"Behind the Mat: The Jody Malenko Chronicles Shoot"

Wrestling Shoot Interviews - A podcast by Louis Joylon West

 Step into the untold stories of wrestling with "Behind the Mat: The Jody Malenko Chronicles." In this rare and unedited interview, Jody Simon, famously known as Jody Malenko, offers an unprecedented look into the world of professional wrestling. From his reflections on the tragedies that have plagued the sport to his in-depth discussions on wrestling psychology, training techniques, and the global impact of legends like Carl Gotch, Jody pulls back the curtain on the realities of life inside and outside the ring. As the son of one of wrestling's greatest technicians and a seasoned wrestler himself, Jody shares his unique perspective on the industry's past and present, highlighting the challenges of the territory days, the rise of strong style wrestling in Japan, and the personal sacrifices that come with a life dedicated to the sport. This interview is a must-listen for fans who crave authentic, behind-the-scenes insights from a true insider.Get ready to dive deep into the world of professional wrestling with "Behind the Mat: The Jody Malenko Chronicles." In this rare and unfiltered interview, Jody Malenko shares his untold stories and insights into the wrestling industry. From the heartbreaking tragedies that have rocked the sport to the intense training methods that shaped some of the greatest wrestlers of all time, Jody offers a candid look at what it takes to survive and thrive in the squared circle. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the world of wrestling, this interview will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the art, the athletes, and the legacy of professional wrestling.Introduction and Setup (00:00 - 01:38)The interview begins with technical difficulties due to someone forgetting a laptop, preventing the playing of music or the intro. The hosts, Eric Danger Nine Heist and Bobby Pro, joke about it. Jody Simon (aka Jody Malenko) is introduced as the guest.The intro music finally plays, and they banter about the inconvenience of long intros.Documentary Completion and Technical Issues (01:38 - 02:48)Jody mentions they just finished a documentary, expressing relief at having a break.Guy Metzger's announcement is mentioned, with some humorous complaints about the announcement process.They note the absence of Bobby’s laptop, leading to a more freestyle approach for the interview.Discussion on Serious Topics: Team Foxcatcher and Tragedy in Wrestling )The conversation shifts to serious topics, particularly the tragedy of Team Foxcatcher, where wrestler David Schultz was killed by John du Pont. Jody expresses awareness but notes he wasn’t deeply involved in that circle.They reflect on the numerous tragedies in the wrestling world, with Jody mentioning frequent calls from his brother about wrestler deaths.Pro Wrestling vs. Real Wrestling They discuss the distinction between pro wrestling as entertainment and “real wrestling,” with Jody emphasizing the blurred lines in public perception.The conversation delves into wrestling culture, touching on the secrecy and seriousness with which the wrestling business used to be guarded.Historical Anecdotes and Wrestling Culture Jody shares stories about wrestling culture, including how it was perceived and protected from outsiders. He mentions a cartoon that humorously depicted the lengths to which wrestlers would go to protect the business.Iron Sheik Stories and Wrestling Personalities The conversation turns to wrestling personalities, particularly the Iron Sheik. Jody shares various anecdotes about Sheik’s life, career, and struggles with addiction, including a story about being asked to procure drugs for him.They discuss Sheik’s reputation as both a legitimate tough guy and a...