The Union Smack Podcast

Union Smack Shorts: Uncle Elmer vs. Adrian Adonis - April 7, 1986

Travis takes a look at the WrestleMania 2 bout between Uncle Elmer and 'Adorable' Adrian Adonis.

Union Smack Shorts: Yokozuna vs. ’Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan - February 6, 1993

'Maniac' Matt spotlights the classic 'Knockdown Challenge' between Yokozuna and 'Hacksaw' Jim Duggan from the February 6, 1993, WWF Superstars. The match that saw the mighty Yokozuna crush the ribs of the valiant Duggan with a cavalcade of Banzai Splashes. 

Union Smack Shorts: Big Van Vader vs. Stan Hansen - February 10, 1990

'Maniac' Matt looks at the historic bout between Big Van Vader and Stan Hansen for the IWGP World Championship at AJPW vs. NJPW Super Fight. The match that nearly cost Vader his vision as well as his eye. 

AWA WrestleRock

Travis is joined by special guest co-host, JD from the Red Leaf Retrocast, to spotlight AWA's WrestleRock from 1986. Including the infamous WrestlRock Rumble song.

WCW Superbrawl 2000

Travis is joined by special guest co-host, the multi-talented artist Optic Decay, (while 'Maniac' Matt takes a break) to review WCW Superbrawl 2000. Including a star turn by James Brown, Big T vs. Booker T for the rights to Harlem Heat, the cashing of another Hulk Hogan cheque, and a Triple Threat Match for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, plus much more.

Union Smack Shorts: Ricky Steamboat vs. Bret Hart - March 8, 1986

Travis takes a look at the lost classic between Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat and a young Bret Hart from the March 8, 1986, WWF on NESN Network television show.

Union Smack Shorts: Razor Ramon vs. Rocky Maivia - January 11, 1997

'Maniac' Matt tells the story of the little known meeting between 'Fake' Razor Ramon and a young Rocky Maivia on the second edition of WWF Shotgun Saturday Night from January 11, 1997.

Union Smack Shorts: Earthquake vs. Tugboat - February 9, 1991

'Maniac' Matt delves into the lengthily rivalry between Earthquake and Tugboat leading to their titanic clash on February 9, 1991, and the formation of The Natural Disasters. 

Union Smack Shorts: The Undertaker vs. Tito Santana - October 5, 1991

'Maniac' Matt spotlights the historic match between The Undertaker and Tito Santana from Barcelona on October 5, 1991.

A Touch of Adrian Street

'Maniac' Matt spotlights several bouts from the career of the Welsh wrestling legend, 'Exotic' Adrian Street. Including clashes with Bill Dundee, Terry Taylor, Dusty Rhodes, and 'Gentleman' Chris Adams.

Union Smack Shorts: Big Van Vader vs. Ricky Steamboat - October 16, 1993

Big Van Vader puts his WCW World Heavyweight Championship on the line against Ricky Steamboat in a Lumberjack Match on the October 16, 1993, WCW Saturday Night in the latest episode of Union Smack Shorts.

Union Smack Shorts: Tatanka vs. Ludvig Borga - October 30, 1993

In this edition of Union Smack Shorts, the story of the end of Tatanka's undefeated streak at the hands of Ludvig Borga on the October 30, 1993, WWF Superstars.

Royal Rumble 1992

Royal Rumble season is upon us and to celebrate, 'Maniac' Matt and Travis travel back in time to look at arguably the greatest Royal Rumble in history as The New Foundation battle The Orient Express, and Ric Flair triumphs over 29 other men to lift the WWF Championship.

Union Smack Shorts: Jay Briscoe - A Tribute

Travis pays tribute to former ROH superstar, Jay Briscoe, who passed away in a tragic car accident on January 17, 2023. 

Superstar Series - Rick Martel

The Superstar Series returns with a deep dive into the career of Rick Martel, from his introduction to the business through his brother Michael, to his forced retirement after an injury in 1998.

The State of Wrestling Address 2023

'Maniac' Matt and Travis return to kick off another year of professional wrestling with the State of Wrestling Address for 2023. Looking at the return of Vince McMahon and the potential sale of WWE, Mercedes Mone's debut for NJPW, Money in the Bank coming to London, and the tiresome star system of Dave Meltzer.

Union Smack Shorts: Cyndi Lauper - The Goonies ’R’ Good Enough - 1985

The first episode of 2023 sees Travis go solo for his special on the 1985 wrestling music video, The Goonies 'R' Good Enough.

Union Smack’s Christmas Cracker

In the final episode of 2022, Travis and 'Maniac' Matt sit around the fire and open the presents of the best and very worst of professional wrestling at Christmas. Including Fritz Von Erich vs. The Great Kabuki, Roddy Piper vs. Greg Valentine and The Rock's 12 Days of Christmas.

