STW

On this episode: Business was down for the WWE in 2003 compared to 2002, but why? Bruce Prichard and Conrad Thompson discuss "the State of the WWE" for two hours this week and it's based around Bad Blood 2003, which exceeded expectations. Was it the Hell in a Cell that was responsible for the bump in business? Was it the return of Mick Foley? The show also featuring a burping contest, a poontang pie eating contest, and a singing contest -- who booked this?! Nobody was asking that for Flair-Michaels, a full five years before the famous retirement match. You'll also hear details about the beginning of Evolution, how Vince got Christian to cut his hair, why Rocky Johnson didn't last in developmental, why Sahadi left, why Jamal left, how Sable and Mero were doing, Nowinski's career, the spot with Steiner that everyone talks about on this show, how Test went into business for himself, the rib that McMahon played during this show, what Goldberg veto'ed in his match with Jericho, and what this show led two just two weeks later. On the exact 15 year anniversary of this show, don't miss another "sleeper episode" filled with hours about a very interesting time for a company in transition, it's all about the WWE in 2003!
Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard is an audio podcast that discusses topics, events, wrestlers and memorable moments through the lens of former WWE executive Bruce Prichard co-hosted by Conrad Thompson.
The show was launched in August 2016 on MLW Radio. The episodes typically range from 2 hours to 4 hours in length, and include discussions about previous WWE pay-per-views and former WWE wrestlers.
www.Facebook.com/SomethingToWrestle
www.Twitter.com/PrichardShow
Buy a Shirt, Get a Call from Bruce: www.BoxOfGimmicks.com
Save Yourself Some Money: www.SaveWithBruce.com Visit BlueChew.com and get your first shipment FREE when use our special promo code WRESTLE - Just pay $5 shipping! Logos and album art by Dave Silva
All backgrounds licensed by Videoblocks
Videos edited and uploaded by Steve Kaufmann Some copyrighted images may have been curated and altered to create the uniquely transformative piece of content you're watching.

[@DoctorBastard]

Skip blah blah: 9:30

[@DoctorBastard]

Brett of The Wild That's Doctor Bastard thank you, I didn't spend six years at bastard medical school just to be called bastard. 😉

[@brianspellbergio4502]

Doctor Bastard love ya greetings from the best city in the world Buffalo N.Y.

[@lotsathedetox]

How rude of me. I edited my disrespectful mistake. My apologies Doctor. How does Bastard Medical School differ from regular Med School just out of curiosity? Is it Bastards only?

[@rubberchix]

Brett of The Wild shut up you cringe boys

[@Cuddyscott84]

Nope I'll pass on the blah blah blah. Thank u.. like the Doors 5 to 1 I think it's called.

[@gothchicksbongrips5712]

2003 may have been a rebuilding phase, but Triple H's ring work during this time was absolute dogshit for his standards. And this is when HHH was telling us he was the end all be all.

[@Farns1984]

So this was STW #106: Bluechew.com sponsored by Bad Blood 2003.

[@warriorjwr]

Think RVD,Kane,Booker T,Kevin Nash all shoulda beat Hunter for the title in 02-03.

[@justinjockisch4105]

Warrior JWR Don't tell Bruce that. He'll go into typical WWE cultist defense mode.

[@thickerconstrictor9037]

I don't think that Kevin Nash should have by any means, Booker t most definitely should have, Kane...meh, maybe, and RVD I don't agree. But triple h was in his fucking prime. He was the man. and not because of Stephanie but because he was on top. He was fucking very very good. But I do agree with Booker t. Even if it was just for a month or so he should have dropped the title to Booker. But I don't think RVD was a top guy with his lack of promo skills. At least not where he was here. Kane was definitely a top guy and that was a potential time where he could have one but after he dropped the mask he definitely should have one. But as far as that you're the only person that I really agree with his Booker t

[@Lynn_Shae0915]

@@thickerconstrictor9037 rvd was definitely top guy despite his lack of promos. Him and booker t should’ve taken that title and yes triple h did have pull at the time because he was dating Stephanie not saying that’s the sole reason because he was a good in ring worker but let’s keep it real him being with Steph had a huge advantage because he was the top guy for really no reason. There was no reason why he was top guy for so long. Everyone hates cena but you gotta respect the fact he became a top guy all on his own. He didn’t have to date into the business

[@Rschr101]

This show had a solid bitrate because Austin and Foley were on the card. Nobody cared about Hhh or that he was beating another wcw star. They wanted to see Mick again. A character they loved. Same with Austin. Even tho he couldn't compete. The fans wanted to see Steve kick ass in any capacity.

