Tag: Antonio Thomas

Left My Wallet: ‘The Taskmaster’ Kevin Sullivan

Posted on by Antonio Garza

Left My Wallet returns with legendary wrestler, booker, and sports fan, Kevin Sullivan.

Whether you know him as a young babyface in the WWWF or as The Taskmaster, after listening to this show, you will understand why he’s one of the most knowledgeable sports fans you have ever heard.

We discuss our love for former Boston Red Sox great Dwight Evans and which Hall of Famer Kevin thinks Evans was better than. He recalls his memories of going to Fenway Park as a nine-year-old in Boston to see Ted Williams play. We also discuss what he thinks baseball needs to do to garner more fan interest, some of the greatest players and pitchers he had ever seen, which players he feels should be in the baseball Hall of Fame, and who is playing today that’s an automatic Hall of Famer. 

He then gives his memories of Pat Patterson and working with him as a babyface in Florida. Finally, he makes his case as to why Johnny Rougeau should be in the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame and some of the booking philosophies he learned under Dusty Rhodes and Eddie Graham. 

HIs legendary career has spanned almost 50 years, but his knowledge and love of sports has spanned even longer. Join us for some baseball and wrestling talk from the one and only Kevin Sullivan.

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Left My Wallet: Love & basketball (and hip hop) with Lee Moriarty

Posted on by Antonio Garza

Left My Wallet returns with one of the brightest up-and-coming stars on the independent scene today: Lee Moriarty!

The Pittsburgh, PA, native has been making a name for himself in Game Changer Wrestling, Beyond Wrestling, and countless other promotions and now he stops by to talk about a myriad of subjects.

While not a huge sports fan, he does love basketball so we explored his love of Jimmy Butler and why he likes the hard nosed Miami Heat forward. We talked about his own experience with martial arts and sports growing up and what spawned his love of Bruce Lee.

Finally, we talk hip hop and delve into his love of all things Wu Tang Clan and how the combination of Bruce Lee, World of Sport, and Wu-Tang have influenced him as both a worker and graphic artist.

This is a quick and fun show that will bring you inside the world of one of my favorite current indie standouts.

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Left My Wallet: Lenny Leonard on the New York sports scene

Posted on by Antonio Garza

Left My Wallet is back with one of the most recognizable voices in professional wrestling today, Lenny Leonard.

Lenny lives in Florida, but his sports allegiance bleeds New York, specifically New York Jets green. We discuss the purgatory that is being a Jets fan, his thoughts on head coach Adam Gase, their lack of skill players and playmakers, and if he was crying tears of joy when they lost in the final seconds against the New England Patriots recently. Why would he be happy about losing? We talk about the possibility of them going 0-16 and landing the biggest NFL draft prize in recent years, Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence.

The focus then shifts to the New York Yankees and the outfielder Lenny feels should be a regular going forward. He also says what he thinks this team needs to do to get back to the World Series and what position player he has disdain for and wishes was traded. 

Any wrestling fan will know Lenny’s voice from his time commentating for SHIMMER, WWN Live, ROH, Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport III, and countless other shows the past 20 years. He definitely has a New York state of mind when it comes to sports, so join us for this fun 40 minute talk.

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Left My Wallet: When Garrett Met Sempervive

Posted on by Antonio Garza

This week’s Left My Wallet features the first-ever meeting between two of your favorite Figure Four Online personalities: WOR co-host Garrett Gonzales and WOL/Big Audio Nightmare co-host Mike Sempervive.

We all talked about some Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame candidates and compare them to Hall of Fame candidates in other sports.

Is the Ultimate Warrior comparable to Jose Canseco? Do Junkyard Dog and Daryl Strawberry have cases for their respective halls? Who do we equate to Sgt. Slaughter, the Hardys, Edge, Randy Orton, and so many more Observer ballot favorites to?

It’s a unique conversation debating the merits of the soon-to-be-released Observer inductees — an audio version of when the irresistible force meets the immovable object.

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Left My Wallet: Beyond Wrestling and the pandemic era of indie wrestling

Posted on by Antonio Garza

Left My Wallet returns with Drew Cordeiro, owner and promoter of Beyond Wrestling, to talk about the challenges, pitfalls, and positives of running shows during the pandemic.

Drew is someone who I know extremely well, having worked with him and Beyond for the last 18 months. He is passionate about his product and growing Beyond into one of, if not the top, independent wrestling promotions in the country.

We talk about what led him to run three shows over the summer and fall, the safety measures he had to follow in order to run, the logistics with reduced fan capacities, and running with no fans. He also delves into what went into his decision to cancel his November 8th “Tournament for Tomorrow” show.

Enjoy this story about his journey during the pandemic to bring fans the same in-ring action that Beyond has come to be known for.

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Left My Wallet: 2020 NFL & fantasy football preview with Vince Verhei

Posted on by Antonio Garza

The NFL season is here and so is Left My Wallet for the second time this week.

