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Hockey Hot Stove writers Bill Meltzer and Haley Taylor Simon have launched a new podcast on the Hockey Hot Stove YouTube Channel. The show is called Ringside/Rinkside. Topics vary widely from episode to episode but the core of the program is a combination of WWE/ pro wrestling talk and NHL hockey discussion. Some shows will be more hockey-focused while others center more around pro wrestling/ sports entertainment (or whatever the post Vince McMahon preferred term is). Haley is a big fan of the current-day product, while Bill leans heavily toward the old school kayfabe era.
Other topics that will come up from time to time on Ringside/Rinkside: AEW, BKFC/BKFC Ice Wars, MMA and non-NHL hockey leagues.
The hour-long debut episode primarily focuses on the legacy of the late Hulk Hogan. Other topics covered:
- Hulk Hogan vs. Terry Bollea: How much, if any, does a wrestler (or any other celebrity’s) private life or personal views affect a fan’s perception of their career contributions?
- Was kayfabe good or bad for the business? On the flip side, is the post-kayfabe business better, worse, or just different?
- Who are some of the most fan-friendly wrestlers?
- Preferred wrestling podcasts: Bill is partial to Jim Cornette, Dutch Mantell and Stevie Richards. Haley gravitates toward ones that focus more on the current-day business.
- Which hockey players are some of the biggest wrestling fans?
In upcoming weeks, the Alumni Youtube Channel will feature additional new podcast series. The Rusty Skates pod with host Chris Therien will feature Bundy shooting the breeze with fellow NHL Alumni guests. Additionally, come September, the Stripes podcast with US Hockey Hall of Fame referee Paul Stewart will focus on officiating topics as well as stories from Paul’s playing and officiating careers.
