Dangerous Conversations w/Doug Gilbert and Tommy Rich

On Episode #73 of Dangerous Conversations, Gene Jackson is back with “Dangerous” Doug Gilbert and Tommy “Wildfire” Rich for the show’s second video edition, and after the strong response to last week’s debut on camera, the guys are keeping the video format rolling. This week starts with Tommy reporting in from Myrtle Beach, Doug giving a positive review of Gene’s comedy show in Jackson last Saturday, and Gene checking in on the fallout from Tommy’s recent cage match with Atilla Khan.From there, the show dives into listener questions, and this one touches on a little bit of everything: territories they wish they had worked, why Memphis wrestling struggled to create new stars after a certain period, how spot show promoters worked with the main office, memories of Kennett, Missouri, the idea of a Memphis Mafia memorial show, and much, much more!This episode is a good mix of wrestling history, road stories, modern reflection, and the kind of casual back-and-forth that makes Dangerous Conversations work. Doug and Tommy talk about how the business used to operate, how towns were run, how stars were made, and why some things worked back then that are missing from wrestling today.The show also teases some exciting plans for future video/live editions, including match watchalongs, untold stories, and special live shows where the stories may get a little too dangerous for the regular podcast feed.If you love Memphis wrestling, Continental, the Memphis Mafia, old territory business, and hearing Doug Gilbert and Tommy Rich tell it like it was and it, Episode #73 is another fun and informative ride. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Episode #71 of Dangerous Conversations with “Dangerous” Doug Gilbert and Tommy “Wildfire” Rich is another fan-driven Q&A episode. This week, Doug and Tommy preview several upcoming events, including Tommy stepping into a cage match in Shawneetown, Illinois on June 6th, Doug’s upcoming appearances, the Memphis Mafia hitting the road, and even some talk about future live/video versions of the podcast.The guys also dig into listener questions covering:Tommy being featured on so many wrestling magazine covers in the 1980sWhat wrestling angles Eddie Gilbert would have appreciated todayEddie’s influence on the famous “This Is Your Life” style angleDoug’s favorite memories of Brian ChristopherWho was tough — or impossible — to travel withWhy telling a story still matters in wrestlingThe drawing power of Handsome Jimmy / Boogie Woogie ManWhy Memphis and Georgia TV made certain wrestlers unforgettableThere’s also plenty of classic Doug and Tommy banter, including talk about live watchalong shows, future video episodes, possible live fan Q&As, old Memphis footage, Japan matches, cage matches, comedy shows, horror conventions, and a lot of other great things on the horizon for the Memphis Mafia and Dangerous Conversations! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This week, Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich answer fan questions that go EVERYWHERE:Roddy Piper nearly driving Tommy off a mountainEddie being in the old WCW Nintendo game in 1990Wrestling psychology, Japan stories & fighting backBuzz Sawyer suplexing somebody in a parking lot!Why championship belts meant more back “in the day”Plus: Harley Race, Stand Up Comedy, Buddy Landel, Jackie Fargo & so much more!Funny, chaotic, honest, and completely unpredictable with stories you’ll only hear on Dangerous Conversations! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

