The North-South Connection

ChroNoSo #42 - WWF AJPW NJPW Wrestling Summit & More

It’s… ChroNoSo! The North-South Connection Podcast Network takes you down memory lane each month by exploring one match from WWE history.This month on ChroNoSo, the crew dives into the start of April 1990. They also cover other matches, segments & events from The Wrestling Summit in Tokyo Japan, PrimeTime Wrestling, SuperStars & More. 
 

Row 1, Seat 1 #88: Cabana Man Dan

Ben speaks this week with New South owner and pro wrestler Cabana Man Dan! Ben and @cabanamandan discuss Dan's career and preview the @NewSouth_PW HOSS tournament on March 7-8 in Gadsden AL. A fun show!

NoSo Takeover #10: NXT Takeover: Dallas

Welcome to NoSo Takeover, a journey through the history of WWE NXT's biggest events!
In this episode, JT, Aaron & Jenny run through NXT Dallas from April 2016! They discuss American Alpha taking down Revival, the debut of Austin Aries, the arrival of Shinsuke Nakamura, Asuka winning the gold, a vicious main event and so much more!
Join us as we take over the podcast world with NXT!

X-Position: An X-Men Podcast #14: Repo Man

"There's always a choice. You're the one who taught me that."
After giving us a glimpse of Wolverine's past in "Red Dawn," the stage was set for a full-length exploration in our very next episode. And with that, season two continues its globe-trotting, introspective character-driven features with a solo outing centered on the enigmatic Canadian X-Man. Notably, the extended flashback at the center of "Repo Man" pulls directly from Barry Windsor-Smith's 1991 Marvel Comics Presents serial, "Weapon X." Violent and atmospheric, this adaptation can't help but suffer in comparison due to the necessity of reigning in the comic's harsher elements for Saturday morning consumption. Beyond that, "Weapon X" had a tenuous relationship with the canon from its inception, with the story calling its own authenticity into question at various points. Nevertheless, "Weapon X" was so well-received that it stood for years as the most definitive account of Wolverine's origin. Later revelations and retcons would muddy the waters, but at this point, the animated series is guided by a very solid pedigree.
The inclusion of Alpha Flight, while appreciated from a world-building standpoint, doesn't do this episode many favors in terms of clarity. Outside of shedding some light on Wolverine's past, the plot is concerned with linking two seemingly disparate milestones in Logan's history: how his skeleton came to be laced with adamantium, and his involvement with Alpha Flight. The shadowy, unscrupulous, ultra-militaristic Department H serves as the connective tissue, leading to an ultimately unsatisfying conclusion. If Department H was behind or had knowledge of the Weapon X Project, as the episode suggests, then Logan escaped their clutches by the skin of his teeth, only to soon thereafter coincidentally meet James Hudson, who happens to be the leader of Canada's premiere superhero team, and is brought in to join Alpha Flight, under the purview of... Department H. It begs the question as to how Wolverine was allowed to leave the team in the first place. (To say nothing for the fact that he was given the codename of the project that "created" him, a detail which makes little sense as either another absurd coincidence or as an inside joke by Department H... for the audience's benefit only.) Department H's connection to Weapon X seems like it should come as a major revelation, at least to Logan, but the script doesn't attribute any particular significance to this. Still, it's hard to fault the show for filling in logic gaps that the comics themselves had yet to address, given the time and resources allotted.
Wolverine's mysterious past represents a corner of X-Men lore that somehow always manages to be more interesting in theory than in execution. Every resolution offered comes with its own set of brand new questions, and in that sense, "Repo Man" can be considered faithful to the spirit of Wolverine's role throughout the '90s. As a cohesive story, it is ultimately unsatisfying, but almost manages to stick the landing by way of momentum and novelty. It remains to be seen how sustainable that approach will be going forward.
X-TRA: This episode was written by Wolverine co-creator Len Wein, his first of four such credits over the course of the series. It's a curious fit, given that Wein chronicled only Wolverine's earliest appearances when the character was effectively a blank slate. He therefore has the unenviable task of cobbling together pieces of a mythology which he had no hand in establishing. It's an admirable effort, and a credit to the production for reaching outside their usual pool of television writers.

