The North-South Connection
Ruthless
Episodes
Friday Dec 19, 2025
Friday Dec 19, 2025
On this episode of Ruthless, Matt and his guest Nick breakdown the 10/6/2003 Raw and 10/9/2003 Smackdown! They discuss an impressive Mark Henry main event, attempted murder, John Cena vs. Kurt Angle in a rap battle, fecal matter baths, Undertaker cracking skulls, how to manage your wife and mistress, and much more!
Also, check out the companion piece written reviews of Heat and Velocity!
Friday Dec 05, 2025
Friday Dec 05, 2025
One this episode Ruthless, Matt and his guest James Gruenberg discuss the Raw from 9/29/2003 & Smackdown 10/2/2003! They cover a great ladder match, some country whipping, a star studded tag team match, pooping your pants and more!
Check out the companion written piece on that weekend's heat and velocity as well!
Friday Nov 21, 2025
Friday Nov 21, 2025
On this episode of Ruthless, Matt is joined by Marcus Fuller to discuss Teddy Long stealing the show, a disjointed Raw main event, a hilariously corny hospital attack, Eddie Guerrero stealing SmackDown, Kurt Angle's prison sentence and more!
The companion written piece about that weekend's Heat and Velocity can be found here!
Friday Nov 07, 2025
Friday Nov 07, 2025
In this episode of Ruthless, Matt Ferrell is joined by The Podfather Scott Criscuolo to perform an autopsy on WWE Unforgiven 2003. They chat about a backwards Last Man Standing Match, the return match for Lita, an awful main event, and Mike Tyson's Punchout!
The companion written piece about that weekend's Heat and Velocity, can be seen here!
Friday Oct 24, 2025
Friday Oct 24, 2025
On this episode of Ruthless, Matt Ferrell is jointed by Ryan Everett to discuss the 9/15/03 Monday Night Raw and 9/18/03 SmackDown! They discuss a go home Raw that just needed to go away, YJ Stinger, an 80 year old's birthday match, the return of Akita, a 60 minute iron match, two title changes and a whole lot more.
Check out the companion written piece about that weekend's Heat and Velocity as well!
Friday Oct 10, 2025
Friday Oct 10, 2025
On this episode of Ruthless, join host Matt Ferrell and his guest Richie Mars as they crack open a YJ Stinger to discuss a big steel cage match, a Latino Heat parking lot brawl, Goldberg and Triple H's death march to Unforgiven, creepy Brock Lesnar, windshield wiper fluid, and so much more.
Check out the companion written piece about that week's Heat and Velocity as well:
https://mattferrellblogs.blogspot.com/2024/07/ruthlesscee-aggresive-heat-and-velocity_29.html?m=1
Friday Sep 26, 2025
Friday Sep 26, 2025
In this episode of Ruthless, Matt is joined by Dave Hall to cover the 9/1/03 Raw and the 9/4/03 Smackdown. They will discuss Coach's in ring debut, a Shane McMahon and Kane torture show, four title matches that exceed expectations, John Cena and Eddie Guerrero's feud heating up, and... some things you can't do here in 2025.
Plus check out the recaps from that week's Heat and Velocity:
https://mattferrellblogs.blogspot.com/2024/07/ruthlesscee-aggresive-heat-and-velocity.html?m=1
Friday Sep 12, 2025
Friday Sep 12, 2025
Welcome to Ruthless! This debut episode is focused on the 8/25/03 Raw and 8/28/03 Smackdown and host Matt Ferrell and his guest Mark Porier take a look at a confusing Goldberg, Shane McMahon and Kane creating an 80s action movie, Jim Ross acting like a jerk, Eddie Guerrero's face turn, a surprising number of racial slurs, a banger of a meaty main event and so much more.
Check out the companion written piece about Heat and Velocity: https://mattferrellblogs.blogspot.com/2024/06/ruthlesscee-aggresive-summerslam.html?m=1
Thursday Jul 11, 2024
Thursday Jul 11, 2024
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake and Logan discuss the 8/14/03 Raw and 8/21/03 Smackdown. The two discuss various crimes happening on Raw, an infuriating Steiner/Test match, Nash getting a haircut, Goldberg defeating another Evolution member, angry Kurt Angle, the destruction of Zach Gowen by Lesnar, and much more. Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Jun 25, 2024
Tuesday Jun 25, 2024
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake and Logan are joined by Matt Ferrell to discuss SummerSlam 2003. They break down an underwhelming undercard, Guerrero's US title defense, Coach's heel turn, RVD attempting to stop Kane's reign of terror, a physical battle between Angle and Lesnar, Triple H's controversial win, and much more. Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Tuesday May 28, 2024
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake and Logan discuss the 8/11/03 Raw and 8/14/03 Smackdown. The two discuss Bischoff having to face Kane, JR's return, a great tag match on Smackdown, the return of Lesnar the monster, Undertaker continuing to bring his working boots, too much GM drama, and much more.
Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake and Logan discuss the 7/28/03 Raw and 7/31/03 Smackdown. The two break down the announcement fo Goldberg vs. Triple H, Mr. McMahon confronting Kane, Gail Kim's disastrous title run wrapping up, the end of Angle and Lesnar's bromance, Tajiri looking for revenge and much more.
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake and Logan discuss WWE Vengeance 2003. The two break down Eddie Guerrero's US Title win, Noble's magic case, an excellent tag title match, Mr. McMahon doing limb work, a great performance from Cena, Smackdown delivering with their first solo show, and much more. Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Logan Crosland to discuss the 7/21/03 Raw and 7/24/03 Smackdown. The two discuss Austin’s ultimatum, Kane’s latest heinous act, a big Jericho/Michaels rematch, Triple H’s new challenger, a chaotic Smackdown and much more.
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Logan Crosland to discuss the 7/7/03 Raw and 7/10/03 Smackdown. The two break down Kane's descent into madness, Booker T. finally getting the IC title, Michaels facing Montreal, the US Title Tournament coming into focus, Eddie Guerrero getting back to singles action and much more.
Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Logan Crosland to discuss the 6/30/03 Raw and 7/3/03 Smackdown. The two break down Kane's reluctance to face the crowd, Gail Kim's big debut, Bischoff's reign of terror, more evil Test, RVD's title shot, Gowen realizing his dream and much more.
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Logan Crosland to discuss the 6/23/03 Raw and 6/26/03 Smackdown. The two discuss the unmasking of Kane, boring Lance Storm, a nice moment for Mick Foley, Mr. McMahon trying to get Zach Gowen to join the club, a disappointing debut for Ultimo Dragon and much more. Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Logan Crosland to discuss the 6/16/03 Raw and 6/19/03 Smackdown. The two break down a fiery exchange between Mick Foley and Randy Orton, a risky title shot for Kane, La Resistance continuing to disappoint, the seduction of Zach Gowen, an unsettling admission from Stephanie McMahon and much more.Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Oct 24, 2023
Tuesday Oct 24, 2023
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Keith Langston to discuss WWE Badd Blood 2003. The pair discuss Headstrong, a tepid tag title match, Headstrong, the redneck triathlon, Headstrong, a solid showing from Goldberg, Headstrong, a Flair/Michaels, Headstrong, Triple H vs. Nash in the Cell and much more.
Tuesday Oct 10, 2023
Tuesday Oct 10, 2023
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Keith Langston to discuss the 6/9/03 Raw and 6/12/03 Smackdown. The two discuss tensions between RVD and Kane, Mick Foley as guest referee, Orton making his singles return, Billy Gunn's return, Vince's arm wrestling contest, Lesnar and Show destroying the ring, and much more. Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Sep 26, 2023
Tuesday Sep 26, 2023
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Keith Langston to discuss the 6/2/03 Raw and 6/5/03 SmackDown. The two discuss a great exchange from Flair and Michaels, Freddie Blassie’s passing, Rock turning face, the Peep Show, Triple H’s plan to avoid Hell in a Cell, Zach Gowen’s chance at a contract, Angle's return and much more.
Tuesday Aug 15, 2023
Tuesday Aug 15, 2023
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Keith Langston to discuss the 5/26/03 Raw and 5/29/03 Smackdown. The two discuss the famous lie detector segment with Mr. McMahon and Mr. America, Ric Flair’s quick turn, Jericho outsmarting Goldberg, the floundering Raw undercard, the random debut of the Basham Brothers and much more.
Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Keith Langston to discuss the 5/19/03 Raw & 5/22/03 Smackdown. The two discuss Ric Flair standing up to Triple H, Bischoff’s hangover, Christian’s new look, Austin investigating Goldberg’s attack, the ridiculous Mr. America saga, Mysterio's return and much more!
Tuesday Jul 18, 2023
Tuesday Jul 18, 2023
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Scott Shifflett to discuss WWE Judgement Day 2003. The two break down Austin and Bischoff hijinks, an underwhelming PPV debut for La Resistance, Guerrero & Tajiri winning gold, a depressing Mr. America/Piper bout, the flat Triple H/Nash brawl, a surprisingly fun stretcher match, and much more.
Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Scott Shifflett to discuss the 5/12/03 Raw and 5/15/03 Smackdown. The pair discuss the Judgement Day card, Piper pulling a "fan's" prosthetic leg off, an underwhelming cage match, a Freddie Blassie appearance, more Mr. America drama, Brock Lesnar: Hero and much more.
Tuesday Jun 06, 2023
Tuesday Jun 06, 2023
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Scott Shifflett to discuss the 5/5/03 Raw and 5/8/03 Smackdown. The two discuss Steve Austin coming back to anchor Raw, a long Triple H/Nash brawl, La Resistance's debut, Mr. America dominating Smackdown, more Cena/Kendrick beef, and much more!
