AEW Unrestricted Season 1, Episode 36: Leva Bates

1

Jon Moxley

Jon Moxley had quite a collection of wrestling VHS tapes (ask your parents, kids), missed out on Hulkamania, became a Bret Hart fan, and pondered what The Undertaker was really like outside the ring. And those are just some of the stories he's sharing as he talks about his days on the indies, his jump to WWE, and his surprise AEW debut at Double or Nothing! He also recounts his rock bottom moment at WWE, overcoming his recent injuries, and how things really work in his house with wife, Renee Young!

55 min

2

The American Nightmare Cody

AEW Executive VP, The American Nightmare Cody, talks about the emotional Double Or Nothing match with brother Dustin Rhodes, the one thing that kept going through Cody's mind during that match, and why his Full Gear bout with Chris Jericho was a game-changer for Cody. He also discusses Star Wars vs Star Trek, his Harry Potter house affiliation, the #SternFacedLady who trended on twitter, his stellar high school wrestling career, his back-up plan during his lowest days at WWE, and his father's amazing legacy.

55 min

3

Jim Ross

Good Ole' JR, Jim Ross, joins the AEW pod to talk about his early days as a referee for NWA, how he started in the announce booth, and his journey to AEW. He also talks about his love of John Wayne, his upcoming new book, "Under The Black Hat," and he shares some great stories from the set of the 1999 movie about Andy Kaufman, "Man On The Moon."

55 min

4

Tony Khan

AEW founder, President and CEO Tony Khan might be more excited about AEW and its future than the fans! He talks about turning a "wild gamble" into a "successful business," how one Macho Man Halloween costume led AEW to TNT, when he originally got the idea for AEW and who he approached first, and what inspires some of "Dynamite's" creative angles and characters. Tony speaks to discovering wrestling as a kid, some of his favorite childhood performers and matches, tape trading, and how World's Best Wrestling developed into AEW.

55 min

5

Billy Gunn

Billy Gunn turned a rodeo scholarship into a career in pro wrestling! Ok, not exactly, but he's got a great story about how he went from a rodeo ring to a wrestling ring! He's also got a great story about how he ended up at AEW after being fired by WWE for the fourth time! Billy's talking D-Generation X, New Age Outlaws, the Smoking Gunns, and what it was like working in the ring with everyone from Road Dogg to The Rock to Stone Cold Steve Austin and Terry Funk (one of the toughest guys ever in the business). Plus, he speaks to his great friendship with Chyna, and his new tag team, The Gunn Club, with his son, Austin.

55 min

6

The Young Bucks

Matt and Nick Jackson of The Young Bucks have plenty to say about the creative process of AEW, their boss, Tony Khan, and how much life has changed since AEW launched.

55 min

7

Brandi Rhodes

Brandi Rhodes wears multiple hats for AEW. She describes her roles as Chief Brand Officer, in-ring talent, and advisor to the Women's Division!

55 min

8

Taz

Taz talks about his wrestling start in Puerto Rico, learning kayfabe the hard way, the inspiration behind the Human Suplex Machine and much more!

55 min

9

Dustin Rhodes

Dustin shares stories, speaks candidly about his WWE career, his relationship with his father, the late, great Dusty Rhodes and more!

55 min

10

Dean Malenko

Dean Malenko is one of the greatest technical wrestlers of all time, and a super funny guy! He shares stories from his incredible wrestling career. Plus, Dean talks AEW and assesses some of AEW’s upcoming, young talent!

55 min

11

Aubrey Edwards

Aubrey Edwards may be the co-host of AEW Unrestricted, but that isn’t stopping Tony Schiavone from putting AEW’s ref in the hot seat! The tables are turned as Tony asks Aubrey about her days reffing on the indie wrestling scene and more!

55 min

12

Tony Khan Pt. 2

Tony Khan returns to share serious behind-the-scenes details about what it took to keep AEW Dynamite going during the coronavirus pandemic!

55 min

13

Excalibur

Excalibur is the man behind the mask and the announce table for AEW Dynamite. He’s talking about the early days of PWG, his own wrestling start and more!

55 min

14

Britt Baker

Dr. Britt Baker DMD is a real dentist, and went to dental school and wrestling school simultaneously. She talks about that experience, her stint on the indie wrestling scene that led to AEW and more!