Hail To The Keith # 5 - My Funny Valentine's Day Massacre

Join us today on a lovely episode of Hail to the Keith where Keithie talks about the events of February 14th, 1929.
That's right, you see, the gangland murders of The North Side Gang, you hear and just what did Al Capone or Bugs Maron have to do with it. 
We take a look at the incident, the investigation and what happens to the bosses of the two crime families involved, plus some of the hits from 1929 thrown in. 
Give your sweetheart a little Tommy Gun love and play it for again, kiddo. 

Extreme Three Way Dance #132: ECW TV 11/20/99 - 11/27/99

From the eagle’s nest, high above the ECW arena, this is the Extreme Three Way Dance! In this episode, JT, Jenny and Matt review the next three episodes of ECW television from November 1999!
The troublesome trio talk about Rob Van Dam and Sabu battling on TV, Candido & Tammy using Rhino, Sandman getting revenge on Raven, New Jack stalking Da Baldies, the ECW theme... with lyrics (?) and so much more!
So jump on board, grab a chair and get ready to join this threesome for an extreme journey through time!

The Jenny Position Episode 168: Talk'n Docs- Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary

To finish off our music documentaries season, Talk'n Docs is back with 2024's Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary. Jennifer Smith, Logan Crosland and Cowboy Roger review this highly entertaining look at the birth of yacht rock as a concept, the highlights of the genre, and its lasting influence. From a parody web series to some of music's most memorable collaborations, this intriguing film reminds us to ride like the wind.

ChroNoSo #41 - WWF WrestleMania VI

It’s… ChroNoSo, where the North-South Connection Podcast Network takes you down memory lane by exploring one match from WWE history.
Picking up where ChroNoSo Daily left off, our contributors are on a quest to cover every important match in WWE PPV and television history. One month. One voice per match. So strap in for a ride that will undoubtedly carry us well into the 22nd century, forever alienating us from friends and family!
This month on ChroNoSo… the ChroNoSo Crew dive into WrestleMania VI!
 

Row 1, Seat 1 #87: Aaron Rose

Ben interviews ring announcer Aaron Rose this week! @PrepSpinAaron talks about his announcing a career and how a near-death incident affected his life and career.

This Week in the NFL: Super Bowl LIX Preview

It is Super Bowl time baby! This Week in the NFL returns with a jam packed preview of the big game. Your favorite Three Man Booth takes a look back at the conference championship games. They then each provide their Super Bowl winner, final score, and MVP. This is a great cap to an awesome football season! As an added bonus, John and Cowboy continue their lively discussion around the recent Luka Doncic trade to the Lakers. This is not one to be missed. Enjoy!

NoSo Takeover #9: NXT Takeover: London

Welcome to NoSo Takeover, a journey through the history of WWE NXT's biggest events!
In this episode, JT, Aaron & Jenny run through NXT London from December 2015! They discuss Asuka pummeling Emma, the Revival taking over the tag team division, the debut of Nia Jax, Crews taking a tough loss, Finn Balor fending off Samoa Joe and so much more!
Join us as we take over the podcast world with NXT!

NoSo95: An Introduction

Welcome to NoSo95! All throughout 2025, North South Connection will be paying tribute to the year that was 1995! The staff will be digging into the best and worst of pro wrestling, pop culture, sports and beyond from a very influential year in history!
In this special introduction, JT, Jenny & Matt quickly discuss the concept of the project and what you can expect throughout the year to come with NoSo95!

NoSo Post Show - Royal Rumble 2025

WWE Royal Rumble from Indianapolis Indiana, is over. It's time for the NoSo Post Show to give their thoughts on the event. From Live to Tape on YouTube, Ryan Gray & Mr Bludd (Bludd Rush Wrestling) give you their thoughts on the PLE. 
Check out the YouTube channel for the video version. 

NoSo Countdown: Top 25 WWE Royal Rumble Moments

Join JT & Ryan as they countdown & rank the Top 25 Royal Rumble Moments of all Time! What did they miss? What did they get wrong? Weigh in and let us know!