Question Time: Episode 7 - Part 2

The final Question Time of 2022 sees the Union Smack crew answer your questions on Doink the Clown, the hostility of the AEW fanbase, whether The Rock was overrated between the ropes, and whether The British Bulldog should have been WWF Champion at SummerSlam 1992.

Question Time: Episode 7 - Part 1

The first part of the seventh episode of Question Time sees Travis and 'Maniac' Matt answer questions on Vince McMahon's greatest match, Ronnie Garvin's forgettable run in the WWF, the idea of Dan Spivey replacing Scott Hall as Razor Ramon and the possibilities of Jerry Jarrett taking over WWF in 1992 and creating 'The Heartbreak Kid' Jeff Jarrett plus much, much more.

Survivor Series 1988

A trip to the archives sees Survivor Series season rounded off with a retro review of Survivor Series 1988 as The Mega Powers battle The Twin Towers and ten of the 80's finest tag teams do battle in one of the greatest Survivor Series Elimination bouts of all time.

Union Smack Shorts: Kamala vs. Bam Bam Bigelow (The Match That Never Happened)

The second Union Smack Shorts looks into the WrestleMania 9 Match that never happened between Kamala and Bam Bam Bigelow.

Union Smack Shorts: Marty Jannetty vs. Doink the Clown - June 21, 1993

The premier of Union Smack Shorts sees the classic 2 Out of 3 Falls Match between Marty Jannetty vs. Doink the Clown from the June 21, 1993, Monday Night Raw go under the spotlight. 

’Mr. Wonderful’ Paul Orndorff: The Best Of

'Maniac' Matt takes a look at a selection of Paul Orndorff's best matches throughout his career, including battling Hulk Hogan at The Big Event, the main event of Survivor Series 1987, and the hard hitting Falls Count Anywhere Match against Cactus Jack at Superbrawl 3.

Best of The British Bulldog

In an episode from the archives, 'Maniac' Matt and Travis spotlight the Coliseum Home Video release of Davey Boy Smith, The British Bulldog.

Question Time - Episode 6

In the return of Question Time, Travis and 'Maniac' Matt debate the finest moments of the feud between The Rock and John Cena, contemplate whether Jerry Lawler's appearance at King of the Ring 1993 was the correct decision, and answer the question of who was the most successful King of the Ring winner plus much, much more.

The Return of The Ultimate Warrior

'Maniac' Matt delves into the 1992 Coliseum Home Video release of The Return of The Ultimate Warrior featuring bouts against Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania 6, Papa Shango, and Brian Knobbs plus more.

Survivor Series 1996

In an episode from the archives, Travis and 'Maniac' Matt delve into Survivor Series 1996, the end of Shawn Michaels' WWF Championship reign, and the debut of Rocky Maivia.

WWF King of the Ring 1993

In an episode from the archives, Bret Hart competes in three different matches in one night to be crowned the inaugural King of the Ring, while Hulk Hogan bows out of the WWF in his final televised match against Yokozuna with the WWF Championship on the line. 

Superstar Series - Razor Ramon

In the first episode of the Superstar Series, Scott 'Razor Ramon' Hall goes under the spotlight as Travis and 'Maniac' Matt delve into the legendary career from beginning to end.

Question Time - Episode 5

Question Time returns as Travis and 'Maniac' Matt answer your queries which this month take in SummerSlam 1992, the legacy of Greg Valentine, Vince Russo's scrapped booking plans, and whether AEW has cost Tony Khan more than the company is worth.  

In Your House 27: St. Valentine’s Day Massacre

The Union Smack Podcast arrives at its final destination on a journey that has taken over two years, the last In Your House event. As Stone Cold Steve Austin and Vince McMahon do battle inside a Steel Cage to determine The Rock's challenger at WrestleMania XV, whilst 'The Corporate Champion' goes to war with Mankind in a match that would foreshadow their 1999 Royal Rumble classic.

WWF Battle Royal At The Albert Hall

In this episode from the archives, Travis and 'Maniac' Matt look at one of the all time classic WWF events from British shores as Ric Flair battles Tito Santana, The Legion of Doom go to war with Power and Glory, and Davey Boy Smith stands against 19 other men in a Battle Royal under the roof of the famous Royal Albert Hall.

NXT UK August 2022: Full Circle

NXT UK has come to a tearful end. In the final NXT UK review, Matt and Travis look back on the last month of the brand's history, delve into Worlds Collide 2022 (NXT UK's last stand), reminisce on the last four years of a truly special time in professional wrestling, and bid a fond farewell to the brand that spawned this very podcast.

In Your House 26: Rock Bottom

After The Rock survived the Deadly Games Tournament at Survivor Series to become the new WWF Champion, 'The Corporate Champion' enters his first defence against Mankind. Meanwhile, a spot in the 1999 Royal Rumble is up for grabs when Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Undertaker go to war in a Buried Alive Match.

