Wrestling Life with Ben Veal

Former WCW wrestler Lodi (Brad Cain) joins Wrestling Life with Ben Veal to look back on Raven’s Flock, his memorable ringside signs, his controversial run with Lenny in the West Hollywood Blondes and the chaos behind the scenes in World Championship Wrestling during the height of the Monday Night Wars.

From the WCW Power Plant to becoming Raven's personal trainer to sitting front row on Nitro, this conversation explores how Lodi found his place in professional wrestling as part of The Flock faction alongside Raven, Billy Kidman and Perry Saturn, and teaming with Lenny Lane as the West Hollywood Blondes.

Beyond WCW, the conversation explores Brad’s struggles with addiction, the role of faith in rebuilding his life, surviving a heart attack, helping to train the next generation (including 14-time world champion Charlotte Flair) and what his future now has in store.

22-year-old Leon Slater officially became the YOUNGEST world heavyweight champion in professional wrestling history at TNA Bound For Glory 2026, pinning Nic Nemeth for the gold. Now the real challenge begins for the sensational young star: defending the title against all comers, starting with Trey Miguel at TNA Destination X!Leon Slater joins Wrestling Life with Ben Veal to reflect back on a journey that began as a nine-year-old wrestling trainee in Bradford, England, and has since seen Slater share the squared circle with the likes of AJ Styles, Oba Femi and The Hardy Boyz.The future of professional wrestling has arrived here on Wrestling Life!

What happens when the wrestling company you built your dreams around suddenly disappears?Lash LeRoux joins Wrestling Life with Ben Veal to look back on his journey from answering an advert for the WCW Power Plant to becoming the “Ragin’ Cajun”, competing in WCW’s cruiserweight division and joining Misfits in Action (MIA) as Corporal Cajun.We explore his WCW Nitro debut against Billy Kidman, working with Disco Inferno, teaming with Chavo Guerrero Jr. and a WCW World Tag Team Championship reign that lasted just minutes.The conversation also covers WCW’s final days, the WWF developmental opportunity that never led to a main-roster run, and being part of TNA’s very first pay-per-view.Beyond the ring, we discuss Lash’s talent for caricatures, Curt Hennig’s encouragement, stepping away from wrestling and finding a new sense of purpose through artwork, faith and life as a pastor.This is an inspiring interview about chasing a dream, navigating uncertainty and discovering what success means when the spotlight moves on.

Six-time Knockouts Champion. An unforgettable part of The Beautiful People. A career worthy of celebration.

Angelina Love joins for a very special episode as we welcome her into the Wrestling Life Hall of Fame!

From her championship success in TNA Wrestling to her partnership with Velvet Sky as The Beautiful People and her Women of Honor World Championship victory in Ring of Honor, Angelina has built a career packed with memorable moments.

In this special induction episode, we celebrate the talent, charisma and determination behind that success, honour her contribution to the Knockouts division and recognise her lasting impact on women’s wrestling.

He sounded just like pro wrestling’s biggest stars. But there was only one Jason Sensation.Former WWF personality and wrestling impressionist Jason Sensation (Jason Tavares) joins Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for his most open, honest and vulnerable interview yet.For Attitude Era fans, Jason needs little introduction. His Owen Hart impersonation alongside D-Generation X in their famous Nation of Domination parody on Monday Night Raw secured him a place in the memories of a generation of wrestling viewers.Now, it’s time to hear from the man behind the impressions. Don't miss this conversation with one of the most distinctive personalities from wrestling’s biggest boom period, looking back on how the professional wrestling industry changed his life forever.

episode contains sensitive discussion around the topic of sexual abuse and sexual harassment. Discretion is advised.

What happens when you achieve your childhood dream of becoming a WWE Superstar, only to then have to start all over and find a new direction in life?

Kris Pavone, known to WWE fans as Caylen Croft, joins Wrestling Life with Ben Veal to discuss his journey from Ohio Valley Wrestling to WWE’s main roster, teaming with Trent Barreta as The Dude Busters, and finding a whole new purpose after leaving professional wrestling.

Starting out as Chris Cage, Kris became an OVW Heavyweight and Tag Team Champion, learning under Jim Cornette and Paul Heyman and teaming with future WWE Champion The Miz.

