Wrestling Life with Ben Veal

Butterbean looked like a brawler, punched like a wrecking ball and became one of the most recognisable fighters of his generation. In this exclusive Wrestling Life with Ben Veal interview, Eric “Butterbean” Esch reflects on his extraordinary journey from toughman contests to becoming a global boxing attraction: knocking opponents out, selling out arenas and building a cult following along the way. But Butterbean’s story didn’t stop at boxing. Butterbean also talks about what it was really like stepping into the unpredictable world of professional wrestling, facing Marvelous Marc Mero at In Your House: D-Generation X and his first round knockout of Bart Gunn at WrestleMania XV following the infamous Brawl For All tournament. Could Butterbean have made it as a full-time wrestler? Eric also speaks honestly about the toughest fight of his life. After years of declining health, chronic pain and limited mobility, he joined forces with WWE Hall of Famer Diamond Dallas Page. With the help of DDP and DDP Yoga, Butterbean began an incredible physical and emotional transformation that helped him lose weight, regain his mobility and take back control of his life, all chronicled in DDP's series Change or Die. This is more than a boxing or pro wrestling interview. It’s a story of knockout power, wrestling controversy, hard-earned lessons and one truly HEAVYWEIGHT comeback.

Hardcore Country! WWE legend and TNA Hall of Famer Mickie James joins Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for an open, inspiring and honest conversation about her remarkable journey through the world of professional wrestling. From breaking into the business and becoming a multiple-time WWE Women’s Champion to memorable runs in TNA Wrestling, Mickie James reflects on the defining moments of her career, the evolution of women’s wrestling and the challenges she faced along the way, from the highs of beating Trish Stratus at WrestleMania 22 to being released twice by WWE. Mickie also discusses balancing wrestling with motherhood, her passion for country music, the importance of knowing your worth, the legacy she hopes to leave behind, and being ringside at WWE Summerslam 2026 as husband, Smackdown General Manager Nick Aldis, made his in-ring debut against Gunther.

The most controversial man in professional wrestling RETURNS to Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for another unfiltered conversation. Vince Russo joins the show to talk more about Total Nonstop Agony: The Rise and Fall of TNA Wrestling. Vince discusses his "complicated relationship" with Jeff Jarrett and explains what REALLY happened with Double J. Vince Russo also talks about the infamous TNA Victory Road 2011 match between Jeff Hardy and Sting, what's wrong with WWE creative and Triple H's booking in 2026, his longstanding issues with Eric Bischoff, and a whole lot more.

Join Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for an in-depth, inspiring conversation with one of the most positive content creators in the pro wrestling space today, Tom from Tom Talks Rubbish! Tom shares his unique story of how he became "the interviewer of wrestling journalists" and his passion for diving deep into the lives of grappling content creators. Tom talks about his journey as a WWE fan, how Batista drew him into the product in late 2009, and his experiences as a disabled wrestling fan, living life with cerebral palsy. Since 2021's first Tom Talks Rubbish episode with guest Adam Pacitti of Culatholic Wrestling, Tom has pursued his passion with positivity and great enthusiasm. Please check out this episode and give Tom a follow! -- Buy BADD TO GOOD, the inspiring story of wrestling wildman Marc Mero with Ben Veal:Amazon UK - https://amzn.eu/d/01YvfRTrAmazon US - https://a.co/d/00vd2eMJAmazon CA - https://a.co/d/00lAAvqhSubscribe to Wrestling Life with Ben Veal:Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2cTdAV4LRqhVyztgTzu6Td?si=af7772a418bc43c1Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/wrestling-life-with-ben-veal/id1712714175YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@UCJWcY3n_ypqnj9vRp4lnRkg Be sure to support our show partners:Title Run Toys - https://titleruntoys.comFocus Finance Solutions - https://www.theffs.co.uk Episode produced by Tall Oak Productions in association with Wrestling Life Online.