[@klsecond5755]

Chris Jericho better

[@jorisweyen7934]

wait? Bruce is actually aware how stupid it was to make HHH beat everyone?

[@justinjockisch4105]

Ummm... Goldberg is right, Jericho was never on Rock's level. Also, "Jericho beat the Rock" doesn't disprove Goldberg's claim in any way. Hurricane beat The Rock too, does that mean he's also on The Rock's level? Spike Dudley pinned Stone Cold once, does that mean that Spike was on Austin's level?? I hate the way these WWE loyalist try to spin shit. Just because they book people to go over and are marks for their own characters doesn't mean those characters are bigger stars as a result. Anyone who thinks Jericho popped as many viewers as Rock, Goldberg, or Austin are delusional as fuck. Jericho big of a star as The Rock?? Bruce, stop getting high before the show.

[@Rschr101]

The night they let Jericho beat Rocky and Austin was the night the business died....Triple H proceeded to bury the business over the next 2 years, but Jericho as the undisputed champion was the death blow. By 2003 nobody cared about wrestling.

[@deckarobinson2768]

HHH Is the reason why SMACKDOWN was a way better show in 2002 2003

[@shane-irish]

Decka Robinson laugh out very fucking loud

[@justavictim9432]

This is Bruce's burner account clearly

[@justinjockisch4105]

Decka Robinson That and Smackdown's roster was stacked as fuck.

[@Jays_dead_cat]

Raw was boring in 03. Other than Kane's unmasking and what followed.

[@MattSingh1]

Decka Robinson: you're the epitome of a mark. A clueless mark.

[@mikequesada6559]

Just getting home, from work & now listening to my favorite podcast..

[@Super122291]

Mike Quesada good for you mike

[@leafonhead777]

I'm glad you guys are getting payed, buy Jesus Christ!

[@willc9324]

This PPV had 1 of my favorite ppv themes ever Headstrong by Trapt.

[@gripstrength]

Good song. This was a great era when they used so much modern day hard rock/ metal music.

[@gothchicksbongrips5712]

Whenever I hear that song I can still picture the video package

[@Rschr101]

One hit wonder

[@fergusferguson5304]

My parents were pissed when there was both Bad Blood/Great American Bash in one month in 04 😂

[@kevinedwards1913]

Best Blue Apron commercial ever lol

[@petersandas3]

Bruce wants to give us free stuff and Conrad keeps trying to get us to buy houses. #bruceisover

[@lotsathedetox]

Now Conrad can wear the 'I used to be over' shirt. If they can find one that fits.

[@AMP88LP]

That blue apron ad at 20 minutes 😂😂😂

[@bowserh2012345]

1:18:13 Bruce is very proud of his burp

[@nostalgiavideo_]

GIMME THE BELT

[@secondpower993]

Nostalgia Video ...And then what, Bob?

[@johnjandoh6732]

Daniel Kane And Then I Beat EVERYBODY

[@secondpower993]

Nostalgia Video * draws imaginary X on Diesel's chin *

[@deckarobinson2768]

This show is getting crazier by the week Keep it up boy's #ROOLTIDE

[@BrandonMobley614]

First WWE show I ever went to was for my eighth birthday, the night after this event in Dallas, Texas. I remember Christian had just cut his hair, and it was a week or two before Kane unmasked.

[@carltate375]

Buzzwords for Bruce Prichard - "It tells a story", "It told the right story", "Fuck Dave Meltzer" Buzzwords for Jim Cornette - "Something, something, territories" "Something, something, Midsouth or Memphis or Sportatorium" "Midnight Express" Buzzwords for Both - "Fuck that flippy, floppy shit."