This conversation explores WWE’s developmental system, the planned partnership with The Miz on WWE television, and the release that forced Kris to reassess his dream.

A second WWE opportunity brought a new name, a partnership with Trent Barreta and a main-roster debut on ECW. Kris reflects on The Dude Busters’ run, their move to SmackDown and the potential the team never had the chance to fulfil.

The interview also explores Edge’s support for the team, advice received from The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels and the challenge of speaking up for yourself behind the scenes.After his WWE release in November 2010, Kris chose to walk away from wrestling.

His next chapter took him into elementary school art teaching, children’s books and coaching, drawing on lessons from the ring to help others find confidence and direction.

This is an open, honest and inspiring conversation about ambition, second chances and learning to move forward when a lifelong dream comes to an end.

Legendary WWE referee Jimmy Korderas returns to Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for a special episode celebrating his induction into the Wrestling Life Hall of Fame.

Across 22 years with WWE, Jimmy had a ringside view of some of wrestling’s biggest moments, working through Hulkamania, the New Generation, the Attitude Era and Ruthless Aggression eras. In this conversation, he looks back on the friendships, career highlights and difficult experiences that shaped his life inside the squared circle.

Jimmy discusses receiving the Cauliflower Alley Club’s Charlie Smith Referee Award in 2026, breaking into wrestling as a driver and ring crew member, collecting André the Giant and Tim White in Jack Tunney’s Cadillac, and Pat Patterson’s role in his journey to becoming a referee.

Jimmy also reflects back on being the referee for the iconic main event between The Undertaker and Adam 'Edge' Copeland at WrestleMania 24, how the tragic death of Owen Hart personally impacted him, and becoming part of the WWF referee strike angle in 1999.

This conversation with veteran pro wrestling referee Jimmy Korderas explores the often overlooked art of refereeing: communicating between wrestlers and backstage, helping a match tell its story and knowing when to stay out of the spotlight.

He's The Mountie! He's Handsome! He's Brave! He's Strong!

Wrestling Life Hall of Famers Jacques Rougeau, best known to WWE fans as The Mountie and one half of The Quebecers and The Fabulous Rougeaus, joins Wrestling Life with Ben Veal to reflect his career, his two-day Intercontinental Championship reign and his views on the wrestling business today.

In this no-holds-barred conversation, Jacques responds to claims made by The Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer about his backstage behaviour at a recent AEW show, and also speaks frankly about his former trainee, current WWE star Kevin Owens.

The conversation also dives into The Mountie’s brief but memorable run as WWF Intercontinental Champion, The Rougeaus' infamous backstage clash with The Dynamite Kid, and Jacques Rougeau's historic pinfall win over Hulk Hogan in Montreal.

Subscribe to Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for more in-depth interviews with wrestling legends and stars.

How did a lifelong KISS fan become The Demon in World Championship Wrestling, and why did one of WCW’s most ambitious crossover characters never fulfil its full potential?

Dale Torborg joins Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for an exclusive interview exploring his journey from professional baseball to WCW, becoming the KISS Demon and the backstage politics surrounding the character inspired by Gene Simmons.

After a fastball to the face changed the direction of his baseball career, Torborg found a new path in professional wrestling. From his early days as The MVP to the famously demanding WCW Power Plant, this conversation follows the experiences that brought him beneath The Demon’s iconic face paint.

The interview explores WCW’s partnership with KISS, Brian Adams portraying The Demon during the character’s spectacular Nitro introduction, and the wider plans for a Warriors of KISS faction. It also looks at the contractual “main event” against The Wall at SuperBrawl 2000 and how The Demon became caught in the politics surrounding Eric Bischoff and WCW’s final years.

Dale also discusses his appearances in TNA and the lasting legacy of The Demon in pro wrestling history.

Could The Demon have become a major star if WCW had fully committed to the idea?

Subscribe to Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for more interviews exploring the careers, stories and people behind pro wrestling.

Sarah Page, known to wrestling fans as Chyna Syndrome, has an extraordinary connection to the late WWE icon Chyna.

