ever seen in person – from compound leg breaks to tragedy in the ring The most athletic “big men” they ever wrestled – Bam Bam Bigelow, Jerry Blackwell, and more! The wild backstory of Big Business Brown and how he broke his arm taking a bump on live TV Plus: Memphis Mafia road stories, rare insight into wrestlers who never got their Japan run (but should have), a tribute to Brian Christopher, booking announcements, merch talk, and plenty of unfiltered laughs along the way. If you love old-school wrestling stories straight from the guys who lived it, you do NOT want to miss this episode. For bookings, autographs, or to order signed copy of the Eddie Gilbert book: Email: DougGilbertPodcast@Outlook.com Pick up your Memphis Mafia & Gilbert Family shirts at: ProWrestlingTees.com (search “Gilbert Family”) Like, comment, and subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!

On this week's episode, the discuss a list of the TOP 25 Masked Wrestlers in United States from the 40s - 90s. You'll hear Doug and Tommy share memories and stories on some of the top masked wrestlers in history such as: the Assassins, the Interns, Mr. Olympia, the Bullet, and many, many more. Also, the guys share insight on what it's like wrestling in mask, the reasons why someone might want to wrestle in a mask, and how having your face covered effects selling and other aspects of working. It's fun conversation that covers a lot of names that haven't been discussed on the show before. Send in your questions to douggilbertpodcast@outlook.com