A La Carte With Keithie - Episode #38 - The Grammys?

On a must listen episode of A La Carte, Keithie joins the guys at Inclusion Records in Norwell once again to discuss the Grammy Awards.
Who is nominated, who should be nominated, Ethan's coffee obsession and why John is not a big fan of Chappell Roan.
Listen to this episode before the big show on Sunday night and see if are thoughts and predictions are correct. 
Also, if you need a new skateboard or any vinyl, tapes or CD's, check out the store. 

Extreme Three Way Dance #131: ECW TV 11/12/99 - 11/19/99

From the eagle’s nest, high above the ECW arena, this is the Extreme Three Way Dance! In this episode, JT, Jenny and Matt review the next three episodes of ECW television from November 1999!
The troublesome trio talk about the fallout from November to Remember, Taz's final match, Da Baldies going to war with Rotten Balls, Raven's daddy issues, Rhino stepping up, Cyrus and the OFFICE and so much more!
So jump on board, grab a chair and get ready to join this threesome for an extreme journey through time!

WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Preview

It’s WWE Royal Rumble season and a rotation of fellow wrestling fans joins Ryan Gray to preview every match on the card!
Ryan, JT Rozzero, Mike Eller & Matt Ferrell preview the Men's Royal Rumble Match.
Ryan, Mike Rossi, Jeremy Nichols & Ryder preview the Women's Royal Rumble Match.
Ryan and Mark Poirier preview Cody Rhodes vs Kevin Owens for the WWE Championship in a Ladder Match at the Royal Rumble.
Ryan and Richie Mars preview DIY vs Motor City Machine Guns for the WWE Tag Team Championships in a Two out of Three Falls Match at the Royal Rumble.

Wrestling War Zone: The Monday Night Wars #138 - WCW Great American Bash 1997

In this episode of Wrestling War Zone: The Monday Night Wars, JT Rozzero & Chad Campbell dive into WCW Great American Bash 1997!
They catch up on their personal lives for a few minutes and then discuss the NWO messing with the Steiners again, Hokuto ending Madusa's career, Mongo battling Greene, the Outsiders outlasting Flair & Piper, a classic main event brawl and much more.
So sit back, settle in and join JT and Chad as they work their way through the one and only Monday Night Wrestling War era!

NoSo Post Show - Saturday Night's Main Event January 2025

WWE Saturday Night's Main Event from San Antonio TX, is over. It's time for the NoSo Post Show to give their thoughts on the event. From Live to Tape on YouTube, Ryan Gray & Richie Mars give you their thoughts on the NBC Special. 
Check out the YouTube channel for the video version. 

This Week in the NFL: 2025 Conference Championships

Your favorite Three Man Booth returns with another edition of This Week in the NFL!  Cowboy, Senior and John take an in depth look back at the divisional round, including the surprising Commanders upset of the Lions and the heartbreaking loss for the Ravens in Buffalo. The guys preview the AFC and NFC title games and provide their predictions as always. Enjoy!

NoSo Takeover #8: NXT Takeover: Respect

Welcome to NoSo Takeover, a journey through the history of WWE NXT's biggest events!
In this episode, JT, Aaron & Jenny run through NXT Respect from October 2015! They discuss the booking of the Dusty Rhodes Cup, Finn Balor's injured knee, the arrival of two major tag teams, the potential of Apollo Crews, an all time main event between Sasha Banks and Bayley and so much more!
Join us as we take over the podcast world with NXT!

WWE Saturday Night's Main Event January 2025 Preview

It’s WWE Saturday Night's Main Event season and Ryan Gray is joined by a rotation of fellow wrestling fans to preview every match on the card!
Ryan and Mr. Bludd  @BluddRushUniverse preview GUNTHER vs Jey Uso for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Ryan and Mike Rossi will discuss Braun Strowman vs Jacob Fatu.
Ryan and Matt Ferrell‬ preview Bron Breakker vs Sheamus for the Intercontinental Championship.
Ryan and Richie Mars preview the big contract signing between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens, with special guest Shawn Michaels.
Ryan and Ebbi‬ preview Rhea Ripley vs Nia Jax for the World Women's Championship.