Bill Eadie (Demolition Ax) Interview: Talks WWE Hall of Fame, Demolition, André the Giant, Vince McMahon, No Holds Barred & Wrestling's Greatest Tag TeamsBill Eadie has lived one of the most remarkable careers in professional wrestling history.Known to millions of wrestling fans worldwide as Demolition Ax, as well as The Masked Superstar and Super Machine, Bill competed at the highest level and faced many of the biggest names that the wrestling industry has ever seen.In this exclusive Wrestling Life with Ben Veal interview, Bill Eadie reflects on an incredible journey that has now been recognised with his long-awaited induction into the WWE Hall of Fame as one half of the legendary Demolition, alongside Barry Darsow (Smash).We discuss:🏆 Demolition's emotional WWE Hall of Fame induction in 2026🏆 The creation and inspiration behind Demolition🏆 The record-breaking 478-day WWF Tag Team Championship reign🏆 Working alongside and becoming close friends with André the Giant🏆 The truth behind the comparisons with the Road Warriors🏆 Wrestling legends including Hulk Hogan, Bob Backlund and Roddy Piper🏆 The Masked Superstar and the legendary Cobra Clutch Challenge🏆 The brutal steel cage matches that lasted up to 90 minutes🏆 The Machines and teaming with André the Giant and Blackjack Mulligan🏆 Appearing opposite Hulk Hogan in the 1989 WWF movie No Holds Barred🏆 Leaving the WWF in 1990 and saying goodbye to longtime partner Barry Darsow🏆 The WWE concussion lawsuit and its impact on Bill's relationship with Vince McMahon🏆 Why Demolition's popularity has endured for more than four decadesBill also shares heartfelt memories of André the Giant away from the spotlight, revealing the side of André that very few people ever got to see.This is an honest, funny and fascinating conversation with one of wrestling's true legends, covering over 50 years inside the business, from Bill's beginnings as a teacher and football coach to becoming one of the most iconic tag team wrestlers of all time.If you enjoy long-form wrestling interviews, classic wrestling stories and behind-the-scenes history from industry legends, then you will love this episode!

Former WWE & TNA star Matt Morgan joins Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for one of his most open and in-depth interviews yet.Known to wrestling fans as "The Blueprint", Matt Morgan reflects on his incredible journey from Tough Enough and OVW to WWE, TNA Wrestling, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, All Japan Pro Wrestling, and beyond.Matt discusses working with legends including Brock Lesnar, Paul Heyman, Kurt Angle, Sting, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Jim Cornette, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Abyss, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and many more, while sharing honest thoughts on the highs, frustrations and defining moments of his wrestling career.Matt also opens up about recovering from opioid addiction, how being a proud autism dad has changed his life since wrestling, and the importance of neurodiversity inclusion.In this exclusive interview, we discuss:🏆 Why he chose to retire from professional wrestling🏆 His transition from WWE to becoming one of TNA's biggest stars🏆 The origins of The Blueprint🏆 His memorable WWE runs, including the infamous stuttering gimmick🏆 The Survivor Series team alongside Brock Lesnar, Big Show and A-Train🏆 Working in Japan with NJPW and AJPW🏆 Jim Cornette, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair and the Main Event Mafia🏆 Nearly returning to WWE in 2014🏆 Life after wrestling, business success and public office🏆 Fatherhood and raising a child with autism🏆 The biggest lessons from a remarkable careerThis is a fascinating conversation with one of wrestling's most unique big men, covering everything from the biggest matches and backstage stories to family, life after wrestling, and the LEGACY that Matt Morgan hopes to leave behind.

Former WCW Cruiserweight, Television and Tag Team Champion Alex Wright RETURNS to Wrestling Life with Ben Veal! From breaking into the wrestling business at a young age to becoming one of WCW's most recognisable international stars, Alex shares behind-the-scenes stories from the Monday Night Wars, his memorable matches, the evolution of his iconic "Das Wunderkind" character, and what it was really like competing alongside wrestling legends. In this exclusive conversation, we discuss: Alex Wright's journey into professional wrestling Life behind the scenes in WCW Working with some of the biggest names of the era Memorable matches and career highlights The rise of Berlyn and character evolution His thoughts on today's wrestling landscape Life after wrestling and what he's doing now. This interview offers rare insights into one of wrestling's most unique careers.