55 min

15

Darby Allin

Darby Allin is passionate about filmmaking, skateboarding, and professional wrestling, and explains how all three led him to AEW. He talks tattoos, his straight edge lifestyle, and how living in his car motivated his work ethic.

55 min

16

Hangman Page

Hangman Adam Page is talking cowboy shit, backyard wrestling, dick flips, and Jimmy Page! He’s got stories about ROH, NJPW, the Bullet Club, Joey Ryan, and BJ Whitmer. He’s also a smart dude who graduated from Virginia Tech in two years, and went on to teach highschool, and lived to tell the tale. Plus, he’s sharing what inspired his name, his favorite “Being The Elite” angles, what he thinks about his tag team chemistry with Kenny Omega, and how he originally got hooked up with The Young Bucks.

55 min

17

Kris Statlander Pt. 1

Kris Statlander came to pro-wrestling after training to become a stunt woman! She talks about stunt work, and how it’s different from pro-wrestling. She also talks about training with Curt Hawkins, some of her favorite matches on the indie scene, why she opted not to sign with WWE, and how she came to AEW. Plus, Kris describes her very first wrestling gimmick, what inspired The Alien, how her competitive gymnastics career has helped in the wrestling ring, and what makes her move set different from most others in the biz. And then there's her obsession with both pixie sticks and working out!

55 min

18

Shawn Spears

Shawn Spears has stories about the genius in putting Tully Blanchard’s face on his underpants for “Double or Nothing,” the idea behind the Shawn Spears News Network, and how he balances home life and work life with his wife, Cassie Arneill, who also happens to be a superstar wrestler herself! Plus, Shawn’s talking his rivalry with Cody, his quest for the TNT Championship, what commentary has taught him about his own in-ring performance, getting permission from Bret Hart to use the sharpshooter, why he started up the Flatbacks Wrestling School with Matthew Clement, and the state of the indie wrestling scene and the expectations for its post-pandemic recovery!

55 min

19

Tony Khan Fyter Fest Preview

The Bossman, Tony Khan, returns to talk all things Fyter Fest! He breaks down the two-night card match-by-match! Hear his thoughts on breakout star, Orange Cassidy, rising star Penelope Ford, the return of the Lucha Bros, the debuts of FTR and Brian Cage, Chris Jericho on commentary, and what we can expect from the Big Swole and Dr. Britt Baker DMD feud in the future!

55 min

20

Brian Cage

Brian Cage is a self-described nerd who collects action figures and trading cards, and loves horror movies and video games! He’s also the latest to challenge Jon Moxley for the AEW World Champion title at Fyter Fest . Brian describes his road to AEW, his surprise appearance at “Double Or Nothing,” debuting in the Casino Ladder Match (fresh off a bicep injury), and being managed by Taz. He talks about his first conversation with AEW bossman Tony Khan, his multiple weddings to Melissa Santos, what he loved about Lucha Underground, and the “three Cs” who inspired his pro wrestling career and in-ring moves.

55 min

21

Nyla Rose

The Beast Nyla Rose loves cereal, any food with cheese, too many PS4 games to mention, and her grandmother for introducing her to wrestling as kid! She shares her favorite wrestlers growing up, training, working in Japan, and the unique way she communicated with her fellow Japanese wrestlers. She also reveals how one DM from Kenny Omega changed her life, her initial reaction to seeing herself on a larger-than-life billboard in Las Vegas, and the inspiration and meaning behind her mask and in-ring attire. Did we mention the swords?

55 min

22

Colt Cabana

Colt Cabana is pretty much the Godfather of Wrestling Podcasts, and basically revolutionized the independent wrestling scene with his approach to content, fan engagement, and merchandising! He’s telling those stories, and talking about the indie spirit of AEW and why now was the right time for him to join the team, what he loves about working for Tony Khan, Brodie Lee and the Dark Order, his favorite moments on #AEWDynamite so far, and navigating the new world of PPW (Pandemic Pro Wrestling). You’ll also hear his thoughts on comedy wrestling, Subway cards, the possibility of a 4th installment of the “Wrestling Road Diaries," and what he’s loving about Twitch (can you say Jackbox?)!

55 min

23

Big Swole

Big Swole explains the swole mentality, and shares some great stories about her journey to AEW, her feud with Britt Baker, hanging out with Terry (aka Hulk Hogan) and Macho Man Randy Savage as a kid in Clearwater, Florida, surviving Crohn’s Disease, a lightning strike, the “nightmare virus,” and being paralyzed, and why she ditched her husband on their Wedding night! Swole also talks motherhood, career, the importance of listening, and why she’s not afraid of anyone except the Lord and her mama!