ChroNoSo #40 - PrimeTime The Ultimate Challenge Special & More

It’s… ChroNoSo! The North-South Connection Podcast Network takes you down memory lane each month by exploring one match from WWE history.This month on ChroNoSo, the crew dives into the start of March 1990. They also cover other matches, segments & events from PrimeTime The Ultimate Challenge Special & More. 

NoSo Network: Royal Rumble 1992 Flashback

On this one off special, Luke celebrates the 33rd anniversary of one of the greatest PPVs of its time, Royal Rumble 1992, where we will see:
A great tag opener
A garage
Some not so great tag action
Cowbells
Cigeretts
A commentary duo of the ages
Visit linktr.ee/memphiscast for all handy bits todo with the podcast
Follow the show on facebook Memphis Continental Wrestling Cast (facebook.com/memphiscast)

Row 1, Seat 1 #86: Nick Maniwa

Ben interviews wrestling personality extraordinaire @nickmaniwa on this week's show. Nick and Ben discuss Nick's literal lifetime in professional wrestling, IWA Mid-South memories, the importance of Kentuckiana in developing wrestlers, and much more!

This Week in the NFL 2024: Divisional Round Weekend

The latest edition of This Week in the NFL is live! We are heading into the divisional round of the playoffs, where the contenders are separated from the pretenders. The Three Man Booth takes a look back at the Wild Card round and covers all four of the divisional round matchups in depth. As always, the guys have a little fun as well, as Senior kicks the Steelers while they are down!  Enjoy!

Extreme Three Way Dance #130: ECW November to Remember 1999

From the eagle’s nest, high above the ECW arena, this is the Extreme Three Way Dance! In this episode, JT, Jenny and Matt review ECW November to Remember 1999!
The troublesome trio talk about Taz challenging Rob Van Dam, an all time war between Mike Awesome and Tanaka, Sabu batting Candido, Da Baldies dominating the street wars, Sandman's in ring return, Rhino's elevation and so much more!
So jump on board, grab a chair and get ready to join this threesome for an extreme journey through time!

The Jenny Position Episode 167: Talk'n Docs- The Greatest Night in Pop

Continuing in our music documentaries season, Talk'n Docs is back with 2024's The Greatest Night in Pop. Jennifer Smith, Logan Crosland and Cowboy Roger review this 2024 documentary from Netflix. In 1985, dozens of the biggest artists in the world came together to record a single to raise funds for famine in Africa. This documentary takes you into that one night, showcasing all the talent, hard work and dedication that it took to pull off this incredible project. The crew give their thoughts on the song, the collection of superstars and the overall impact of this unprecedented collaboration. 

NoSo Draft #12 - All-Time WWE Years

ALL-TIME WWE YEARS DRAFT [WWE WRESTLING DRAFT]
In this episode of NoSo Draft, host JT Rozzero & Ryan Gray welcome Chad Campbell & Tim the Toolman Taylor to compete in a draft to build the best WWE Years List!
Tune in, play along, and then VOTE for the best roster in the comments below!
LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the video!
GET CONNECTED:
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Enjoy this Draft Video!

This Week in the NFL 2024: Wild Card Weekend

Welcome to another edition of This Week in the NFL! It is playoff time baby!  Your favorite Three Man Booth previews all the games for a stacked Wild Card Weekend and provides their predictions. Enjoy!

NoSo Takeover #7: NXT Takeover: Brooklyn I

Welcome to NoSo Takeover, a journey through the history of WWE NXT's biggest events!
In this episode, JT, Aaron & Jenny run through NXT Brooklyn I from August 2015! They discuss NXT's debut in a major arena, a big night for the Vaudevillans, an all time classic between Bayley and Sasha Banks, Finn Balor ending Kevin Owens' NXT career and so much more!
Join us as we take over the podcast world with NXT!

