On this episode of The Wrestling Odyssey, we do something a little different and dive into a full block of WWF Championship Wrestling TV tapings from June and July 1984.

Rather than covering one major event, we follow the television build toward Brawl to End It All and get a closer look at what weekly WWF TV actually felt like during this era, from squashes and promos to strange edits, chaotic formatting, and the early signs of the company’s push into the mainstream.

Along the way, LTD reacts to the rising tension around the MTV crossover, the growing spotlight on key personalities, and the wonderfully weird presentation of 1984 wrestling television.

If you’ve ever wondered what the road to one of WWF’s most important early specials looked like week by week, this is the episode for you.

Bend the knee.

Welcome back to The Wrestling Odyssey Podcast, brought to you by the Lord King.

In this episode, we travel to Texas for World Class Championship Wrestling’s Parade of Champions 1984, held on May 6th. This event carries a unique atmosphere and stands as one of the most important shows of the year for WCCW.

Featuring a stacked card with some of the biggest names in wrestling at the time, this show delivers a mixed bag of matches, with moments of energy and intensity but not quite living up to its full potential.

As always, this is a full review from a modern perspective, breaking down the matches, the characters, the storytelling, and whether this show still holds up today.

If you’re enjoying the journey through wrestling history, make sure to follow the podcast and join the court of the Lord King.

Bend the knee.

The Wrestling Odyssey continues as we head back to Philadelphia for another WWF Spectrum show from February 1984.

With Hulkamania beginning to take over the wrestling world, the WWF Champion makes one of his first title defences in Philly against the Masked Superstar. Elsewhere on the card, Andre the Giant and Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka are in action, the WWF Tag Team Titles are on the line, and Tito Santana faces off against the Iron Sheik in a heated Intercontinental Championship clash.

This card is a real mix of styles — from slow, methodical matches to chaotic finishes, strong crowd reactions and the early signs of larger storylines beginning to form.

Join LTD as he breaks down every match, reacts to the crowd, and gives his honest thoughts on another stop through wrestling history — the good, the bad, and the downright bizarre.

On this episode of The Wrestling Odyssey Podcast, we head to Dallas, Texas for World Class Championship Wrestling’s Star Wars event from January 30th, 1984.

This show features one of the most famous rivalries in wrestling history as The Fabulous Freebirds collide with the Von Erichs in a heated six-man battle with huge stakes for both teams. If the Freebirds win they can return to Texas and wrestle wherever they want, but if the Von Erichs win the Freebirds must leave the territory for a full year.

We also see NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair take on Mike Von Erich in a special 10-minute challenge match. If Mike can survive the time limit against the champion, his brother David Von Erich earns a shot at the NWA title.

Elsewhere on the card:

• Kamala vs Junkyard Dog
• The Super Destroyers vs King Parsons & Brian Adias
• Skandor Akbar vs King Parsons
• Chris Adams vs Jimmy Garvin inside a steel cage for the WCCW American Heavyweight Championship

The production quality might not be the best, but the Dallas crowd absolutely steals the show, especially during the legendary Freebirds vs Von Erichs rivalry.

As always we hand out our Match of the Night, Face of the Night, and Heel of the Night awards before giving the show an overall rating.

Brought to you by The Lord King.

Bend the knee.

Madison Square Garden. January 23rd, 1984. The night professional wrestling changed forever.

In this episode of The Wrestling Odyssey, LTD heads back to MSG just two days after the Spectrum show to witness the historic WWF Championship clash between The Iron Sheik and Hulk Hogan — the moment Hulkimania was born.

We break down the full card including:

• Sgt. Slaughter vs Ivan Putski in a hard-hitting brawl

• Mr. Wonderful Paul Orndorff and Roddy Piper delivering textbook heel work

• The Invaders drinking game returns (pray for your liver)

• And the unforgettable crowd reaction when Hogan wins the WWF Championship

Was the match itself great? Or was it the moment that mattered?

Plus: Match of the Night, Babyface of the Night, Heel of the Night, and the official ratings for every bout.

Hulkimania is here… and wrestling will never be the same again.

The Lord King Approves.

Bend the Knee.

In this episode of The Wrestling Odyssey Podcast, we travel to the Philadelphia Spectrum on January 21st, 1984 — a night that feels ordinary on the surface, but sits right on the edge of something much bigger.

The Iron Sheik defends the WWF Championship against Tito Santana in front of a hostile, USA-chanting crowd. Don Muraco brings attitude — and very little respect — to his Intercontinental Title defence against Salvatore Bellomo. Bob Backlund battles the Masked Superstar in a slow, grinding contest that tests the patience of everyone involved.

The Wild Samoans & Sgt. Slaughter collide with Andre the Giant, Jimmy Snuka, Tony Atlas and Rocky Johnson in a chaotic 2-out-of-3 falls main event packed with star power.

This episode also marks two important Wrestling Odyssey milestones:

• The debut of the Invaders Drink-Along Game
• The official birth of #FuckTheClaw

The crowd were loud. The holds were long. The moustaches were glorious.

I’ve been your host, LTD.

Bend the Knee.

On December 26, 1983 at Madison Square Garden, the WWF Championship changed hands in one of the most important main events of the early 1980s.

In this episode of the Wrestling Odyssey, LTD reviews Bob Backlund vs The Iron Sheik from MSG - the historic title match that ended Backlund`s long reign and set the stage for the next era of WWF.

After attempting to cover the December 4th Omni show from Georgia Championship Wrestling, we pivot to New York to break down the atmosphere, commentary from Gorilla Monsoon and Pat Patterson, Freddie Blassie at ringside, and the crowd reaction to one of wrestling`s most shocking moments.

How does the match hold up today ?

Did the storytelling outweigh the heavy use of holds ?

And what did the result mean for 1984?

Plus, with 1983 wrapped up, the first Wrestling Odyssey Awards are handed out - Including Match of the year, Face and Heel of the year, Show of the year and more.

The journey through wrestling history continues.

Bend The Knee.

The Wrestling Odyssey takes a look at WWFs house show at the Spectrum in Philadelphia which ran the same night as Starrcade.