While the first episode followed our Observer league fantasy football draft, this episode is a NFL season preview with our resident football expert, Vince Verhei of the Bryan & Vinny Show and an assistant editor with Football Outsiders.

Vinny and I discuss our fantasy football league, which players he likes and doesn’t, underdrafted and overdrafted players, and more to get you primed for the fantasy season.

We then look at some of the surprise teams he thinks could emerge this NFL season and which might be a disappointment. Which highly hyped team does he think will bust? Which three win team could boom?

Tune in to a fun 2020 NFL season preview with the one and only Vince Verhei. Enjoy!

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Left My Wallet free show: How former WCW star Ice Train beat COVID-19

Posted on by Antonio Garza

Left My Wallet returns with a special free episode featuring former WCW star Ice Train, aka Harold Hogue.

The man with one of the greatest entrance themes ever joins the show to talk about his football career, why he didn’t play in the NFL, what brought him into pro wrestling, and who are some of today’s NFL stars he enjoys watching.

We also talk about his time in Europe, how much Fit Finlay meant to him in his development, his tenure in WCW and why he was his own worst enemy, why the Fire and Ice tag team with Scott Norton didn’t succeed, and why he never ended up in WWE.

He then talks about his own personal battle with COVID-19 as he, along with his wife and son, became infected earlier this year. He discusses what he did to fight through it, the one technique that might have saved his life, and the message he has for listeners on what to do to be as safe as possible in today’s world.

Finally, he talks about his own personal mission to break the world barbell curl record at the young age of 55!

Before our talk, Producer Rob joins the show for a quick segment to preview this years Wrestling Observer Fantasy Football League.

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Left My Wallet: AEW’s Pineapple Pete

Posted on by Antonio Garza

Left My Wallet is back with AEW’s Pineapple Pete.

While you may only know him from his time AEW, whether it’s facing Chris Jericho or cheering from the stands, he has been plying his craft around the world for over 16 years as Suge D or Sugar Dunkerton.

We talk about the inception of his Harlem Globetrotters-themed gimmick, how he incorporated basketball into his character, and his early start doing his ABA-esque persona. We then talk about Atlanta pro sports, their heartbreak in championship games, and a mini dive into the ABA. He also shares his thoughts about sports reopening and the current state of the NBA.

Finally, we discuss our love for British wrestling and he shares some of his favorites from World of Sport including some hidden gems currently working today.

It’s a Southern themed show talking both the ATL and a little bit of rasslin’. 

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Left My Wallet: Marc Copani/Muhammad Hassan on sports, school & Shad

Posted on by Antonio Garza

On this week’s Left My Wallet, I talk with current junior high school principal Marc Copani, also the former Muhammad Hassan in WWE.

I know Marc from our time together in OVW and WWE so it was fun to catch up on a number of topics in this fun 40 minute episode. The Syracuse, NY, native talks about his love of Orangemen basketball, the New York Yankees, what to possibly expect in a 60 game MLB season, and what changes he thinks baseball needs to make to gain back both ratings and fans.

We then talk about what led him into a teaching career, the path he took to becoming a principal, and his most rewarding moments as an educator and administrator.

Finally, he discusses his friendship with the late Shad Gaspard and the story of what brought the two together to work on Assassin and Son, the comic book series that’s being released with proceeds going to his family. He talks about the persona and talent Shad wasm and the parallels between the book and real life. 

Enjoy this fun and very informative episode with fellow WWE and OVW alum Marc Copani!

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Left My Wallet: ‘Filthy’ Tom 1991 MTV Rock N’ Jock B-Ball Jam watchalong

Posted on by Antonio Garza

This week’s Left My Wallet is back with another watchalong as “Filthy” Tom Lawlor and I check out the first ever MTV Rock N’Jock B-Ball Jam from 1991.

Join us as we hop into the wayback machine for this this star-studded game featuring coaches Magic Johnson and “Coach” Craig T. Nelson’s Bricklayers and Violators.

The game featured Will Smith when he was in the first season of Fresh Prince of Bel Air; 90210’s Luke Perry aka the father of Jungle Boy; Mark Wahlberg when he was simply known as Marky Mark, Flea before the Red Hot Chili Peppers became household names, Jaleel White aka Steve Urkel exhibiting his killer crossover, and Morris Chestnut duking it out with NBA Hall-of-Famer Reggie Miller for MVP honors.

There’s also a dunk contest with Wahlberg, Flea, and Perry, a game of HORSE on actual horses, and Wahlberg using every chance he could to show off his Calvin Klein boxer briefs.

It’s our third watchalong and an extremely fun 30 minute rewind to the summer of ’91. 

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Left My Wallet: Missy Hyatt

Posted on by Antonio Garza

‘Left My Wallet’ is back with one of the most iconic females in wrestling history and someone I have wanted to get on the show for years, Missy Hyatt

Although not a sports fan, she finally decided now was the time to talk as she wanted to discuss dating, particularly her love of reality television and 90 Day Fiance: Before the Days. The show just recently wrapped up its latest season and explores couples meeting through online dating sites. However, the couples are in other countries.