NoSo Network Special: Heroes of Wrestling

Welcome to this one off from the studios of the old bakery as we bring you one of the most infamous PPVs of all time. HEROES OF WRESTLING, we will see:
Snakes
Legends
Up and Comers
Russians
And so much more
Visit linktr.ee/memphiscast for all handy bits todo with the podcast
Follow the show on Bluesky @oldbakerypro.bsky.social
Follow the network on facebook (Place To Be Nation) as well as the sister network North South Connection @NoSoPodNetwork and Backbone Wrestling Network @backbone24
Check out Youtube.com/@northsouthconnectionpodnet and Youtube.com/@ptbwrestling

ChroNoSo #39 - March 1990 WWF Superstars, MSG, PrimeTime & More

It’s… ChroNoSo! The North-South Connection Podcast Network takes you down memory lane each month by exploring one match from WWE history.This month on ChroNoSo, the crew dives into the start of March 1990. They also cover other matches, segments & events from WWF Superstars, Big Matches from Primetime, Wrestling Challenge & More!

WWE Raw on Netflix Debut - Preview & Predictions!

It’s the WWE Raw Debut on Netflix and Ryan Gray is joined by a rotation of fellow wrestling fans to preview every match on the card!
Ryan and Richie Mars will discuss the Return to the WWE of John Cena.
Ryan and Steve Riddle will discuss Rhea Ripley vs Liv Morgan for the Women's World Championship.
Ryan and Landan Gray will discuss Roman Reigns vs Solo Sikoa in Tribal Combat.
Ryan and Chad Campbell will discuss Seth Rollins vs CM Punk.
Enjoy this Raw on Netflix Debut Preview!

NoSo Network: Wrestling 2024 Year End Awards, Part Two

On this episode of the NoSo Network, Ryan Gray is joined by Mike Eller & Mike Rossi and they use the Wrestling Observer as a guideline to go through the year 2024. This is part two of two where they tackle the following categories
Most Outstanding Wrestler
Best Promo
Tag Team of the Year
MMA corner
Feud of the Year
Match of the Year
Women's Wrestler of the Year
Wrestler of the Year

This Week in the NFL 2024: Week 18

Week 18 has arrived! It has been a long, fun road and the NFL regular season comes to an end this Sunday. Your trusty Three Man Booth is back with a fun edition of This Week in the NFL. The guys take you through all the playoff scenarios and preview the week's biggest games... including Sunday night's massive matchup between the Vikings and Lions to determine the #1 seed in the NFC. Happy New Year to all our loyal listeners. Enjoy the show!

A La Carte With Keithie - Episode #37 - 2024 - Get the Hell Out the Door

Once again the ears of the North-South audience turn to the only two men who can drudge through the muck of this past 366 days, and of course that is Keithie and Tim.
The boys talk movies, music, sports (including the Olympics) and of course that really big event that took place this past November. 
Is there any positivity left to stomp into 2025? We sure hope so. So end that resolution early and join us for some laughs.

Wrestling War Zone: The Monday Night Wars #137 - 6/9/97

In this episode of Wrestling War Zone: The Monday Night Wars, JT Rozzero & Chad Campbell dive into the Monday Night Wars from 6/9/97!
They catch up on their personal lives for a few minutes and then discuss backstage fights for both promotions, ECW returning to WWF TV, the future of Shawn Michaels, Mankind stepping up, the final march to Great American Bash, Luger taking on Hogan and much more.
So sit back, settle in and join JT and Chad as they work their way through the one and only Monday Night Wrestling War era!

NoSo Network: Wrestling 2024 Year End Awards, Part One

On this episode of the NoSo Network, Ryan Gray is joined by Mike Eller & Mike Rossi and they use the Wrestling Observer as a guideline to go through the year 2024. This is part one of two where they tackle the following categories 
- Best High Flyer/Technical/Brawler
- Best Wrestling Maneuver
- Best Non-Wrestler
- Best/Worst TV Announcer
- Most Overrated/Underrated
- Rookie of the Year
- Best/Worst Gimmick
- Most Improved
- Most Charismatic
- Biggest Box Office Draw
- Promotion of the Year
- Promoter/Booker of the Year
- Best/Worst Major Wrestling Show
- Best/Worst Weekly TV Show
- Worst Match of the Year
- Worst Feud of the Year
Part Two is coming soon!