[@scarletspidey6898]

Roll Tide products...no...not all of us..in fact most of us fucking hate the Alabama Crimson Tide and would never ever have a product with that phrase on it..especially during college football season...i mean it's funny and a great inside joke but at the end of the day I could never fucking wear a roll tide shirt...so yea...Go Ducks!

[@georgekind5856]

OK so I'm a big triple h fan not as big as Bruce but up there but there's no way in hell he got as far as he has on just talent come on man

[@fmthebaron]

HBK and Stephanie helped him a lot.

[@maxwelljacobfreedom]

This generation pretends they are above the attitude era, but ignore kids being groomed in schools

[@abcsin6526]

1:15:30 1:19:50 1:27:00 1:29:00 1:33:05😂😂🤣🤣

[@tomseville2345]

Foley took more bumps in that short three-week June 2003 return run than Nash did that entire April - June feud...

[@tomseville2345]

Imagine if Bruno *HAD* returned before Bad Blood, and seen the Pie-Eating Contest? 🤣🤣

[@teammelli91]

1:57:28 don’t forget to add Vince McMahon.. BRUCE! Lol

[@TheNavyGonzo]

2003 HHH was the worst

[@Super122291]

TheNavyGonzo da best

[@5280mminnick]

Triple H vs Nash HIC, HORRID fucking match. Slow as FUCK

[@dkbarbados4540]

"A fun lil twat" lmfao also..i have this DVD so Steiner falling off the apron is something I still get to enjoy

[@immortallegacy100]

I know it's popular to hate on Triple H but looking back at his 2002-2005 title reigns I sometimes forget how much of a bump machine he was back in the day. I think Vince had his eyes on Goldberg being the World Heavyweight Champion and didn't want anything to detract from it in 2003, and also saw Triple H as his "anchor" the same way Angle and Lesnar were at the time, as well as Cena and Orton in later years. Seeing what Triple H has done with NXT and 205 Live I think it's safe to say that the guy knows what he's doing, and I think much of the negativity from fans comes from the Attitude Era mindset in the early "Ruthless Aggression Era". Having listened to Jericho's podcast over the years to me Chris has a "Smoke 'em if you got 'em otherwise you're not getting any" attitude, and I think that describes the Attitude Era and many of its main eventers very well. Not saying Triple H never "buried" anyone, or that all his storylines were great, but overall I think he did his best to get his storylines and matches over. Great episode guys. Keep them coming.

[@toddstone5376]

FREE??? Dude Conrad take your pills pal. LOL

[@nathanielwood89]

I love this podcast thank you for sharing! 🙏🏻

[@damian_cross]

"You know what JJ Dillon does on his podcast?" "He don't burp!" "Or have listeners."

[@JonasDygd]

It was Batista who replaced Mark Jindrak in Evolution, not Orton (he was already in). If you do a Google search for "Evolution with Jindrak", you will find a picture of Orton, HHH, Flair and Jindrak in suits walking up a hill together.

[@DeLaCruzProductionz]

Actually both Batista and Orton were originally in it feb. Then they got injured and Jindrak almost replaced Batista

[@rocky7895]

Video snippets that go along with what they r talking about from time to time would be an amazing upgrade

[@gothchicksbongrips5712]

The synopsis says it's a sleeper episode. It's true, I was falling asleep listening to this.

[@justablokepostingfunvids7137]

I always liked this ppv...not as much as Bruce and Conrad reviewing it 👍

[@kylecurtis1406]

What’s the song in the blue apron commercial?

[@markmichel3855]

Kane unmasking was one of the worst creative decisions ever

[@Rschr101]

Ruined his character.

[@mikeynass7123]

Only show where I listen to the ads 😂

[@MikeMaduxx]

My favorite podcast on wrestling or anything. To the top guys! U know...

[@bigcoles]

1:33:30 is funny as hell

[@davidpriolo434]

Episode 106: Blue Chew 2018

[@TheNavyGonzo]

So you are telling me HHH would have had this reign, burying everyone, had he not been with Steph..? Sorry I just can't buy that.

