Podcast

The Ballot - A Wrestling Hall of Fame Podcast

History, Sports, Wrestling

Welcome to The Ballot, a podcast dissecting the pro wrestling careers of first-time nominees on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame Ballot.

Episodes
35
Releases
Every two weeks
Typical length
1 hr 45 min
On air since
2025
Latest episode
6 days ago

Episodes

35 episodes, newest first

  1. The Ballot: Billy Joyce with Ethan Tyler

    Show notes

    Ryan is joined by historian Ethan Tyler to discuss the WON Hall of Fame case of Billy Joyce.

    Read Ethan’s article about Dominic DeNucci’s HOF Case: https://ethantylersayshmm.substack.com/p/overlooked-and-out-of-time-the-observer

    Leave a comment, question, or reaction at 9495-BALLOT or 949-522-5568.

    Subscribe to The Ballot wherever you get podcasts.

    Ryan's Data Archive:

    United States PPV Attendance 1989-2025: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dXcW5T3BhRxea-XLp1XVHiRxACHMWiVqq4-x_ICFjuU/edit?usp=sharing

    Combined Wrestling Awards Chart: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tI0FN6CzPkpZ4tlRIA6WMUixiFQpO1W18CuncIp1N6A/edit?usp=sharing

    WON HOF Results - 2025: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zeZq4xg61b2pP-LYpHTRoJ8kYnWWG0gXfxfjz88imLA/edit?usp=sharing

    2 hr 47 min
  2. The Ballot: Salvador Lutteroth III with TheCubsFan of LuchaBlog

    Show notes

    Ryan is joined by the writer of the LuchaBlog, TheCubsFan, to discuss the WON Hall of Fame case of Salvador Lutteroth III.

    Get updated with everything Lucha Libre over on the LuchaBlog: https://thecubsfan.com/cmll/

    Follow TheCubsFan online: https://bsky.app/profile/luchablog.bsky.social

    Leave a comment, question, or reaction at 9495-BALLOT or 949-522-5568.

    Subscribe to The Ballot wherever you get podcasts.

    Ryan's Data Archive:

    United States PPV Attendance 1989-2025: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dXcW5T3BhRxea-XLp1XVHiRxACHMWiVqq4-x_ICFjuU/edit?usp=sharing

    Combined Wrestling Awards Chart: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tI0FN6CzPkpZ4tlRIA6WMUixiFQpO1W18CuncIp1N6A/edit?usp=sharing

    WON HOF Results - 2025: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zeZq4xg61b2pP-LYpHTRoJ8kYnWWG0gXfxfjz88imLA/edit?usp=sharing

    1 hr 23 min
  3. The Ballot: Ryan Struggles with His 2026 WON HOF Ballot - Part 1

    Show notes

    As a rambling madman, Ryan discusses his thoughts as he assembles his 2026 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame ballot, covering the regions of Modern US/Canada, Mexico, and Non-Wrestlers.

    Leave a comment, question, or reaction at 9495-BALLOT or 949-522-5568.

    Subscribe to The Ballot wherever you get podcasts.

    • The Data Archive: United States PPV Attendance 1985-2025: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dXcW5T3BhRxea-XLp1XVHiRxACHMWiVqq4-x_ICFjuU/edit?usp=sharing
    • Combined Wrestling Awards Chart: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tI0FN6CzPkpZ4tlRIA6WMUixiFQpO1W18CuncIp1N6A/edit?usp=sharing
    • WON HOF Results - 2025: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zeZq4xg61b2pP-LYpHTRoJ8kYnWWG0gXfxfjz88imLA/edit?usp=sharing

    1 hr 56 min
  4. The Ballot - Jeff Jarrett with Garrett Kidney

    Show notes

    Ryan is joined by the host of the “You’ve Got to be Kidding Me” podcast, Garrett Kidney, to discuss the WON Hall of Fame case of Jeff Jarrett

    Listen to “You’ve Got to be Kidding Me: A TNA History Podcast”: https://redcircle.com/shows/cbc69594-9956-431a-aac6-d51d2e19d2ae

    Read "The Case for Mike Tenay in the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame" by Garrett Kidney: https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2025/09/30/the-case-for-mike-tenay-in-the-wrestling-observer-hall-of-fame/

    Leave a comment, question, or reaction at 9495-BALLOT or 949-522-5568.