55 min

24

Sonny Kiss

Sonny Kiss is a 90s nostalgia fan, eats a plant-based diet, answers to “she” or “he” (and explains why), makes her own fragrances, and is about to be a college grad! She also kicks some serious ass in the ring on her own, and with tag partner, Joey Janela! Sonny talks Lucha Underground, wrestling blindfolded, Dustin Rhodes, and dance! Plus, Sonny details her journey to AEW, and spills some behind-the-scenes tea about filming that awesome gas station vignette with Joey.

55 min

25

Private Party

If this ain’t water, then what is it? That’s just one question that Private Party answers during this crazy conversation that includes stories about saving helpless children from burning buildings, and beating Sting and the Undertaker in a dream tag team match! In more serious moments, Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen talk Matt Hardy and the Hardy Boyz, training at House of Glory, the advice they got from Jericho on how to elevate their tag team game, and what it meant to defeat The Young Bucks last year in the very first match of the AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament.

55 min

26

AEW Unrivaled: Action Figures with Jeremy Padawer

The AEW Unrivaled Series I action figures are available now, and Series II is coming soon! Discover what it took to the get the figures designed, created, and delivered from Jeremy Padawer, longtime wrestling fan and partner in Jazwares, the toy company producing the AEW line. Jeremy shares the inspiration behind the performers and accessories chosen for Unrivaled Series I and II, what collectors will love about the packaging, how they were able to capture such fine details in the figures, and when Series II and III will be available. He also answers a bunch of fan questions about future products, representation of the AEW Women’s Division, most popular figures, and highest value collectibles.

55 min

27

Sammy Guevara

Sammy Guevara returned to AEW Dynamite under the mask of Serpentico (and also wearing Serpentico’s boots apparently)! Sammy has stories about that night, Chris Jericho, the Inner Circle, the Stadium Stampede, Mike Tyson, and Cody. He also recounts his WWE tryout, his conversations with Vince McMahon, Road Dogg, and Triple H, and how he ended up training with Booker T in Houston. Plus, Sammy talks thumb tattoos, Rey Mysterio, and killing promotions (like Lucha Underground). Did we mention Mt Fuji? Yeah, that’s covered too.

55 min

28

Ricky Starks

The Stroke Daddy, Ricky Starks, is talking about more than just his killer golf swing (wink, wink)! He details his journey to AEW, how he prepared to challenge TNT Champion, Cody, and why he was so surprised by what happened before and after that match. Ricky talks WWE, The Undertaker, The Rock, burning tables, wrestling inanimate objects, and Whataburger vs In-N-Out.

55 min

29

Tony Khan Pt. 3

Tony Khan returns to preview the upcoming All Out PPV (Saturday, September 5th). Tony breaks down the card, sharing details on the making of the Mimosa Mayhem Match between Chris Jericho and Orange Cassidy, and how he was able to arrange for NWA Women’s Champ Thunder Rosa to challenge AEW Women’s Champ Hikaru Shida. Tony also talks Matt Cardona, the rise of MJF, the possible departure of Matt Hardy, FTR’s impact, and the domination of Brodie Lee and The Dark Order. Plus, you’ll find out how Jon Moxley found out about his #1 ranking in the 2020 PWI Top 500.

55 min

30

Eddie Kingston

Eddie Kingston hates Dairy Queen, is a self-described mama’s boy, loves ECW, and tells it like it is with no BS! He explains the real-life circumstances behind the challenge he issued to Cody that resulted in his contract with AEW. He speaks to the art of cutting promos, his close ties to the indie scene, his “New York boys” (what up Homicide!) and his positive attitude. He also tells tales from his days with Chikara, PWG, Ring of Honor, and Lucha Underground.

55 min

31

Best Friends and Orange Cassidy

Best Friends, Trent? and Chuck Taylor, have plenty to say about Trent’s mom, Sue and her minivan (and what kind of royalties they’re paying her for that t-shirt). They also talk about their friendship, how they became a tag team, and their road to AEW. Plus, they speak to the indie scene, wrestling in Japan, and how they befriended Orange Cassidy. And if you listen really carefully you just might hear that trademark Orange Cassidy “thumbs up.”