What began as admiration for “The Ninth Wonder of the World” grew into a tribute that has caught the attention of fans and people worldwide, as Sarah Page pays tribute to the remarkable life and legacy of Joanie Laurer.Sarah joins Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for an exclusive interview, sharing all about the journey that led to her transformation into Chyna Syndrome and why Joanie’s story means so much to her. Sarah Page also talks about the positive response that she has received from many in the wrestling community, from Mick Foley to Jacques Rougeau to DX members X-Pac and Billy Gunn, and discusses her remarkable experiences and success in the world of bodybuilding.

What happened to The Forgotten Sons after the public backlash to Jaxson Ryker’s 2020 social media post? Where is former WWE and TNA star Chad Lail now?

In this exclusive, in-depth Wrestling Life with Ben Veal conversation, Chad Lail opens up about the moments that shaped his career, the opportunities that slipped away and his life after wrestling.

Known to TNA fans as Gunner and WWE fans as Jaxson Ryker, Chad spent more than two decades in professional wrestling. In this interview, he looks back on joining TNA’s Immortal faction, working with Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff, becoming TNA Television Champion, pinning Sting and winning the TNA World Tag Team Championship alongside James Storm. He also revisits his World Championship match against Magnus (Nick Aldis) which took place before a very vocal crowd in Manchester, UK.

Chad discusses his move to WWE, the creation of The Forgotten Sons with Wesley Blake and Steve Cutler, and their call-up from NXT to SmackDown, as well as the reaction inside the WWE locker room to his 2020 Twitter post, the group’s sudden loss of momentum, his eventual return on Raw alongside Elias, and his release from WWE in 2021.

Away from the ring, Chad reflects on serving as a Marine in Iraq, retiring from wrestling in 2023 and finding purpose beyond Gunner and Jaxson Ryker. He also shares what inspired his faith-focused Walk Worthy Podcast and what he hopes people will learn about the man behind his wrestling characters.

From Phil Shatter to Gunner to Jaxson Ryker, this is a candid conversation about TNA, WWE, faith, setbacks and starting a new chapter.

Maria Kanellis joins the Wrestling Life Hall of Fame as we celebrate her remarkable 20+ year career in professional wrestling and sports entertainment.

From breaking into WWE through the 2004 Raw Diva Search to becoming one of the most recognisable and beloved on-screen personalities of the Ruthless Aggression era, Maria built a strong connection with wrestling fans worldwide through her charisma, humour and natural ability in front of the camera.

Her career would eventually take her far beyond WWE, with memorable runs in Ring of Honor, TNA/IMPACT Wrestling, New Japan Pro-Wrestling and AEW.

In this special Hall of Fame induction episode, we revisit Maria’s entire wrestling journey, including her WWE debut and the evolution of her on-screen character. We also explore her successful partnership with husband Mike Bennett, their time together as part of The Kingdom and Maria’s reinvention as an accomplished manager, producer, creative mind and fierce advocate for women’s wrestling.

The episode celebrates Maria’s championship success, her influence behind the scenes and her determination to create more opportunities for female performers through Women’s Wrestling Army. It also reflects on the challenges she has overcome, the lessons learned throughout her career and the legacy she continues to build across the professional wrestling industry.

Congratulations to Maria Kanellis, the newest inductee into the Wrestling Life Hall of Fame!

Butterbean looked like a brawler, punched like a wrecking ball and became one of the most recognisable fighters of his generation.

In this exclusive Wrestling Life with Ben Veal interview, Eric “Butterbean” Esch reflects on his extraordinary journey from toughman contests to becoming a global boxing attraction: knocking opponents out, selling out arenas and building a cult following along the way.

But Butterbean’s story didn’t stop at boxing.

Butterbean also talks about what it was really like stepping into the unpredictable world of professional wrestling, facing Marvelous Marc Mero at In Your House: D-Generation X and his first round knockout of Bart Gunn at WrestleMania XV following the infamous Brawl For All tournament. Could Butterbean have made it as a full-time wrestler?

Eric also speaks honestly about the toughest fight of his life. After years of declining health, chronic pain and limited mobility, he joined forces with WWE Hall of Famer Diamond Dallas Page. With the help of DDP and DDP Yoga, Butterbean began an incredible physical and emotional transformation that helped him lose weight, regain his mobility and take back control of his life, all chronicled in DDP's series Change or Die.

