27 - 'Da Black Pope' Elijah Burke

Johnny Rodz, born on May 16, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York, is a retired professional wrestler and esteemed trainer. Known as "The Unpredictable," Rodz made his mark in the 1960s and 1970s, primarily wrestling for the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), now WWE. Although he often played the role of a "jobber," putting over other talent, Rodz earned respect for his technical skill and in-ring psychology. After retiring from active competition, he became a legendary trainer, mentoring future stars like the Dudley Boyz and Tazz at his wrestling school, the World of Unpredictable Wrestling. In 1996, Johnny Rodz was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy in the wrestling industry.

Launching herself into a successful career at a young age, Sharmell Sullivan-Huffman saw early success as a pageant queen when she won Miss Black America. Soon after she would rise even higher as a backup dancer for legendary musical acts like James Brown. After the world of pro wrestling caught her eye, Sharmell would join WCW's Nitro Girl dance troupe under the name Storm, before being trained as a wrestler herself. Her wrestling career would continue on as she took on opponents such as Tammy Lynn Sytch and Major Gunns (Tylene Buck). Her career would not be contained to inside the ropes as Sharmell would also valet the likes of Kwee Wee and Prince Iaukea before leaving the company for WWE and OVW (Ohio Valley Wrestling). Sharmell would soon take her place on the throne of professional wrestling along with her husband Booker T in both WWE and TNA (Impact Wrestling), being involved in angles with greats such as Bobby Roode, Samoa Joe and Kurt Angle plus The Main Event Mafia.

On September 19th, 1999 ECW blew the hinges off of the doors at the Odeum Expo Center in Villa Park, Illinois! The match card showcased a truly refined pro wrestling product as Paul Heyman and ECW stood poised to enter the new millenium. With Tazz on the way out for WWE and Mike Awesome soon the follow for WCW, the company was on devloping into an all new identity with new up-and-comers and stalwart veterans alike. The match card included: Danny Doring and Roadkill w/Angelica vs Billy Wiles C.W. Anderson Lance Storm w/ Dawn Marie vs Jerry Lynn Jazz vs Tom Marquez w/ Simon Diamond Chris Chetti and Nova vs Simon Diamond and Tony DeVito Yoshihiro Taijiri vs Super Crazy vs Little Guido (Nunzio) w/ Sal E. Graziano Justin Credible w/ Jason Knight vs Sabu w/ Bill Alfonso Mike Awesome w/ Judge Jeff Jones vs Masato Tanaka vs Taz (c) for the ECW World Heavyweight Championship Tommy Dreamer and Raven (c) w/ Francine vs Rhyno vs Steve Corino w/ Jack Victory for the ECW World Tag Team Championship Rob Van Dam (c) w/ Bill Alfonso vs Balls Mahoney for the ECW World Television Championship

On August 2nd, 1998 Extreme Championship Wrestling emanated from The Hara Arena in Dayton, Ohio with Heat Wave '98! Paul Heyman and his pro wrestling promotion put on what would be one of their most memorable wrestling pay-per-views in their entire run. With Joey Styles and ECW World Heavyweight Champion Shane Douglas on commentary, the event went as follows: The Hardcore Chair Swingin' Freaks (Balls Mahoney and Axl Rotten) vs The F.B.I. (Little Guido / Nunzio and Tracy Smothers) Justin Credible vs Jerry Lynn Lance Storm vs Chris Candido w/ Tammy Lynn Sytch New Jack vs Jack Victory Masato Tanaka vs Mike Awesome Rob Van Dam and Sabu w/ Bill Alfonso (c) vs Hayabusa and Jinsei Shinzaki for the ECW World Tag Team Championship Taz (c) vs Bam Bam Bigelow for the FTW Championship Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman and Spike Dudley vs The Dudleys (Buh Bu Ray Dudley, D-Von Dudley and Big Dick Dudley) w/ Joel Gertner and Sign Guy Dudley in a Street Fight

Violent J of Insane Clown Posse guests on this episode. Many would be surprised to learn that Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope's first stop on their entertainment journey was in the independent pro wrestling scene of Michigan alongside the likes of Rob Van Dam and Sabu. Which is why it was all the more fulfilling for ICP when, following the realease of ablums like Riddle Box and The Great Milenko, they were invited to perform on screen in both ECW and WWE (formerly WWF). After getting in substantial ring time with WWE, ICP made their way to WCW where they would wrestle alongside Raven and Vampiro on Monday Nitro and WCW Thunder. With a quick stop in TNA (now Impact Wrestling) along the way, Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope still run their own professional wrestling promotion, JCW / Juggalo Championship Wrestling, at events like their blowout music festival The Gathering of the Juggalos.

From This is Not Happening on Comedy Central to being live on stage at The Funny Bone and all around the nation and even bringing Wrestle Roasts to life at Starrcast, standup comedian and writer Dan St. Germain is an expert on the intersection of comedy and pro wrestling. Dan discusses his love for wrestling, the main differences between WWE and AEW, what's missing from pro wrestling today, how his first gig as a wrestling commentator went and so much more!

The mastermind behind DDPY and former WCW World Heavyweight Champion Diamond Dallas Page joins the show to discuss his new movie "High Heat". Costarring Don Johnson of "Miami Vice" and "Knives Out" fame as well as Olga Kurlyenko known for her role in "Black Widow", "High Heat" is an action-packed ride that sees DDP in the role of a mafia boss named Dom.

DDP also discusses getting his trepidatious first step into pro wrestling, and what ultimately got him hooked in the business.

Former NWA National Heavyweight Champion Willie Mack joins host Joel Gertner to discuss TNA / Impact Wrestling, Lucha Underground, WWE and more!

In this episode of The 69 Minute Eargasm with Joel Gertner, the Quintessential Studmuffin is joined by Killer Kross (FKA Karrion Kross). Listen in as Kross takes us through his journey into the pro wrestling world, rising through the indies, his time with Impact Wrestling, becoming NXT Champion, that crazy costume upon his jump to the main roster and so much more!

Host Joel Gertner is joined by veteran German language wrestling and combat sports commentator Oliver Copp. Listen in as Oliver Copp takes Joel Gertner through his days hosting German content for WCW, working as Editor in Chief for WWE Magazine, the glory days of UFC, his current gig working for AEW Rampage and so much more!