Three-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, WWE Hall of Famer and the creator of DDPY, the legendary Diamond Dallas Page returns to Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for an inspiring and revealing conversation covering his legendary wrestling career, his life-changing fitness program and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.In this exclusive interview, DDP discusses:🔥 Bringing DDPY back to the UK and Europe this summer🔥 How DDPY became a global movement that has transformed lives🔥 The mindset that separates people who change their lives from those who never do🔥 Breaking into pro wrestling at 35 and proving everyone wrong🔥 Becoming a main event star in WCW🔥 Winning his first WCW Championship at Spring Stampede 1999🔥 His unforgettable rivalry with Macho Man Randy Savage🔥 Watching Cody Rhodes evolve into one of wrestling's biggest stars🔥 His emotional return at the 2015 Royal Rumble🔥 His final match in AEW at age 63 As always, DDP brings positivity, honesty, and incredible perspective to a conversation that spans decades of professional wrestling history and personal growth.Get your tickets now for DDP's European Tour! https://www.diamonddallaspage.com/european-tour/If you enjoy the interview, please LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more exclusive conversations with wrestling's biggest names.

"Hey Guys, Maven Here!" Maven Huffman joins Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for an exclusive, deep dive conversation.In this candid interview, Maven reflects back on his WWE career, becoming the first ever winner of Tough Enough in 2001, his run as a WWE superstar and his life today as one of pro wrestling's leading content creators and influential voices. We discuss Maven's successful YouTube channel, his experiences in WWE during the Ruthless Aggression Era, shockingly eliminating The Undertaker from the 2002 Royal Rumble, Maven's WWE release, his true feelings about Triple H, and the current state of pro wrestling.Maven also explores:• YouTube success and life after WWE• WWE career highs and lows• Backstage politics in WWE• Winning Tough Enough and breaking into the business• WWE locker room culture during the 2000s• Documenting former WCW star Buff Bagwell's leg amputation• The stories behind his most viral YouTube videosThis is one of Maven's most open conversations yet, offering behind-the-scenes insight into the REALITIES of life both before and after becoming a WWE Superstar.

The most controversial man in pro wrestling, Vince Russo, joins Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for a NO HOLDS BARRED conversation on the rise and fall of TNA! Vince Russo SHOOTS on TNA Wrestling in this exclusive shoot interview, giving his honest thoughts on the Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff era of the wrestling company and sharing his perspective on the creative decisions, backstage politics and defining moments that have shaped one of wrestling's most talked-about companies. Russo discusses stories covered in his new book Total Nonstop Agony (available now from ECW Press), including: 🔥 The rise and fall of TNA Wrestling 🔥 Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff's influence 🔥 Dixie Carter's leadership in TNA 🔥 Wrestling politics and backstage stories 🔥 Jeff Jarrett's role in building TNA Wrestling 🔥 His strong dislike for Eric Bischoff, Paul Heyman and Jim Cornette Vince Russo also speaks candidly about the current state of professional wrestling, Triple H's creative influence, why he left the World Wrestling Federation for WCW, and a whole lot more!

Wrestling Life with Ben Veal

In this special tribute episode of Wrestling Life with Ben Veal, we celebrate the life, career, and legacy of SYCHO SID (Sid Eudy), one of the most unique, captivating and unforgettable performers professional wrestling has ever seen.What made Sid special wasn't just his size or world championship wins. It was his presence. The moment Sid walked through the curtain, he was truly larger than life. Whether competing as Sid Justice, Sid Vicious or Sycho Sid, he commanded attention in a way few wrestlers ever could. Fans believed him. Opponents feared him. Crowds reacted to him. In an industry built on larger-than-life personalities, Sid stood out even among the giants.From headlining WrestleMania and capturing world championships in WWE and WCW to delivering some of the most memorable promos and entrances of his era, Sid carved out a legacy that continues to resonate with wrestling fans decades later. Sid was authentic, unpredictable and completely original.In 2026, many wrestling fans and wrestling historians questioned why a performer with Sid's accomplishments was only acknowledged through a Legacy Wing induction rather than receiving a full WWE Hall of Fame induction during his lifetime. For a multiple-time world champion, WrestleMania main-eventer and one of the most recognisable stars of the 1990s, many believe Sid deserved to stand on the Hall of Fame stage and receive the celebration and recognition his career warranted.In this special tribute episode, join Ben Veal, The People's Broker Ash Ajaz and Nick Higgins as we look back on the moments, matches, promos, and memories that made SYCHO SID a true wrestling icon.