On Episode #67 of Dangerous Conversations, Doug Gilbert and Tommy “Wildfire” Rich answer fan questions and break down the real side of the wrestling business. What it’s REALLY like being a booker (and why it’s a 24/7 job) How wrestlers actually get over (hint: it’s not always winning) The art of connecting with the audience Babyface vs. heel - which did each enjoy more? Big arenas vs. Small town venuesReal stories and real insight on how the business actually worked. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This week on Dangerous Conversations, Doug Gilbert and Tommy “Wildfire” Rich open the floor to the fans and you know that means NOTHING is off limits! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The episode opens with some updates as Tommy discusses his impressive weight loss journey and how much better he’s feeling physically thanks to it. The guys take some time at the beginning of the show to pay their respects to Dennis Condrey who recently passed away. They share personal memories of Condrey’s toughness, smooth in-ring style, and professionalism, while also discussing how aging and loss have become increasingly common realities within the pro wrestling community. A major talking point centers on Sid Vicious (Eudy) being announced this week for the WWE Hall of Fame. Doug and Tommy both agree the honor is well deserved, recalling Sid’s freakish athleticism, imposing presence, and the unique ability to remain a top attraction in multiple major promotions. They also address how rumors and misunderstandings often shaped public perception of wrestlers’ reputations, especially in the pre-internet era when false advertising or missed bookings could easily damage a performer’s image without them ever knowing they were advertised for a show. Fan questions drive much of the episode’s second half. Highlights include: A humorous exchange about Doug’s legendary use of electrical tape throughout his career. Memories of working with enhancement talent and how many future stars began their careers “putting guys over” on television before getting their break in another territory. A serious discussion about wrestler safety prompted by a recent OVW incident involving a referee suffering a seizure mid match. Reflections on the funniest personalities in wrestling, with Brad Armstrong and Roddy Piper earning special mentions for their humor behind the scenes.Blending heartfelt tributes, territory storytelling, industry insight, and the trademark humor that defines the show, Episode #63 delivers another entertaining hour of old school wrestling conversation that longtime fans will appreciate. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This week on Dangerous Conversations, Doug Gilbert is flying solo (Tommy Rich is battling a bad cell signal while traveling), and the stories get WILD.Doug shares firsthand stories about:• Near riots in Memphis & Nashville• Having to escape buildings in trunks of cars• A parking lot incident involving a butcher knife• Puerto Rico crowds where you weren’t sure you’d make it out aliveThis isn’t “internet heat.”This was territory heat (in person....REAL)We also dive deep into:Eddie Gilbert’s original plans for the Dynamic Dudes — and how a heel turn could’ve changed everythingWhy today’s wrestlers miss the psychology that made Tommy Rich, Terry Funk & Jerry Lawler legendsThe lost art of selling, sympathy & drawing real moneyThe greatest masked wrestlers of all time (Masked Superstar? Mr. Olympia? The Bullet?)Bam Bam Bigelow, Barry Windham, Austin Idol & moreWho doesn’t get the respect they deserve in wrestling?Plus hilarious road stories about Buddy Landel, Brad Armstrong, and what REALLY made the territory days different from today’s business.If you love Memphis wrestling, old-school psychology, and unfiltered territory stories — this episode is for you. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Doug Gilbert and Tommy Rich are back for another episode of Dangerous Conversations and this week they discuss the topic of breaking into the wrestling business. It's a lot different now than it was "fifty and a half" years ago when Tommy broke into pro wrestling and the guys breakdown and discuss those differences with some fun "sidebars" along the way. If you want the truth, the real truth from two men who lived it, this episode pulls no punches.Plus: Gene Jackson says there's a "huge announcement" coming soon about a big "Dangerous Conversations" related project coming up that you DO NOT want to miss!Subscribe for new episodes every week!For all things related to Dangerous Conversations w/Doug Gilbert & Tommy Rich, go to www.douggilbertpodcast.comFor all things related to Gene Jackson and the Retro Wrestling Archive Podcasts, go to www.retrowrestlingarchive.club ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

On this episode of Dangerous Conversations with “Dangerous” Doug Gilbert & Tommy “Wildfire” Rich, the conversation turns into a cautionary tale straight out of wrestling’s wildest independent era.Prompted by a listener question, Doug and Tommy peel back the curtain on John Collins and the infamous Main Event Championship Wrestling promotion, a short lived, money fueled disaster that brought together major names, wild promises, bad checks, and one of the most unbelievable promoter stories you’ll ever hear that ends with a prison sentence.Topics covered include:* How Doug and Tommy first met John Collins* The early warning signs that things weren’t what they seemed* Fake checks, fake banks, and nonexistent accounts* Collins’ obsession with rubbing shoulders with wrestlers* Why having “money” doesn’t make you a promoter (or businessman)* Why this promotion was doomed from the startThe episode also spins off into classic territory talk, including:* Promoter scams of the past (including the legendary Ronnie P. Gossett story)* Nick Gulas, territory politics, and survival economics* How wrestlers really navigated shady promoters* Why common sense mattered more than contractsThis is one of those episodes that feels unbelievable, until you realize every word comes from guys who were actually there and experienced it firsthand. 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 ★