WWF’s Hottest Matches

The return of Travis to The Union Smack Podcast sees the Coliseum Video release of WWF's Hottest Matches go under the microscope as Strike Force collide in singles action, Jake Roberts and Shawn Michaels battle The Million Dollar Man, and 'Macho King' Randy Savage teams with Queen Sherri to oppose Dusty Rhodes and Sapphire.

In Your House 25: Judgment Day

The WWF Championship lays vacant with The Undertaker and Kane ready to do battle once more to crown a new champion. However, the wrath of Stone Cold Steve Austin waits in the wings as he eyes revenge on Vince McMahon and the regime that cost him his gold.

NXT UK July 2022: The Barry Horowitz of NXT UK

A transitional month of NXT UK sees a new star rise in Josh Morrell, Kenny Williams come face-to-face with the mysterious Tiger Turan, a new NXT UK Heritage Cup Champion crowned, and Ilja Dragunov make his final defence of the NXT UK Championship.

In Your House 24: Breakdown

As the was between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Vince McMahon intensifies, the chairman unveils his latest ace in the hole when The Undertaker and Kane join forces to try and wrestle the WWF Championship away from 'The Texas Rattlesnake.'

SummerSlam 1992

In an episode from the archives to celebrate SummerSlam week, 'Maniac' Matt and Travis look back at one of the greatest SummerSlam events in history as The British Bulldog challenges Bret Hart for the WWF Intercontinental Championship at Wembley Stadium in London, England.

In Your House 23: Fully Loaded

After losing the WWF Championship to Kane at King of the Ring only to regain it 24 hours later, Stone Cold Steve Austin aligns himself with The Undertaker to challenge Kane and Mankind for the WWF Tag Team Championships. 

In Your House 22: Over the Edge

As the war between Mr. McMahon and Stone Cold Steve Austin intensifies, the Chairman appoints himself special guest referee to make sure there's no chance in hell his nemesis leaves with the WWF Championship. Elsewhere, Faarooq eyes The Rock and the WWF Intercontinental Championship after his banishment from The Nation.

NXT UK June 2022: ”I Never Needed You”

After five years as the pinnacle of NXT UK's tag team division, Moustache Mountain implode following the loss of their NXT UK Tag Team Championships. 

In Your House 21: Unforgiven

After defeating Shawn Michaels for the WWF Championship at WrestleMania 14, Stone Cold Steve Austin defends his newly won crown against former friend Dude Love with Mr. McMahon willing to go to any lengths to trap The Texas Rattlesnake.

In Your House 20: No Way Out of Texas

The NWA Invasion of the WWF begins, The Rock eyes leadership of The Nation of Domination, and thanks to a devastating back injury suffered at the Royal Rumble, WWF Champion Shawn Michaels is unable to captain DX in the main event forcing officials to choose a mystery replacement.

In Your House 19: D-Generation X

The last In Your House of 1997 crowns an inaugural WWF Light Heavyweight Champion, sees the return of 'Double J' Jeff Jarrett, and is rounded off by a WWF Championship defence by Shawn Michaels against 'The World's Most Dangerous Man' Ken Shamrock in one of the most disappointing events of all time. 

NXT UK May 2022: Discarding An Ace

A Loser Leaves NXT UK Match sees Jordan Devlin challenge Ilja Dragunov for the NXT UK Championship, while Sha Samuels settles a score with NXT 2.0's Damon Kemp, and the walls begin to close in on Moustache Mountain's reign as NXT UK Tag Team Champions.

Question Time - Episode 4

In the final edition of Question Time (until September) find out which was Ron Simmons' greatest faction, how Clash in the Castle in fairing in the United Kingdom, and whether or not Roddy Piper vs. Ric Flair had the interest to headline WrestleMania, plus much much more.

5th Anniversary Special: Rowdy Roddy Piper’s Greatest Hits

On the five year anniversary of The Union Smack Podcast, 'Maniac' Matt delves into the Coliseum Video release of Roddy Piper's Greatest Hits and pays tribute to Travis, who has decided to step down from the show.

In Your House 18: Badd Blood

The In Your House train stops at Badd Blood for the first and greatest Hell in a Cell Match in history, the debut of Kane, and an event overshadowed by the sudden death of Brian Pillman. 

NXT UK April 2022: Rainbow Coloured Maggots

Travis and 'Maniac' Matt delve into NXT UK for the month of April and look at the problem revolving around Ilja Dragunov's title reign, the slow dissention of Gallus, and the influx of NXT 2.0 stars headed across the pond in this omnibus review. 

Question Time - Episode 3

The Union Smack Podcast returns with the third instalment of Question Time, answering questions about the future of NXT UK, the worst theme tunes in professional wrestling history, and what could have been with Vader's WWF tenure.

In Your House 17: Ground Zero

The Union Smack Podcast boards the In Your House train at Ground Zero for beginning of the epic Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels feud.