Maria Kanellis joins Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for an honest and wide-ranging conversation covering her incredible 20+ year journey through professional wrestling and beyond.From breaking into WWE through the Diva Search, becoming one of the company's most recognisable personalities, reinventing herself as the "First Lady of ROH", winning championships and helping redefine the role of women in wrestling, Maria has built a career on resilience, reinvention and authenticity.We also discuss her newest venture, Wild Stems Floral Design Studio, and how she's balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood and professional wrestling. This exclusive interview includes:🌸 The story behind Wild Stems, Maria's own floral design business🌸 Motherhood and the evolution of opportunities for women in wrestling🌸 The infamous 2019 WWE pregnancy storyline with Mike Bennett🌸 Becoming WWE's first-ever pregnant champion🌸 Working with her husband on-screen and off-screen🌸 Entering the 2004 Diva Search and being signed by WWE🌸 Overcoming misconceptions during her early WWE run🌸 Winning Diva of the Year and receiving a Slammy Award🌸 Her WWE releases in 2010 and 2020🌸 Finding her voice as the First Lady of Ring of Honor🌸 Winning the Impact Knockouts Championship🌸 The current state of women's wrestling🌸 Raising three children while pursuing multiple careers.

Step back into the golden age of British wrestling in this fascinating interview with author Steven Bell as we dive deep into the incredible true story behind Big Daddy vs Giant Haystacks: the unforgettable rivalry that captivated millions across the UK.From packed arenas and primetime television battles to personal struggles, fame, tragedy and larger-than-life personalities, this Wrestling Life with Ben Veal conversation explores how Shirley Crabtree and Martin Ruane became household names during the glory days of British wrestling.Author of the acclaimed Dynamite & Davey: The Explosive Lives of the British Bulldogs, Steven Bell reveals the untold stories behind the meteoric rise of Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks, from poverty and nightclub doors in northern England to record-breaking Wembley crowds and nationwide television fame.In this interview we discuss:🇬🇧 The rapid popularity of British wrestling in the 1970s and 1980s🇬🇧 The legendary on-screen rivalry between Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks🇬🇧 Behind-the-scenes stories from the World Of Sport era🇬🇧 British wrestling’s impact on UK pop culture🇬🇧 Exclusive insights from wrestling legends including Bret Hitman Hart🇬🇧 The real lives of Shirley Crabtree and Martin Ruane beyond the ring🇬🇧 The triumphs, heartbreaks and legacy of Britain’s wrestling boom.Whether you grew up watching Saturday afternoon wrestling on ITV or you’re just discovering this unique era for the first time, this interview is packed with nostalgia, history and incredible storytelling from one of wrestling’s most passionate historians.

Former WWE Superstar Ridge Holland, now competing under his real name Luke Menzies, joins Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for one of his most open and honest interviews yet. From growing up in a small Yorkshire town to becoming a professional rugby league player to competing at WrestleMania and becoming part of one of WWE’s key factions, Luke Menzies reflects on the highs, lows and defining moments of his wrestling journey. In this exclusive interview, Luke discusses: 🔥 His WWE release while injured and the emotional fallout that followed 🔥 Recovering from the serious foot injury suffered against Moose in TNA 🔥 The night that Big E suffered his devastating neck injury on SmackDown 🔥 Life as part of The Brawling Brutes with Sheamus and Pete Dunne 🔥 Working with Roman Reigns and The Bloodline 🔥 His injuries, setbacks and suffering public scrutiny 🔥 Competing at WrestleMania and WarGames 🔥 His future in wrestling after WWE. Luke speaks candidly about adversity, resilience, redemption and rebuilding his career after leaving WWE in late 2025.