Row 1, Seat 1 #85: Hunter Drake

Ben interviews wrestling superstar Hunter Drake this week (@the_hunterdrake) and they discuss his rise from smalltown Alabama roots to now touring the country with GCW, NWA and other independent promotions! A fun show so check it out!

NoSo Takeover #6: NXT Takeover: Unstoppable

Welcome to NoSo Takeover, a journey through the history of WWE NXT's biggest events!
In this episode, JT, Aaron & Jenny run through NXT Unstoppable from May 2015! They discuss Finn Balor earning another World Title shot, Bayley & Charlotte teaming up, Enzo & Cass coming up short, Becky Lynch stepping up to the plate, Kevin Owens destroying Sami Zayn, the arrival of Samoa Joe and so much more!
Join us as we take over the podcast world with NXT!

The Jenny Position Episode 166- Freak Out Drive-In: Jack Frost

Freak Out Drive-In SPECIAL HOLIDAY EPISODE!
Pull into the Freak Out Drive-In, a live watch horror podcast with host Jennifer Smith. In the thirty-second episode in the reboot era, Jenny welcomes Chad Campbell to watch Jack Frost!
Not to be confused with the Michael Keaton film of the same name, this Jack Frost is much more fun...and deadly! Jenny and Chad discuss his horror movie fandom, if Halloween is bigger than Christmas these days, how parents can influence their kids' watching habits, Jack's hilarious kills and one liners and so much more! So, MERRY CHRISTMAS at the Freak Out Drive-In!

This Week in the NFL 2024: Week 17

Happy Holidays from your favorite Three Man Booth! This Week in the NFL is back. As the weather cools off, the NFL playoff races are heating up. Cowboy, Senior and John take you through all the important games from Week 16 and preview this week's action. This is a great week for any football fan as we have games on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday... and Monday! Kick back, grab some egg nog, and enjoy another edition of This Week in the NFL!

ChroNoSo #38 - The Main Event #3 & February 1990 WWF Superstars & More

It’s… ChroNoSo! The North-South Connection Podcast Network takes you down memory lane each month by exploring one match from WWE history.This month on ChroNoSo, the crew dives into The Main Event #3 & the rest from the WWF from February 1990. They also cover other matches, segments & events from WWF Superstars, Big Matches from Primetime, Wrestling Challenge & SuperStars!

This Week in the NFL 2024: Week 16

The latest installment of This Week in the NFL is live! Your favorite Three Man Booth is back to guide you through the playoff push. The guys take a look back at Week 15, including a recap of Cowboy's trip to the desert for the Cardinals battling the Patriots, and look ahead to all the matchups in Week 16 with playoff implications.  Kick back, relax, and stay up to date on all the NFL action with This Week in the NFL!

A La Carte With Keithie - Episode #36 - It's Beginning to Look a lot like Gruney.

Ho Ho Ho! Its Christmas time in Water-town and Keithie is joined this week by his good friend James "Gruney" Gruenberg for a little holiday discussion.
Actually, we should say Gruney invites Keithie to sit down with him as Gruney quickly takes over the show and hosts his own talk show for the hour. 
The boys discuss toys, songs, food and of course wrestling in this trip down memory lane. 
Enjoy some egg-nog and good cheer as we all have a very Happy Holidays!

Extreme Three Way Dance #129: ECW TV 10/29/99 - 11/6/99

From the eagle’s nest, high above the ECW arena, this is the Extreme Three Way Dance! In this episode, JT, Jenny and Matt review the next three episodes of ECW television from October & November 1999!
The troublesome trio talk about Taz and Sabu battling one last time, the surprise returns of Mikey Whipwreck and Sandman, Dreamer playing mind games with Raven, Lynn going to war with Tajiri, the final hype for November to Remember and so much more!
So jump on board, grab a chair and get ready to join this threesome for an extreme journey through time!