55 min

32

The Butcher and The Blade

How long were The Butcher & The Blade hiding under the ring before their surprise AEW Dynamite debut, and whose idea was that? Andy Williams and Jesse Guilmette answer those questions, along with what it’s like working with Jesse’s real-life wife, Allie (aka The Bunny)! They also talk about the movies and music that inspired their gimmick, how they got started tag teaming, their BFF status outside the ring, the Buffalo wrestling scene, and the time that Orange Cassidy came to an Every Time I Die concert, and literally almost died! Plus, Andy & Jesse answer the age-old question, “does pineapple really belong on pizza?”

55 min

33

Miro

Miro has arrived at AEW, and has plenty of advice about love and marriage for Kip Sabian. Miro talks about being “The Best Man,” his AEW debut, and his first promo on AEW Dynamite. He also speaks to his childhood in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, attending a sports oriented high school, moving to the United States at the age of 19, all the odd jobs he had before his pro-wrestling career, why Hulk Hogan vs The Rock is the best match of all time, and that sex addict storyline at WWE. Plus, Miro answers your questions about music, video games, John Cena, and The League of Nations.

55 min

34

Anniversary Special

It’s the one-year Anniversary of AEW Dynamite on TNT, and we’re celebrating the occasion with a special episode featuring all of the current Dynamite Champions (at least at the time of recording)! Women’s Champion Hikaru Shida talks Nyla Rose, how she got started in wrestling, and what she’s learning from Harry Potter! TNT Champion Brodie Lee remembers his AEW debut as The Exalted One in the front of no audience during the early days of the pandemic, and his favorite moment to date – pinning Cody Rhodes! Tag Team Champs FTR have plenty to say about Jurassic Express, The Butcher and The Blade, tag team wrestling psychology, and working with Tully Blanchard. And of course, Jon Moxley recalls beating Jericho for the title at Revolution, and then defending it against the likes of Darby Allin and MJF. And speaking of MJF… hmmmm.

55 min

35

FTR

FTR's Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler have plenty to say about the art of cheating, learning tag team wrestling psychology, the Carolina wrestling scene, their journey to AEW, and their proudest career moments. They’ve also got amazing Dusty Rhodes stories, favorite Bret Hart matches (and text messages), words of wisdom from Tully Blanchard, and a good reason why you should never blend a cheeseburger and drink it down!

55 min

36

Leva Bates

“The Librarian” Leva Bates once pepper-sprayed Sting and Hulk Hogan in the face, dressed up and wrestled as Britney Spears, and used her indie wrestling career to fund her K-pop habit! Leva talks training at the Dudley Boys’ Team 3D Academy, her run as Blue Pants at WWE, mixing cosplay with wrestling, being obsessed with Michelle Pfeiffer’s catwoman, and the viral video that landed her a job at AEW!

55 min

37

Mr. Brodie Lee

Mr. Brodie Lee shares his journey to AEW, including his arrival as the Exalted One, how the pandemic impacted his AEW debut, and relishing his creative freedom on the mic. He speaks to the evolution of his suits, addresses the Vince McMahon comparisons, and explains why the great Terry Funk would be both a good and bad choice to join the Dark Order. Plus, Brodie breaks down the dog collar match with Cody, and what it was like having Greg Valentine sit front-row for that performance. There are also stories about the Dark Order numbers, “Being The Elite” filming, beard hygiene and care, the Stanley Cup and the Maple Leafs, and what AEW might look like in 2030.

55 min

38

Tony Khan Previews Full Gear 2020

Tony Khan returns with a breakdown of the Full Gear 2020 PPV card! He reveals which match he thinks will steal the show, which he’s been excited to book since the inception of AEW, and which is a confrontation that’s been brewing for years before AEW’s launch! He has thoughts on Eddie Kingston’s impact, Darby Allin’s title chances, the future of the Inner Circle, Nyla Rose and Vickie Guerrero’s working relationship, and Cody’s TNT Championship reign. Plus, Tony Khan reveals what Chris Jericho originally pitched for the “Dinner Debonair,” what inspired Eric Bischoff’s return to Dynamite, and why the Orange Cassidy vs John Silver match got bumped up from the buy-in to PPV card!

55 min

39

Cody Rhodes

Call him Cody Rhodes! The American Nightmare returns with legal use of his full name, and the story explaining how it happened. He’s also talking about AEW’s first year of TV, what he sees for the company’s future, the exciting young talent that he thinks will be breakout stars next year, and why he plans to stop wrestling at age 40! Cody shares details behind the steel chair shot he took to the head from Shawn Spears at Fyter Fest, and what he said to Shawn just before they went to the ring. He recounts driving John Cena around while at WWE, and why he firmly believes that “nobody is a nobody” in professional wrestling.