[@justinjockisch4105]

Not being able to see the "trees through the forest" is really rich coming from WWE creative.. Maybe if you guys listened to your fans more, and said "fans fans don't know shit" a little bit less... maybe they would have more than 3 million viewers today.

[@Cuddyscott84]

They made the right call on jindrak I think.. I always liked Sean o'haire think he would've matched up good with Batista & orton.

[@DeanMoxley87]

1:57:59Thanks Bruce for that response But watch it back you’ll see I’m right

[@michaeldennistooley4271]

Booking a wrestling show ain't brain surgery , no disrespect to any of them Eric , Bruce and so on . However good ideas are easy to spot and bad ideas damn sure are easy to spot as well ☮️

[@neilsun2521]

Shawn had the flu? That surprises me as I would assume he takes strong opiate painkillers for his back, and opiates more or less cure any flu immediately. Especially the stronger ones. So, any wrestlers reading this - if you've got an important match and you have the flu, find some diamorphine!

[@NeoNero83]

To whoever does the production & adds all the wonderful late 90s and early 2000s hip hop beats for STW cheers to you. You pick the best.

[@hippaul]

Phil Chroniger Was just coming here to mention this. Hearing Kanye - Thru the wire was perfect. Fucking loved the college dropout album

[@VicRattleHead28]

SHE POOTED

[@Nicky2Chains]

59:10 story is hilarious lol

[@lotsathedetox]

T.G.I.S.T.W.F. Thank Gillberg, It's Something To Wrestle Friday!

[@lotsathedetox]

Haha. I love it when Prichard is in a happy go lucky mood.

[@nikeman310]

Maybe 1 day Conrad & Bruce could just do a show just pitching ideas to Vince as Michael PS Hayes. Just so I could laugh for 2 hrs straight. Doot Doot Doot

[@Y2MAC]

Hit like first, then listen.

[@6steveo9]

Roll tide on that

[@shane-irish]

Y2MAC dont need u too tell us that

[@CeemPlay]

I hadda remove my like since the video has too many Utwobe ads. But just because I don't like the video doesn't mean I don't luuuuuuuve iet.

[@nonamerequired123]

Why did you put Teddy Roosevelt's face on Jean-Claude Vandamme's body? Did the WWE dedicate Bad Blood to him?

[@rocky7895]

Im running out of episodes guys!!! 😂 A kane episode would be awesome!!! Thanks for cranking out the content its amazing as always!!!

[@WhatAboutall]

Vince probably came hard on himself when he first saw Nathan Jones.

[@sabercrosby8128]

i started podcast, walked to the gym, did a workout, walked home, ppv hasn't even started yet lol. great build up

[@eddie9244]

i know snowflake conrad always says “this kinda stuff wouldnt fly today” etc. or gets his jimmies rustled when it comes to attitude & ruthless aggression era risqué material, but he said he cant believe “poontang pie” skit with austin & bischoff made air? 1.) rock used it first on smackdown years before 2003 and 2.) its a freakin pay per view! 😂

[@tomnagy3010]

Eddie Torres well what do you expect? This is the dumb fuck who named his daughter "Kansas."

[@StarryStarryNocturne]

Is he not factually correct? That stuff would most definitely NOT fly today. What's the issue here?

[@eddie9244]

StarryStarryNocturne the issue is “look we get it , todays world is a bunch of sensitive ass pussies including conrad, so whats the point of getting your jimmies rustled?” we know it wouldnt fly today in the modern pussy ass cupcake world of pussies , just let us enjoy our era and quit policing whats politically correct or not.

[@StarryStarryNocturne]

Eddie Torress Wow, way to make Conrad's point of view sound more credible, by saying "pussy" or "pussies" every other word. Are you one of those guys that sporadically grabs their junk throughout the day just to make sure it's still there?