This is more than a boxing or pro wrestling interview. It’s a story of knockout power, wrestling controversy, hard-earned lessons and one truly HEAVYWEIGHT comeback.

Hardcore Country! WWE legend and TNA Hall of Famer Mickie James joins Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for an open, inspiring and honest conversation about her remarkable journey through the world of professional wrestling.

From breaking into the business and becoming a multiple-time WWE Women’s Champion to memorable runs in TNA Wrestling, Mickie James reflects on the defining moments of her career, the evolution of women’s wrestling and the challenges she faced along the way, from the highs of beating Trish Stratus at WrestleMania 22 to being released twice by WWE.

Mickie also discusses balancing wrestling with motherhood, her passion for country music, the importance of knowing your worth, the legacy she hopes to leave behind, and being ringside at WWE Summerslam 2026 as husband, Smackdown General Manager Nick Aldis, made his in-ring debut against Gunther.

The most controversial man in professional wrestling RETURNS to Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for another unfiltered conversation.

Vince Russo joins the show to talk more about Total Nonstop Agony: The Rise and Fall of TNA Wrestling.

Vince discusses his "complicated relationship" with Jeff Jarrett and explains what REALLY happened with Double J. Vince Russo also talks about the infamous TNA Victory Road 2011 match between Jeff Hardy and Sting, what's wrong with WWE creative and Triple H's booking in 2026, his longstanding issues with Eric Bischoff, and a whole lot more.

Join Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for an in-depth, inspiring conversation with one of the most positive content creators in the pro wrestling space today, Tom from Tom Talks Rubbish!

Tom shares his unique story of how he became "the interviewer of wrestling journalists" and his passion for diving deep into the lives of grappling content creators. Tom talks about his journey as a WWE fan, how Batista drew him into the product in late 2009, and his experiences as a disabled wrestling fan, living life with cerebral palsy.

Since 2021's first Tom Talks Rubbish episode with guest Adam Pacitti of Culatholic Wrestling, Tom has pursued his passion with positivity and great enthusiasm.

Please check out this episode and give Tom a follow!

--

Buy BADD TO GOOD, the inspiring story of wrestling wildman Marc Mero with Ben Veal:Amazon UK - https://amzn.eu/d/01YvfRTrAmazon US - https://a.co/d/00vd2eMJAmazon CA - https://a.co/d/00lAAvqhSubscribe to Wrestling Life with Ben Veal:Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2cTdAV4LRqhVyztgTzu6Td?si=af7772a418bc43c1Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/wrestling-life-with-ben-veal/id1712714175YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@UCJWcY3n_ypqnj9vRp4lnRkg Be sure to support our show partners:Title Run Toys - https://titleruntoys.comFocus Finance Solutions - https://www.theffs.co.uk Episode produced by Tall Oak Productions in association with Wrestling Life Online.

Bill Eadie (Demolition Ax) Interview: Talks WWE Hall of Fame, Demolition, André the Giant, Vince McMahon, No Holds Barred & Wrestling's Greatest Tag TeamsBill Eadie has lived one of the most remarkable careers in professional wrestling history.Known to millions of wrestling fans worldwide as Demolition Ax, as well as The Masked Superstar and Super Machine, Bill competed at the highest level and faced many of the biggest names that the wrestling industry has ever seen.In this exclusive Wrestling Life with Ben Veal interview, Bill Eadie reflects on an incredible journey that has now been recognised with his long-awaited induction into the WWE Hall of Fame as one half of the legendary Demolition, alongside Barry Darsow (Smash).We discuss:🏆 Demolition's emotional WWE Hall of Fame induction in 2026🏆 The creation and inspiration behind Demolition🏆 The record-breaking 478-day WWF Tag Team Championship reign🏆 Working alongside and becoming close friends with André the Giant🏆 The truth behind the comparisons with the Road Warriors🏆 Wrestling legends including Hulk Hogan, Bob Backlund and Roddy Piper🏆 The Masked Superstar and the legendary Cobra Clutch Challenge🏆 The brutal steel cage matches that lasted up to 90 minutes🏆 The Machines and teaming with André the Giant and Blackjack Mulligan🏆 Appearing opposite Hulk Hogan in the 1989 WWF movie No Holds Barred🏆 Leaving the WWF in 1990 and saying goodbye to longtime partner Barry Darsow🏆 The WWE concussion lawsuit and its impact on Bill's relationship with Vince McMahon🏆 Why Demolition's popularity has endured for more than four decadesBill also shares heartfelt memories of André the Giant away from the spotlight, revealing the side of André that very few people ever got to see.This is an honest, funny and fascinating conversation with one of wrestling's true legends, covering over 50 years inside the business, from Bill's beginnings as a teacher and football coach to becoming one of the most iconic tag team wrestlers of all time.If you enjoy long-form wrestling interviews, classic wrestling stories and behind-the-scenes history from industry legends, then you will love this episode!