    Subscribe to The Ballot wherever you get podcasts.

    LINK DUMP:

    • Jeff Jarrett vs Kurt Angle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7064qyW3JO8
    • Jeff Jarrett vs Shawn Michaels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cWhhCIhxqQ
    • Best of Jeff Jarrett in Memphis Wrestling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvYaBWuRZQQ&t=10336s

    Ryan's Data Archive:

    • United States PPV Attendance 1985-2025: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dXcW5T3BhRxea-XLp1XVHiRxACHMWiVqq4-x_ICFjuU/edit?usp=sharing
    • Combined Wrestling Awards Chart: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tI0FN6CzPkpZ4tlRIA6WMUixiFQpO1W18CuncIp1N6A/edit?usp=sharing
    • WON HOF Results - 2025: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zeZq4xg61b2pP-LYpHTRoJ8kYnWWG0gXfxfjz88imLA/edit?usp=sharing

    1 hr 33 min
  5. The Ballot: The 2026 Ballots are Out!

    Show notes

    The 2026 WON HOF ballots are officially out!

    Ryan walks you through this year’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame ballot, along with some of the new names on the list. Plus, plenty of stats!

    Leave a comment, question, or reaction at 9495-BALLOT or 949-522-5568.

    Subscribe to The Ballot wherever you get podcasts.

    Ryan's Data Archive:

    Combined Wrestling Awards Chart: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tI0FN6CzPkpZ4tlRIA6WMUixiFQpO1W18CuncIp1N6A/edit?usp=sharing

    WON HOF Results - 2025: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zeZq4xg61b2pP-LYpHTRoJ8kYnWWG0gXfxfjz88imLA/edit?usp=sharing

    49 min
  6. The Ballot: R.I.P. Bill Dundee

    Show notes

    Ryan is joined by a plethora of guests to discuss the WON Hall of Fame case of Bill Dundee.

    Guests, in order of appearance:

    Joe Gagne

    Listen to the Five Star Match Game: https://redcircle.com/shows/18c9b3d9-f7f4-46c1-b05f-24184d1b5646

    Ethan Tyler

    Follow on Twitter: https://x.com/ETyler01

    Joseph Montecillo

    Check out his website: https://www.josephmontecillo.com/

    Rich Kraetsch

    Listen to The Flagship Wrestling Podcast: https://redcircle.com/shows/673cae7f-1dae-4c32-a3d5-c065f8876622

    Leave a comment, question, or reaction at 9495-BALLOT or 949-522-5568.

    Subscribe to The Ballot wherever you get podcasts.

    LINK DUMP:

    Bill Dundee Match Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-vPHmQLzoc08CxgMolG5AMigcOSUpQvv&si=g-8uC93yqQSmHF0H

    “The Life & Career of “Superstar” Bill Dundee (1943 – 2026)” by John Pollock: https://www.postwrestling.com/2026/09/11/the-life-career-of-superstar-bill-dundee-1943-2026/

    The Mount Rushmore of Memphis Wrestling: https://redcircle.com/shows/708996f0-f2c3-46bf-89af-bc0faee37072

    Ryan's Data Archive:

    Combined Wrestling Awards Chart: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tI0FN6CzPkpZ4tlRIA6WMUixiFQpO1W18CuncIp1N6A/edit?usp=sharing

    WON HOF Results - 2025: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zeZq4xg61b2pP-LYpHTRoJ8kYnWWG0gXfxfjz88imLA/edit?usp=sharing

    1 hr 21 min
  7. The Ballot: Tibor Szakacs with Ohtani's Jacket

    Show notes

    Ryan is joined by longtime forum poster Ohtani’s Jacket to discuss the WON Hall of Fame case of Tibor Szakacs.