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Tuesday May 23, 2023
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Scott Shifflett to discuss the 4/28/03 Raw & 5/1/03 Smackdown. The two discuss an improved presentation for Goldberg, lecherous Eric Bischoff, the return of Steve Austin, Kevin Nash looking for revenge, Big Show as World Title contender, the flat start to the Mr. America angle, and much more. Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Logan Crosland and Ryan Gray to talk Backlash 2003. The group talk about Ryan’s live experience, Sean O’Haire being overshadowed, Stacy going after Torrie, the Dudleys turning on Chief Morley, Cena’s first title shot on PPV, a very mixed reaction for Goldberg and much more.
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Logan Crosland to discuss the 4/21/03 Raw and 4/24/03 SmackDown. The duo break down more Kliq drama, an uncomfortable turn for Eric, Rock Concert II, one final shot for Booker, Sable turning on Torrie, Big Show getting angrier at Rey, Cena trying to soften up Brock before the PPV, the final Backlash card, and much more.Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Logan Crosland to discuss the 4/14/03 Raw & 4/17/03 SmackDown. The pair discuss Big Kev picking sides, aimless Van Dam & Kane, Test and Stacy drama, the tepid build to Goldberg and Rock, the finals of the SmackDown tournament, another Piper’s Pit and much more.Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Logan Crosland to discuss the 4/7/03 Raw and 4/10/03 Smackdown. The duo break down Nash’s return, Bischoff’s fake out, JR’s firing, Booker T’s last hurrah, Morley targeting the tag champs, Nathan Jones' first match, the return of Piper’s Pit, Rock cowering from Goldberg and much more.Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Logan Crosland to discuss the 3/31/03 Raw and 4/3/03 Smackdown. The pair talk WrestleMania fallout, Austin getting fired, Kane & RVD's last chance at gold, Rock Appreciation Night, the debut of Goldberg, Albert continuing to impress, McMahon's dastardly move towards Hogan and much more. Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Jan 31, 2023
Tuesday Jan 31, 2023
In a special edition of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, to cap off WrestleMania XIX, Jake is joined by the Seven Months of Danger podcast crew to live watch the Mania of WrestleMania documentary special. The guys talk about Austin and Angle breaking down, the lack of Hogan, inevitable comparisons to WrestleMania X7, young Lesnar, the XFL, and much more.
Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Jan 17, 2023
Tuesday Jan 17, 2023
In part two of a two part WrestleMania extravaganza on the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by a variety of guests to break down the back end of WrestleMania XIX. The crew talk Booker’s chance at Triple H’s title, Hogan vs. McMahon, the epic finale to the Austin/Rock trilogy, Angle and Lesnar pushing WWE into the Ruthless Aggression era, and much more.
So it’s one for the treble and two for the time as we crack skulls at the showcase of the immortals!
Tuesday Dec 20, 2022
Tuesday Dec 20, 2022
In part one of a two part extravaganza on the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by a variety of guests to break down the undercard of WrestleMania XIX.
The crew talk a hot opener, the Miller Lite Cat Fight Girls, Limp Bizkit’s performance, the live experience at SafeCo, Trush Stratus reclaiming gold, Michaels' return to WrestleMania, a SmackDown tag team showcase and much more.So, it’s one for the treble and two for the time as we crack skulls at the showcase of the immortals!
Tuesday Dec 06, 2022
Tuesday Dec 06, 2022
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Logan Crosland to discuss the 3/24/03 Raw & 3/27/03 Smackdown. The pair talk Austin's antics the historic Rock Concert, Booker T pinning Triple H, a very personal Jericho promo, a strong promo from Hogan, an impressive return for Cena, the final push to WrestleMania XIX, and much more.Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Nov 08, 2022
Tuesday Nov 08, 2022
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Eric Eells to discuss the 3/17/03 Raw and 3/20/03 Smackdown. The pair discuss the Dudleys heel turn, Triple H targeting Goldust, Rock's revenge on Hurricane, Steiner's new role, Bichoff vs Austin (again), Eric Angle and much more.
Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Oct 25, 2022
Tuesday Oct 25, 2022
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake Williams is joined by Shawn Kidd to discuss the 3/10/03 Raw and 3/13/03 Smackdown. The pair discuss Kurt Angle’s status for WrestleMania, Booker T. explaining his actions, Maven getting smashed by Triple H, Hurricane’s huge upset against The Rock, Angle swerving Lesnar, a great creepy Mr. McMahon promo, and much more.
Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Oct 11, 2022
Tuesday Oct 11, 2022
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by JT Rozzero to discuss the 3/3/03 Raw & 3/6/03 Smackdown. The two chat about an embarrassing start to the Booker/Triple H feud, Rock carrying Raw, Jericho's dirt on Test, Austin's return, Heyman vs. Lesnar, a heated McMahon/Hogan exchange, more details on Undertaker and Nathan Jones and much more!
Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Sep 27, 2022
Tuesday Sep 27, 2022
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Logan Crosland to discuss the 2/24/03 Raw and 2/27/03 Smackdown. The duo discuss the fallout from Mr. McMahon screwing Hogan, Brian Kendrick’s chance at a job, dastardly heel antics from Jericho & Christian, The Rock switching to Raw, Rhyno’s return, the debut of Nathan Jones, and much more.Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Sep 13, 2022
Tuesday Sep 13, 2022
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake welcomes James Gruenburg to break down No Way Out 2003. The two discuss Matt Hardy winning the Cruiserweight Title, Edge's injury, Undertaker's revenge on Big Show, Hollywood Rock's entrance, Rock vs. Hogan II and much more.
Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Aug 30, 2022
Tuesday Aug 30, 2022
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Marcus Fuller to discuss the 2/17/03 Raw & 2/20/03 Smackdown. The pair talk Bischoff's revenge, Rodney Mack's debut, Victoria and Jazz's budding rivalry, Booker T's elevation, Rock's heel turn, Nathan Jones' first interview, the final No Way Out card, and much more.Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Aug 02, 2022
Tuesday Aug 02, 2022
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Mike Rossi to discuss the 2/10/03 Raw & 2/13/03 Smackdown. The pair talk about Eric Bischoff's time running out, Booker T's conflict with Evolution, Steiner running on fumes, Matt Hardy's efforts to cut weight, the big six man tag set for No Way Out, a main event spot for Cena and much more. Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Jul 19, 2022
Tuesday Jul 19, 2022
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Matt Souza to discuss the 2/3/03 Raw & 2/6/03 Smackdown. The two break down a dreadful effort from Raw, Eric Bischoff in Texas, the end of BookDust, Evolution's mission statement, Goldust's electrocution, Brother Love in a box, Rock and Hogan exchanging words, streaking Brian Kendrick, Team Angle gaining gold and much more.Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Jul 05, 2022
Tuesday Jul 05, 2022
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Ryan Everett to talk the 1/27/03 Raw & 1/30/03 Smackdown. The two break down Steiner getting stomped by Triple H’s new stable, Jericho’s lack of remorse, a good street fight between Trish and Victoria, an awkward debut for the Tough Enough winners, a surreal Undertaker promo, Mr. McMahon trashing Hulkamania, Rock’s big return, more shine for Team Angle, and much more.Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Jun 21, 2022
Tuesday Jun 21, 2022
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Steve Riddle to talk the 1/20/03 Raw and 1/23/03 Smackdown. The pair discuss Batista's biggest spot yet, Chief Morley screwing the Dudleys, Bischoff announcing a possible Stone Cold return, the formation of Evolution, Undertaker returning to Smackdown to confront Big Show, the return of Hulk Hogan and much more.
Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Apr 26, 2022
Tuesday Apr 26, 2022
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake welcomes Logan Crosland to break down Royal Rumble 2003. The pair talk Lesnar battling Big Show, the end of the Torrie/Dawn saga, the disastrous Triple H/Steiner match, a classic Benoit/Angle match, Jericho's killer performance, Undertaker's return, Lesnar's win, and much more. Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Apr 12, 2022
Tuesday Apr 12, 2022
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake welcomes Chad Campbell to discuss the 1/13/03 Raw and 1/16/03 Smackdown. The two discuss the scatterbrained final push to the Rumble, Vince McMahon on Raw, Bischoff’s 30 days, a strange Raven appearance, a bench press contest, a tragic turn for Al Wilson, Angle’s return to the ring, Lesnar teaming with Mysterio, Nathan Jones, and much more.Follow along through this progression through aggression
Tuesday Mar 29, 2022
Tuesday Mar 29, 2022
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by James Gruenberg to discuss the 1/6/03 Raw and 1/9/03 Smackdown. The pair talk the start of Bischoff’s reign of terror, BookDust getting screwed, an epic posedown between Scott Steiner and Triple H, Team Angle growing in power, Lesnar setting his sights on the Rumble, an unfortunate turn for Al Wilson, and much more.Follow along through this progression through aggression!
Tuesday Mar 15, 2022
Tuesday Mar 15, 2022
In this episode of the Ruthlessly Aggressive Podcast, Jake is joined by Scott Shifflett to discuss the 1/2/03 SmackDown. The two discuss what aired on the Raw "Best Of" show, Cena's multiple beefs, the big wedding for Al Wilson and Dawn Marie, Guerrero ditching the mullet, Team Angle's in ring debut, Big Show the stooge, Lesnar firing on all cylinders, and much more. Follow along through this progression through aggression!