Former WWE & TNA star Matt Morgan joins Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for one of his most open and in-depth interviews yet.Known to wrestling fans as "The Blueprint", Matt Morgan reflects on his incredible journey from Tough Enough and OVW to WWE, TNA Wrestling, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, All Japan Pro Wrestling, and beyond.Matt discusses working with legends including Brock Lesnar, Paul Heyman, Kurt Angle, Sting, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Jim Cornette, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Abyss, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and many more, while sharing honest thoughts on the highs, frustrations and defining moments of his wrestling career.Matt also opens up about recovering from opioid addiction, how being a proud autism dad has changed his life since wrestling, and the importance of neurodiversity inclusion.In this exclusive interview, we discuss:🏆 Why he chose to retire from professional wrestling🏆 His transition from WWE to becoming one of TNA's biggest stars🏆 The origins of The Blueprint🏆 His memorable WWE runs, including the infamous stuttering gimmick🏆 The Survivor Series team alongside Brock Lesnar, Big Show and A-Train🏆 Working in Japan with NJPW and AJPW🏆 Jim Cornette, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair and the Main Event Mafia🏆 Nearly returning to WWE in 2014🏆 Life after wrestling, business success and public office🏆 Fatherhood and raising a child with autism🏆 The biggest lessons from a remarkable careerThis is a fascinating conversation with one of wrestling's most unique big men, covering everything from the biggest matches and backstage stories to family, life after wrestling, and the LEGACY that Matt Morgan hopes to leave behind.

Former WCW Cruiserweight, Television and Tag Team Champion Alex Wright RETURNS to Wrestling Life with Ben Veal!

From breaking into the wrestling business at a young age to becoming one of WCW's most recognisable international stars, Alex shares behind-the-scenes stories from the Monday Night Wars, his memorable matches, the evolution of his iconic "Das Wunderkind" character, and what it was really like competing alongside wrestling legends.

In this exclusive conversation, we discuss:

• Alex Wright's journey into professional wrestling
• Life behind the scenes in WCW
• Working with some of the biggest names of the era
• Memorable matches and career highlights
• The rise of Berlyn and character evolution
• His thoughts on today's wrestling landscape
• Life after wrestling and what he's doing now.

This interview offers rare insights into one of wrestling's most unique careers.

Three-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, WWE Hall of Famer and the creator of DDPY, the legendary Diamond Dallas Page returns to Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for an inspiring and revealing conversation covering his legendary wrestling career, his life-changing fitness program and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.In this exclusive interview, DDP discusses:🔥 Bringing DDPY back to the UK and Europe this summer🔥 How DDPY became a global movement that has transformed lives🔥 The mindset that separates people who change their lives from those who never do🔥 Breaking into pro wrestling at 35 and proving everyone wrong🔥 Becoming a main event star in WCW🔥 Winning his first WCW Championship at Spring Stampede 1999🔥 His unforgettable rivalry with Macho Man Randy Savage🔥 Watching Cody Rhodes evolve into one of wrestling's biggest stars🔥 His emotional return at the 2015 Royal Rumble🔥 His final match in AEW at age 63 As always, DDP brings positivity, honesty, and incredible perspective to a conversation that spans decades of professional wrestling history and personal growth.Get your tickets now for DDP's European Tour! https://www.diamonddallaspage.com/european-tour/If you enjoy the interview, please LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more exclusive conversations with wrestling's biggest names.