    The British Guide to British Wrestling forum post by Ohtani’s Jacket: https://forums.prowrestlingonly.com/topic/15983-the-beginners-guide-to-british-wrestling/

    Leave a comment, question, or reaction at 9495-BALLOT or 949-522-5568.

    Subscribe to The Ballot wherever you get podcasts.

    LINK DUMP:

    Tibor Szakacs Match Playlist:

    https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCA6BC85D81161B46&si=vh1JURw95IMwGq7z

    Ryan's Data Archive:

    Combined Wrestling Awards Chart: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tI0FN6CzPkpZ4tlRIA6WMUixiFQpO1W18CuncIp1N6A/edit?usp=sharing

    WON HOF Results - 2025: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zeZq4xg61b2pP-LYpHTRoJ8kYnWWG0gXfxfjz88imLA/edit?usp=sharing

    1 hr 43 min
  8. The Ballot: Coloso Colosetti with Ethan Tyler

    Show notes

    Ryan is joined by wrestling historian Ethan Tyler to discuss the WON Hall of Fame case of Coloso Colosetti.

    Leave a comment, question, or reaction at 9495-BALLOT or 949-522-5568.

    Subscribe to The Ballot wherever you get podcasts.

    LINK DUMP:

    Coloso Colosetti Match Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD9_bIQ8RSZQ&si=In9ZpNDwnHys0G74

    LuchaWorld Magazine: https://www.luchaworld.com/2014/01/09/looking-back-superluchas-100-feb-4-1993-100-greatest-from-1933-thru-1993/#google_vignette

    Ronald’s WrestlingClassics page: http://wrestlingclassics.com/.ubb/cache-SYJY8SE2/ubb_files/forums/Forum10/005742-3.cgi

    Ryan's Data Archive:

    Combined Wrestling Awards Chart: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tI0FN6CzPkpZ4tlRIA6WMUixiFQpO1W18CuncIp1N6A/edit?usp=sharing

    WON HOF Results - 2025: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zeZq4xg61b2pP-LYpHTRoJ8kYnWWG0gXfxfjz88imLA/edit?usp=sharing

    2 hr 2 min
  9. The Ballot: KENTA with Joe Lanza

    Show notes

    Ryan is joined by Joe Lanza from The Flagship Wrestling Podcast to discuss the WON Hall of Fame case of KENTA.

    Listen to The Flagship wherever you get podcasts: http://theflagshippodcast.com/

    Order the “Baseball Prospectus 2026”: https://amzn.to/4foRc3y

    Leave a comment, question, or reaction at 9495-BALLOT or 949-522-5568.

    Subscribe to The Ballot wherever you get podcasts.

    LINK DUMP:

    All KENTA vs Marufuji Singles Matches: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhZRr7VfZpg&t=5022s

    KENTA vs Low Ki: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9EsybuVctM

    KENTA vs Kanemaru: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jciyeUNLaS0

    KENTA vs SUWA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wHjdH-7fSs

    KENTA vs McGuiness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdsBa9_XzpY

    Ryan's Data Archive:

    Noah Attendance 2000-2014:

    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tIYhEtpTU7EBQy5D2CgDvhW3-lNEcoy5cnApdhjGsHw/edit?usp=sharing

    Combined Wrestling Awards Chart: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tI0FN6CzPkpZ4tlRIA6WMUixiFQpO1W18CuncIp1N6A/edit?usp=sharing

    WON HOF Results - 2025: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zeZq4xg61b2pP-LYpHTRoJ8kYnWWG0gXfxfjz88imLA/edit?usp=sharing

    1 hr 51 min
  10. The Ballot: Kane with Adam Berger

    Show notes

    Ryan is joined by Adam Berger to discuss the WON Hall of Fame case of Kane

    Leave a comment, question, or reaction at 9495-BALLOT or 949-522-5568.

    Subscribe to The Ballot wherever you get podcasts.

