Podcast
The Ballot - A Wrestling Hall of Fame Podcast
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
-
2 hr 47 min
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
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1 hr 23 min
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
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1 hr 56 min
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 33 min
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=10336sRyan'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 -
49 min
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
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1 hr 21 min
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
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1 hr 43 min
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
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2 hr 2 min
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
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1 hr 51 min
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
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1 hr 57 min
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
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1 hr 45 min
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
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1 hr 43 min
Andreas Lambrakis with Lionmark Luke
Season 3, Episode 6
Show notes
Ryan is joined by Lionmark Luke to discuss the WON Hall of Fame case of Andreas Lambrakis.
Read Luke's article "Andreas Lambrakis & Haralambos Karpozilos: Two (Nearly) Forgotten Stars From the Rest of the World" on voicesofwrestling.com
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:
Andreas Lambrakis vs. Gorgeous George: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DW1K32RIwTU
Phil Lyons's Lambrakis research: http://wrestlingclassics.com/cgi-bin/.ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=005209;p=0http://wrestlingclassics.com/cgi-bin/.ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi
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
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2 hr 13 min
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
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2 hr 9 min
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
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1 hr 48 min
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
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1 hr 53 min
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
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1 hr 25 min
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:
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44 min
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
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2 hr 15 min
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?
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1 hr 19 min
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.
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