It’s time once again for another Ask Doug & Tommy episode, as “Dangerous” Doug Gilbert and Tommy “Wildfire” Rich tackle fan submitted questions in Part One of their tenth Q&A installment.Hosted by Gene Jackson, this episode covers everything from announcing styles and old school psychology to wild road stories, territory training, WCW opponents, and the real differences between how wrestlers learned the business then versus now.Nothing is rehearsed, nothing is sugar coated just honest answers and decades of first-hand wrestling experience.Topics include:* How wrestlers actually learned psychology in the territories* Why “shine, heat, and comeback” weren’t taught the way fans think* Thoughts on Michael St. John, Corey Maclin, and classic Memphis commentators* Tommy Rich’s WCW run in 1991 and working with names like Stan Hansen, Scott Hall, Larry Zbyszko, and more* The reality of tar and feather angles and old school humiliation* Training stories that explain why wrestling wasn’t “fake” to the people learning it* Why protecting the business mattered and how it was enforced* The Armstrong family’s impact on wrestling and personal memories with Bullet Bob and the entire Armstrong clan* Why experience in front of real crowds mattered more than drills* The kind of lessons you only learn by getting thrown into the deep endThis is pure locker room storytelling, answering real questions from real fans and there’s still more to come in Part Two. (You can still submit a question for Part Two right now at douggilbertpodcast@outlook.com👉 Like, subscribe, and leave your questions for future Ask Doug & Tommy episodes. 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 ★

Season Three of Dangerous Conversations with “Dangerous” Doug Gilbert & Tommy “Wildfire” Rich officially begins, and the guys waste no time picking up right where they left off.Doug Gilbert and Tommy Rich reunite with host Gene Jackson for an unfiltered, free-flowing conversation covering classic territory wrestling, road stories, booking philosophies, and the realities of life after decades in the business. From Memphis to Alabama to West Virginia, this Season 3 premiere is packed with memories, laughs, and insights only wrestlers of this era who were there for it can provide.Topics include:* The fans have been asking when Dangerous Conversations would return* Hilarious road stories involving West Virginia, Someone allegedly putting out a “hit” on Jack & Jerry Brisco (legit), and surviving the territory days* Old school booking logic vs. bad bookers who ran territories into the ground* How ring gear got traded, borrowed, lost, and reused across multiple promotions* Memphis Wrestling, Continental, Alabama towns, and what actually drew money* Why some territories could rebound fasters than others* Fan questions, locker room memories, and classic Doug & Tommy banterThis episode sets the tone for Season 3: honest, funny, occasionally chaotic, and rooted in real wrestling history.👉 New episodes weekly👉 Send your questions — Doug & Tommy will answer them (douggilbertpodcast@outlook.com👉 Like, subscribe, and join us for Season 3 of Dangerous Conversations 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 ★

The Memphis Mafia is back on the road, and this week’s episode of Dangerous Conversations is loaded with classic wrestling talk, wild stories, and old-school memories! Doug Gilbert and “Wildfire” Tommy Rich break down vintage wrestling posters sent in by fans, sparking tales about legends like Terry Funk, Jerry Lawler, Dusty Rhodes, Dory Funk Jr., Sputnik Monroe, the Moondogs, and more. From wild nights with Jerry Brisco to stories about Butch Reed, Hillbilly Jim, and even Plowboy Frazier’s many gimmicks—this one is packed with history and hilarity. The guys also update fans on the busy Memphis Mafia Tour schedule, including appearances in Tennessee, Arkansas, and beyond. Gene Jackson joins in to guide the conversation, filling in results, asking the tough questions, and stirring up memories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you lived through the USWA era or you’re just discovering the magic of Memphis wrestling, this is another can’t-miss episode of Dangerous Conversations!

This week on Dangerous Conversations, Doug Gilbert is joined by Gene Jackson (with a late run-in from “Wildfire” Tommy Rich!) as they pull back the curtain on one of the most talked-about rivalries in Memphis Wrestling history: the feud with PG-13 (Wolfie D & JC Ice). Doug and Tommy revisit how the program started, why they weren’t sure it would work at first, and how it grew into one of the hottest storylines in USWA’s final years. From shaved heads to hubcaps, sympathy heat, and booking secrets, you’ll hear how two seasoned heels helped make PG-13 legit top stars in the territory. Along the way, you’ll also get road stories, behind-the-scenes tales about Randy Hales, and the hilarious chaos of trying to keep Wolfie and Jamie from fighting each other outside the ring. Topics covered: How the feud was booked to make fans believe in the underdogs Stories from the road with PG-13 The booking style of Randy Hales and how he trusted all four guys along the way Wildfire Tommy Rich’s role as “assistant booker and hatchet man” If you love Memphis Wrestling history and fun road stories, this is one you don’t want to miss! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Dangerous Conversations every week!