    LINK DUMP:

    Read Adam Berger's article "Who Are the Biggest Wrestling PPV Draws of All-Time?": https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2022/10/31/who-are-the-biggest-wrestling-ppv-draws-of-all-time/

    Kane's Debut: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASmdxXaOzd4

    Team Hell No & Ryback vs. The Shield: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObS3sjWZoEg

    Ryan's Data Archive:

    United States PPV Attendance 1989-2025: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dXcW5T3BhRxea-XLp1XVHiRxACHMWiVqq4-x_ICFjuU/edit?usp=sharing

    Combined Wrestling Awards Chart: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tI0FN6CzPkpZ4tlRIA6WMUixiFQpO1W18CuncIp1N6A/edit?usp=sharing

    WON HOF Results - 2025:

    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zeZq4xg61b2pP-LYpHTRoJ8kYnWWG0gXfxfjz88imLA/edit?usp=sharing

    1 hr 57 min
  11. The Ballot: Gunther with John Pollock

    Show notes

    Ryan is joined by John Pollock from POST Wrestling to discuss the WON Hall of Fame case of Gunther/Walter. Plus, they discuss the passing of Ted Turner and his importance to pro wrestling.

    Listen to POST Wrestling on all available podcast platforms or go to postwrestling.com for wrestling coverage.

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/post-wrestling/id1328332258

    Leave a comment, question, or reaction at 9495-BALLOT or 949-522-5568.

    Subscribe to The Ballot wherever you get podcasts.

    LINK DUMP:

    Walter vs Daisuke Sekimoto: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7gfv1t

    Walter vs Ilja Dragunov: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x814kfz

    Ryan's Data Archive:

    United States PPV Attendance 1989-2025: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dXcW5T3BhRxea-XLp1XVHiRxACHMWiVqq4-x_ICFjuU/edit?usp=sharing

    Combined Wrestling Awards Chart: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tI0FN6CzPkpZ4tlRIA6WMUixiFQpO1W18CuncIp1N6A/edit?usp=sharing

    WON HOF Results - 2025:

    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zeZq4xg61b2pP-LYpHTRoJ8kYnWWG0gXfxfjz88imLA/edit?usp=sharing

    1 hr 45 min
  12. 1 hr 43 min
  13. Los Espantos with “American Numbers” Arturo Galletti

    Season 3, Episode 5

    Show notes

    Ryan is joined by Arturo Galletti from The P[w]rescription podcast to discuss the WON Hall of Fame case of Los Espantos.

    Follow Arturo Galletti on Twitter; @AmericanNumbers

    Listen to Arturo Galletti on The P[w]rescription Podcast

    Check out Arturo's WON HoF Reference Guide

    Leave a comment, question, or reaction at 9495-BALLOT or 949-522-5568.

    Subscribe to The Ballot wherever you get podcasts.

    Subscribe to the Count Out! Youtube channel.

    LINK DUMP:

    Espanto I vs. El Santo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yDFJMD8_KM

    Ryan's Data Archive:

    United States PPV Attendance 1989-2025: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dXcW5T3BhRxea-XLp1XVHiRxACHMWiVqq4-x_ICFjuU/edit?usp=sharing

    Combined Wrestling Awards Chart: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tI0FN6CzPkpZ4tlRIA6WMUixiFQpO1W18CuncIp1N6A/edit?usp=sharing

    WON HOF Results - 2025: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zeZq4xg61b2pP-LYpHTRoJ8kYnWWG0gXfxfjz88imLA/edit?usp=sharing

    2 hr 13 min
  14. Booker T with Fred Morlan

    Season 3, Episode 4

    Show notes

    Ryan is joined by Fred Morlan from The Good, The Bad & The Hungee AEW Podcast to discuss the WON Hall of Fame case of returning candidate, Booker T. Then, they discuss the Observer Awards and their role in a HOF conversation.

    Follow Fred Morlan on Bluesky; @flagrantstats.bsky.social

    Listen to Fred Morlan on "The Good, The Bad, & The Hungee AEW Podcast"

    Leave a comment, question, or reaction at 9495-BALLOT or 949-522-5568.