55 min

40

Jade Cargill

Jade Cargill made a hell of a debut on AEW Dynamite, and she shares exactly what it took to prepare for that! She talks about training at the Nightmare Factory with QT Marshall, what she continues to learn from Dustin Rhodes, and how WWE Superstar Chyna taught her to love her body! Jade also speaks to her fierce silver-haired look, her college basketball career, starting and running her own fitness business, and being a mom to 3-year old daughter, Bailey. She details her daily workout routine, her personal motto, and the importance of being a positive role model.

55 min

41

Anna Jay

Anna Jay got signed to AEW and soon found herself recruited to the Dark Order! Hear how that happened, why she doesn’t wear a mask, and how she keeps a straight face when filming BTE with John Silver. Anna’s also talking about training at the Nightmare Factory with QT Marshall, tagging with Tay Conti, the impact that Jerry Lynn has had on her development and AEW career to date, and learning the sleeper hold from Arn Anderson in order to choke out Brandi Rhodes on Dynamite. She remembers bonding with her dad over wrestling, the promos he used to cut on her as a kid, and the inspiration for her Star Of The Show gimmick. And she answers fan questions about Brodie Lee, the Bella twins, and the AEW Women’s World Championship.

55 min

42

Wardlow

Wardlow is the newest member of the Inner Circle, and eating chicken is his third favorite thing to do after wrestling and working out! He chronicles his journey to AEW, his cage match against Cody, and why his loss to Hangman Adam Page remains one of his favorite matches so far. Wardlow also details his WWE tryout, his training in a dungeon in Cleveland, and how he ended up in the Pittsburgh indie wrestling scene. He talks DC comics, his love of Bret “The Hitman” Hart and Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig, developing the devastating corner knee strike, and his lone wolf mentality.

55 min

43

Dark Order's Silver & Reynolds

Dark Order’s John Silver and Alex Reynolds bring a whole new meaning to “Unrestricted” as they talk Beaver Boys, Bloody Nips, and “slops!” They shed a little light on the status of Dark Order numbers, the AEW locker room, BTE filming, and why John Silver might be the best kisser in all of AEW. They shoot on their journey to AEW, the New York indie scene, and working MSG for WWE. Plus, Alex sets the record straight on his Dynamite injury, eating steak with the Exalted One, and competing on Dancing With The Stars. And if you want to know if Ref Aubrey and Tony Schiavone #JoinDarkOrder, be sure to listen to the bitter (and very funny) end.

55 min

44

Jurassic Express

Jurassic Express derails things pretty quickly as Luchasaurus, Jungle Boy, and Marko Stunt tell tales about their tag team partnership and origins! Hear stories about the Young Bucks and Cody scouting at Bar Wrestling, Jungle Boy’s ring entrance on Luchasaurus’ shoulders, and the reason why Marko Stunt was last to sign with AEW. Jungle Boy talks about his dad, late actor Luke Perry, training with actor David Arquette in David’s backyard wrestling ring, and throwing-up backstage before his big match with Chris Jericho. Marko Stunt remembers the invite he received for the Battle Royal at All In Chicago from the Bucks and Cody, and his match against Joey Janella his first day at AEW. He also speaks candidly about his size in the wrestling ring, and proving doubters wrong. Plus, Luchasaurus shares stories from his days on “Big Brother,” how he started wearing the mask, and what inspired him to get a PhD in medieval history.

55 min

45

Sting

It’s Sttiiiiiinngg! And you’ll discover exactly how he came to be at AEW, and all that went into The Icon’s surprise debut! Sting recounts his conversations with Tony Khan, his first steps backstage at Dynamite, walking through Gorilla on his way to the ring, the snowfall at Daily’s Place, and the fans’ reaction to his appearance. He also talks WCW, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, and his surreal, final match at WCW. And Sting shares stories about the evolution of his character (from neon surfer Sting to The Crow version), his relationship with Dusty Rhodes and the Rhodes family, his early days tag teaming with Jim Hellwig (aka Ultimate Warrior), what Hacksaw Jim Duggan said to him the first time they met, his Wrestlemania moment, WWE Hall of Fame induction, and Vince McMahon.

55 min