X-Position: An X-Men Podcast #13: Whatever It Takes & Red Dawn

"I do not yearn for an easy life, Magneto. Only a just one."
These third and fourth installments of X-MEN: THE ANIMATED SERIES' second season are representative of a revised story structure, adopted at the behest of the Fox Kids executives. Gone is the single, unbroken heavily serialized narrative approach of the first season, wherein episodes that weren't explicitly identified as multi-partners still ended in cliffhangers and flowed directly into the next adventure. This was especially pronounced in the midseason, when animation errors forced delays and the airing of episodes out of script order. Fox understandably wanted to avoid such problems by having the freedom to air episodes as they became available, rather than in a strict sequence. Their edict called for more one-and-one episodes and fewer multi-part stories in general. Knowing that the show's loyal fanbase had certain expectations of an elevated presentation for a Saturday morning cartoon, showrunner Eric LeWald and the production staff came up with an ingenious workaround. Professor Xavier and Magneto's diversion in the Savage Land was conceived as a single episode, to be animated all at once, but written in such a way that it could be easily edited and inserted as segments in other episodes, and therefore serialized across the entire season. These interstitial cutaway scenes did not have to adhere to a rigid order, as long as they generally conveyed the pair being continuously imperiled in some way while narrowly escaping with their lives. Thus, the network's demands were fulfilled while still allowing for a season-long "wraparound" storyline. Without meaning to, this would be one of the ways the series was brought into closer alignment with the subplot-heavy nature of the contemporary comics. In particular, "Whatever It Takes" serves as the first episode to feature distinct A, B, and C-plots for the series. Storm and Rogue's tussle with the Shadow King takes center stage, but Wolverine's solo outing provides a follow-up to the loose end of Morph's return, while drawing a line under his status (for now). Finally, as something akin to a back-up strip in comics, Professor X and Magneto send the episode out by finding themselves in a new, exotic setting and establishing their pattern for the season. Even if nothing critically important is happening, the rapid-fire pace and juggling of plots makes for an easy, immersive watch. With more episodic, single installment A-plots doing the heavy lifting in season two, X-MEN's creative team uses this as an opportunity to explore the cast in greater depth. The result is a round of rotating character spotlights, once again drawing heavily upon the lore of then-recent comics.
Whereas the season opening explored Scott and Jean's background with the revelation of Mr. Sinister as a presence menacing them from behind the scenes since childhood, Storm and returning guest star Colossus would receive similar treatment in "Whatever It Takes" and "Red Dawn," respectively. Flashbacks are employed generously to show, if not outright origin tales, pivotal moments from these characters' pasts. Wolverine, Gambit, Rogue, and Beast will each get their turn at such character-centered episodes over the course of the season. This exemplifies an evolution of the show's mission, from successfully selling the X-Men collectively as a fighting team to endearing the young broadcast audience ever more to its individual members. When talking to X-Men loyalists of a certain age to this day, there's a reason why they point to the animated series -- and, whether or not they recall the exact details, this run of episodes -- as the common denominator that made them fans of the characters for life.
X-TRA: In more comics-related synergy, issues on sale in the month of these episode airings feature Scott and Jean getting engaged. Their nuptials would go a bit smoother in print than the version seen on screen. Conversely, Colossus receives much kinder treatment in animated form. His second appearance in "Red Dawn" comes just a few months after the longtime X-Man joined Magneto's Acolytes, itself the culmination of a series of personal blows in which Colossus lost his brother, parents, and sister in short order. One such tragedy also involved a confrontation with Omega Red in only his second comics story.

Wrestling War Zone: The Monday Night Wars #136 - WWF King of the Ring 1997

In this episode of Wrestling War Zone: The Monday Night Wars, JT Rozzero & Chad Campbell dive into WWF King of the Ring 1997
They catch up on their personal lives for a few minutes and then discuss the hectic build to the show, Mankind's big night, Helmsley finally grabbing the crown, Pillman getting a swirly, the Nation crumbling, Ahmed Johnson stepping to Undertaker and much more.
So sit back, settle in and join JT and Chad as they work their way through the one and only Monday Night Wrestling War era!

NoSo Post Show - Saturday Night's Main Event

WWE Saturday Night's Main Event from Long Island New York, is over. It's time for the NoSo Post Show to give their thoughts on the event. From Live to Tape on YouTube, Ryan Gray, Chad Campbell, and JT Rozzero give you their thoughts on the NBC Special. 
Check out the YouTube channel for the video version.