[@eddie9244]

StarryStarryNocturne nah just call out soyboys for getting their jimmies unnecessarily rustled. anything attitude era or ruthless aggression era , i gotta here soyboys like you and conrad lecture on how bad it was .... gets old

[@andrewberube8973]

Another great podcast by the world's greatest tag team

[@lotsathedetox]

Conrad Thompson, the podcast tag team specialist. A champion with 3 different partners. The three greatest shows in the history of our great 'sport'.

[@uc95nu51]

Got me a load from detroit, mi to fargo, nd for this weekend. Gonna listen to this rasslin radio while i drive my semi tractor.

[@antwanwax6017]

Only thing is y'all spend too much time on other subjects and not the ppv

[@thickerconstrictor9037]

They did so pop for the stunner on Mae young . What was he watching

[@mattrodrigues7503]

Conrad can you please ask Bruce why he slapped teddy hart when he fired him?

[@mvefan27]

love the show especially bruce's interpretation of sounding like vince love when he does that casue it sounds like vince

[@dafunkerman5822]

Doot doot

[@33malone]

Good show fellas!

[@angelanjoshjacobs-matkin1015]

My Friday is complete...thanks fellas

[@johnjandoh6732]

Bruce did you used to have Mae Young fantasies?

[@lotsathedetox]

I was always more of a Moolah kinda guy. Sable? Rena who?

[@OGDonJuan]

Tom cole can definitely get a happy ending from pat patterson

[@pplsyhn]

Trips vs Nash is my third favorite hell in a cell match. Right behind HBK vs Taker and HBK vs HHH. Surprisingly good match.

[@thickerconstrictor9037]

My favorite of all time was the first Brock and taker. Shawn and take her was better but my favorite was just the first Brock and take her. The story was so good in the match and both of them did an amazing job and undertaker bleeding like a motherfuker, mixed with the badass finish and how hot the crowd was was just amazing to me. Undertaker mankind obviously for the big bumps was badass but I would put my personal top 5 would prob be brock taker one, HHH taker,hbk taker, mankind taker (only for the bumps) and prob either taker edge, taker Orton, or hnk hhh. those last three I haven't seen in a long time so I can't remember which one I prefer. My two favorite wrestlers in 2002 were undertaker and Brock that's probably my favorite match ever. Definitely not the best but my favorite for sure. Hell in a cell is a match that I think is much much better when it's random. I hate it as a pay-per-view.there's no surprise for the announcement of it which is a major necessity in my opinion and if it's a pay-per-view than you know it's coming. it should be a surprise. And if there were any moments in WWE where they still allowed blood it should be hell in a cell. hell in a cell is supposed to be the end-all-be-all of feuds. It is supposed to be the end. and even though you can have good hell in a cell matches without blood it just adds that special something.

[@markmenning1804]

Who else did they have to be world champ at this time

[@realrich7509]

Vince dudnt like the name torn pocket for a ppv?

[@jer2dabear]

I vote for a Chris Jericho episode:) I know 83 weeks did one on him, but would love to hear one from you.

[@lotsathedetox]

The Rise of Y2J 99-09. The first 6 hour episode of Something To Wrestle With ..............................................................................................Brother Prichard.

[@lotsathedetox]

Why the hell do my replies on this comment keep coming and going away?

[@TheSonofafrog316]

Love your show but please stop plugging Blue Apron, they over charge you and the "Free" isn't worth it

[@CeemPlay]

Something to Wrestle

[@midmoj]

Almost made it through an entire podcast without the lame chap stick line.

[@lotsathedetox]

It is a little lame but, I like it when Conrad calls him a kiss ass. It is necessary at times lol. He should try to be creative with it and have a new way of calling him out every show. Or a brown noser, or dick sucker. Things like that work too. "Get out the knee pads Bruce. Ya might need a helmet on under that desk as well with HHH's low key big hog. I won't tell Stephanie. Or Vince. Who knows where that could go. But, don't piss me off or I am telling Patterson." See easy. Come on Thompson ya lazy bastard. Right off the top of my helmet. Fuck it. I am signing up for Twitter again, Conrad and Bruce need to see my shit. Maybe Bruce will see the booker and creative writer in me. Get him to use some of that newly regained office sway. Sprinkle a little Brother Love dust all over Titan Tower. Get some up Vince's nose and I am in. If push comes to shove I guess I could settle for a co-host job.

