Looking for insightful conversations with the stars of pro wrestling and the most important players behind the scenes? The Under the Ring podcast is exactly what you seek.
Under the Ring is the brainchild of Phil Strum, longtime sports reporter, editor and producer for the Poughkeepsie Journal and digital manager for lohud.com. Currently, Phil is the NY Team Leader for digital and print planning for the USA TODAY Network. Over the course of his journalism career, Strum had the opportunity to cover one of his true passions, pro wrestling, making numerous connections with promotions of all sizes.
After years of telling print, blog and video stories about the interesting personalities across wrestling, Strum figured he could bring those same tales to life in podcast form as well — and Under the Ring was born.
“I’ve been wanting to work on a project like this for a long time,” Strum said. “With the connections I’ve made over the years, plus the reach of the USA TODAY Network, it seemed like something that was natural and something I’d be able to pull off. I wanted it to be something unique with conversations with some of the most interesting people I can find — turns out most of the most interesting people are in pro wrestling.”
The first nine episodes of Under the Ring showcase the wide range of guests listeners can expect going forward. Strum has already welcomed WWE Superstar Rhea Ripley, AEW wrestlers Matt Hardy and Anthony Bowens, Impact’s Matt Taven, NWA President (and legendary Smashing Pumpkins frontman) Billy Corgan, and MLW CEO Cort Bauer.
“I’m open to any conversation the fans are interested in hearing,” Strum said. “I don’t have a forbidden door. My door is always slightly ajar.”
Wrestling Junkie is proud to be teaming with Under the Ring to bring you even closer to the world of pro wrestling, and will be showcasing new episodes every Monday. To make sure you don’t miss an episode of Under the Ring, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform, or check out Strum’s interviews in video form on the Under the Ring YouTube channel.