    LINK DUMP:

    Booker T vs. Bret Hart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCbux5JPp3A

    United States PPV Attendance 1989-2025: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dXcW5T3BhRxea-XLp1XVHiRxACHMWiVqq4-x_ICFjuU/edit?usp=sharing

    Combined Wrestling Awards Chart: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tI0FN6CzPkpZ4tlRIA6WMUixiFQpO1W18CuncIp1N6A/edit?usp=sharing

    Subscribe to The Ballot wherever you get podcasts.

    Subscribe to the Count Out! Youtube channel.

    2 hr 9 min
  15. Le Petit Prince with Phil Lions

    Season 3, Episode 3

    Show notes

    Ryan is joined by wrestling historian Phil Lions to discuss the WON Hall of Fame case of French Catch star, Le Petit Prince.

    Follow Phil Lions on Twitter @Phil_Lions

    Phil Lions Pro Wrestling History Research Guide

    Leave a comment, question, or reaction at 9495-BALLOT or 949-522-5568.

    LINK DUMP:

    Le Petit Prince Match Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-NXRyL_vtH025qgxuK3984DwO12GMLJh

    Le Petit Prince Facebook Page (run by his Daughter): https://www.facebook.com/PetitPrinceDanielDubail

    Le Petit Prince Advert: https://x.com/Phil_Lions/status/1930968552799871351

    Subscribe to The Ballot wherever you get podcasts.

    Subscribe to the Count Out! Youtube channel.

    1 hr 48 min
  16. Tam Nakano with Scott E.

    Season 3, Episode 2

    Show notes

    Ryan is joined by Scott E. to discuss the WON Hall of Fame case of Tam Nakano.

    Leave a comment, question, or reaction at 9495-BALLOT or 949-522-5568.

    Watch Scott's"Tam Nakano's Legacy: A Personal Look at STARDOM's Twilight Dream | Five Star" Video

    Ryan's Stardom Attendance Research: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1e4L0czWWhPRyh0ap2AdGLfOPUAjJq6iWfhIgHro-Hdg/edit?usp=sharing

    LINK DUMP:

    Tam Nakano vs Saya Kamitani: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp4Q22HbQlw

    Tam Nakano vs Giulia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLI0P-uK_q8

    Tam Nakano vs Arisa Hoshikli: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7tabdp

    Subscribe to The Ballot wherever you get podcasts.

    Subscribe to the Count Out! Youtube channel.

    1 hr 53 min
  17. Zack Sabre Jr. with Curtis Spears

    Season 1, Episode 1

    Show notes

    Ryan is joined by Curtis Spears from the Okada's Shorts podcast to discuss the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame case of Zack Sabre Jr.

    LINK DUMP:

    Subscribe to The Ballot wherever you get podcasts.

    Subscribe to the Count Out! Youtube channel.

    1 hr 25 min
  18. 2026 Primer & More

    Season 3, Episode 1

    Show notes

    Ryan previews the 2026 HOF season of The Ballot with an introduction of all the first-time nominees. Plus some news!

    Call the Hotline at 9495-BALLOT or 949-522-5568

    Subscribe to The Ballot wherever you get podcasts.

    Subscribe to the Count Out! Youtube channel.

    44 min
  19. The WON HOF 2025 Results with Fred Morlan & Adam Berger

    Season 2, Episode 16

    Show notes

    Ryan is joined by returning guests Fred Morlan and Adam Bergere to discuss the results of the 2025 WON Hall of Fame voting. Who got in? Who were the biggest movers and shakers? Why Kane?

    Subscribe to The Ballot wherever you get podcasts.

    Subscribe to the Count Out! Youtube channel.

    2 hr 15 min
  20. Ryan Struggles with his WON HOF Ballot - Part 2

    Season 2, Episode 15

    Show notes

    Ryan is back to discuss his thoughts in his 2025 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame ballot, covering the regions of Historical US/Canada, Non-Wrestlers, and the Rest of the World.

    Subscribe to The Ballot wherever you get podcasts.

    Subscribe to the Count Out! Youtube channel.

    1 hr 19 min