[@jaserogers997]

My gimmick needs some help too.

[@TheSportsCourier]

Blue Chew Blood

[@chrisgrissom3610]

1st.. Doot doot doot

[@lotsathedetox]

Old Lady Mcduffie, she done. Give the cops a call.

[@lotsathedetox]

In case anyone wonders what in the fuck I was talking about... it is an awesome line from the song Badstreet U.S.A. by Mr. Doot Doot Doot himself.

[@plutogravy5083]

Miss Umaga

[@toma.4808]

Austin and bischoff shouldve had a fart contest

[@Rschr101]

On your mom

[@83aber1]

Bruce Pritchard is RIPPED in this pic! lol!

[@lotsathedetox]

Ah, that is a classic shot from back in his Karate days. He is a 3x champion black belt after all. You can't become a Karate legend with a physique like Brother Love.

[@stannisbaratheon3356]

The one dislike is Meltzer for sure.

[@lotsathedetox]

Until Alvarez and Keller show up. EDIT. They made it. 3 dislikes now. I wonder if Jerry Jarrett uses KZbin.

[@stannisbaratheon3356]

Brett of The Wild Well you know, he's got a Twitter!

[@shane-irish]

F D M

[@StarryStarryNocturne]

Brett of The Wild You wanna wuuut... to my tube? Huh..? Now, why would ah use you tube, when i got a perfectly good tube sittin' right here... in mah very own livin' room...? Where I can, well, y'know... fix me sum chicken salad... while catchin up on mah stories..?

[@brentfu1119]

As a wrestler Ric Flair does the same boring match over and over much like Hogan.

[@Rschr101]

Idiotic comment.

[@BIGGIEDEVIL]

Love the extend intro

[@loganlombard8176]

Only one D?

[@mikequesada6559]

Survivor series 94 vatos!

[@teammelli91]

59:20 😂

[@acedeuce92]

33:26-33:49 🤣🤣🤣

[@ciaranmurren]

That's my question at 2hrs, Conrad if you read this my name is pronounced "Key-run". It's an old Irish name.

[@lotsathedetox]

Like Macaulay Culkin's little Brother.

[@ciaranmurren]

Brett of The Wild exactly!

[@ThogTheBuff]

Damn yo poor JJ Dillon

[@tonymadilia8533]

wtf all the adds?

[@andyblake9673]

59:00

[@jerransperarman9411]

Good podcast

[@lotsathedetox]

Yes, but of course. As it is every week. Though I prefer the adjective 'great' . Kevin Nash would like to think those are verbs I imagine.

[@shane-irish]

jerran sperarman good comment

[@wolfcrewe7474]

What I wanna know is why are the original episodes on this channel keep being re-up loaded? Are u taking stuff out of the original recordings? If so why? I'm curious and hope it's nothing to do with being in the network now.

[@MrJ33352]

Road Warrior Good Question I Noticed that too...👍

[@lotsathedetox]

Is this Conrad? Just curious if he runs all three KZbin accounts. My apologies for being so critical of Bischoff on 83 Weeks. I got triggered. You are the MAN Mr. Thompson.

[@petersandas3]

Brett of The Wild I think 83 weeks triggers everyone brother

[@lotsathedetox]

Hey that is awesome. Thanks for the reply. So you are Bruce then? I only kid. Haha I haven't been on Twitter in years. I don't think about it at all. I guess I am going to cave again so I can get my shit in directly to the reigning, defending 2 time Podcast Champions of the Wooooorrrrrrlllllld!!! The Bad Ass African Dream Conrad Thompson and The Road Dogg Brother Love. The New Age of Podcasts! I'll tweet Conrad and let him know his KZbin modder needs a hefty raise.

[@wolfcrewe7474]

So they are taking stuff out then? And copyrighted by who? It's only audio so highly unlikely and one can claim copyright on someone's opinion or from quoting The Observer.

[@theghostretort7058]

You punked out to y2j. Lol

[@CeemPlay]

#83weeks