We talk about each couples’ first time meeting each other, what happens when they propose and meet each others families for the first time, and when things go completely haywire. We discuss and critique the actions of some of the ultimate “workers” in action with couples vying for green cards, “love” and affection via long distance relationships.

We then discuss who some of the cast members’ wrestling equivalent is while finally wrapping up with some of her other favorite shows and what she’s currently watching for wrestling.

This show was so much fun to do and Missy was an absolute sweetheart. Join us for this fun and different episode where we talk relationships and crazy couples.

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Left My Wallet: George South on his 35 years in wrestling

Posted on by Antonio Garza

Left My Wallet returns with one of the most noticeable names from the NWA Crockett era of the 80s: George South!

George has been seen on your tv for the last 35 years and can be seen on numerous shows on both the WWE Network and YouTube. Not only did he grow up a huge wrestling fan, but he grew up a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan. On this show, he talks about his love for America’s Team, admiration for Roger Staubach, the great Dallas teams of the 90s, and the time he got to walk on the Dallas Stadium turf and the historical star at midfield.

The talk then turns to wrestling as I ask George, worker to worker, who was the best wrestler he’s ever been in the ring with. Who were some of his favorites from the Crockett era and who was considered a “night off” to be in the ring with?

George is like that character actor you see in movies and on TV who is both responsible for making others look great and adept at his craft. You may not remember their name or they may not be on the marquee, but without them, the show couldn’t go on.

Enjoy this uplifting and positive talk with great professional wrestler and sports fan George South!

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Left My Wallet: 1988 NWA basketball game watch along with Filthy Tom

Posted on by Antonio Garza

Left My Wallet returns with a unique watch along episode as “Filthy” Tom Lawlor and I watch the NWA take on the Charlotte Police Department in a charity basketball game from 1988!

Many of you might have seen clips of Dusty Rhodes draining three pointers, but we have the whole game, fresh with our very own commentary. Join us as we react to Barry Windham, Lex Luger, Road Warrior Hawk, Sting, Brad Armstrong and his amazing sunglasses, David Crockett, and many of the top stars of Crockett Promotions battle the Charlotte PAL. We also do a mini review of “The Last Dance’ and give our thoughts on Michael Jordan and the 1990s era Chicago Bulls.

It’s a fun and unique show that will show some of your favorite stars from the ’80’s as you’ve never seen them. Head to YouTube, sync up our show, and enjoy the game!

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Left My Wallet: Paul Roma on nutrition, sports, wrestling memories

Posted on by Antonio Garza

“Left My Wallet” is back with former WWF and WCW star Paul Roma, part of Power & Glory, Pretty Wonderful, and the Young Stallions to name a few.

I have met Paul on a handful of occasions and he’s always been kind and pleasant and this conversation is no different.

We start out talking about sports and what brought him to love the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings as a kid, his thoughts on Kirk Cousins and the recently traded Stefon Diggs, and how he has stuck with them his whole life. He also talks about other players he admires and fans who switch their team allegiance due to their favorite players switching teams.

The talk then flips to baseball and the New York Yankees,. Paul talks about his favorite player, Thurman Munson, what made him a fan, thoughts on Mariano Rivera, and more. He also gives insight on being a sports fan in general and who are the teams and players he roots for when his teams are out of contention.

We also discuss nutrition, what his daily diet looks like, the aches and pains he has from wrestling and what he does to fight Father time. He talks about the lessons he learned from his father and how he passes those lessons on to his daughter who is an elite national gymnast.

Finally, we talk wrestling and who the greatest tag team and workers he’s ever been in the ring with are. We then wrap talking about his wrestling school and promotion, Paradise Alley Professional Wrestling.

This was a conversation I enjoyed immensely and shows a different side of Paul than wrestling fans may know. 

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Left My Wallet free show: Antonio Thomas on life after a WWE release

Posted on by Antonio Garza

This is a free edition of the show. Just click to listen.

‘Left My Wallet’ is back with a different and unique episode from the normal format as JIm Valley takes the reigns, talking to me about life after WWE and the transition to the real world given my release from the company back in 2006.

After the WWE releases and layoffs this week, he contacted me to do this show to give perspective to the readers and listeners about what the events and thought processes that can occur when being let go from your dream wrestling career. I give insight into my call up, navigating the backstage waters, pitching ideas to creative, and the events that led to my release after two years with WWE.

I then describe what recently released talent might confront in terms of navigating the independents, having to constantly prove yourself to different crowds and promoters, re-inventing yourself, the highs and lows of the independent scene, and transitioning into other careers and endeavors while balancing your wrestling career, especially when wrestling isn’t the sole means of income anymore.

I hope you enjoy my perspective and insight of the process of being released in this free episode. Please let me know what you think or shoot me other questions by contacting me on Twitter: @promisethomas or @retrograppler.

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