🎬 Behind the scenes of wrestling TV with David Sahadi!In this exclusive interview, legendary wrestling producer David Sahadi sits down with Ben Veal to share stories from decades of shaping the look, feel and storytelling of professional wrestling. Sahadi has worked across some of the biggest promotions in wrestling history, including WWE, TNA and now Real American Freestyle Wrestling. From producing the iconic openings of Monday Night Raw to creating unforgettable promo packages and pay-per-view hype videos to directing THAT Super Bowl commercial that defined the Attitude Era, his work has influenced how fans experience wrestling today.In this interview we cover:• Behind-the-scenes stories from the Attitude Era• Creating legendary WWE and TNA video packages• The evolution of wrestling production and storytelling• Working with wrestling legends and major promotions• The personal motivation and story behind David Sahadi's new book Backstage Pass.Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Attitude Era, crave wrestling nostalgia or are fascinated by the production side of wrestling, this conversation dives deep into the craft behind the spectacle.

Step into the ring and relive the legacy of Andrew “Test” Martin: the 6’6”, 282-pound powerhouse who made a huge impact during WWE’s Attitude and Ruthless Aggression eras. From his debut in 1998 as the intimidating bodyguard of Motley Crue to becoming a dominant force in WWE, Test quickly built a reputation as one of the most physically imposing superstars of his generation.In this video, we take a closer look at Test’s rise through the ranks, including his memorable storylines with The Corporation, his high-profile rivalry with Triple H and the controversial wedding angle with Stephanie McMahon, and his time in legendary factions like T&A alongside Albert and Trish Stratus. We also cover his championship success, including his reign as Intercontinental Champion and European Champion, his runs in WWE's version of ECW and overseas promotions, and his untimely passing in 2009.Ben Veal, Ash Ajaz and Alex Hunt come together for this special episode of Wrestling Life, celebrating the career, achievements: and lasting legacy of Test: gone too soon.

Diana Hart, member of the Hart wrestling family and wife of the late British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith, joins Wrestling Life with Ben Veal for an exclusive, in-depth interview. Diana openly shares her response to claims made by brother Bret Hitman Hart regarding Davey Boy Smith's health going into, and during, the pair's classic clash in the Summerslam 1992 main event at London's Wembley Stadium. Diana also speaks about the impact of the Montreal Screwjob on the Hart family, the infamous WWF One Night Only pay-per-view and its fallout, working as an on-air heel manager in the World Wrestling Federation, The British Bulldog's rivalry and in-ring chemistry with Shawn Michaels, and the tragic passing of brother Owen Hart in May 1999. This is a can't-miss conversation for wrestling fans and historians alike.

What does everybody want? Al Snow in the Wrestling Life Hall of Fame class of 2026, of course!In this one-of-a-kind exclusive interview, legendary professional wrestler Al Snow sits down with Ben Veal to reflect on over forty years in the wrestling business and his experiences in the WWF, ECW, WWE, TNA and building the next generation of wrestling talent in OVW. A former WWF hardcore, tag team and European champion, Al Snow also trained and helped Dan ‘The Beast’ Severn, Cody Rhodes, The Miz, Maven, The Blue Meanie and countless others for their squared circle careers. Over the years, he has been on the receiving end of countless jibes from Mick Foley, he once shared the WrestleMania ring with Steve Blackman and Chester McCheeserton, and he will forever be connected with a mannequin head in the minds of wrestling fans worldwide.In this WL HOF episode: ✔️ Al speaks openly about his the many ups and downs of his career✔️ Al shares personal stories from ECW, WWE, TNA and OVW✔️ Al talks about being part of ECW during its influential heyday✔️ Al reflects back on the origins of Head✔️ Al relives memorable career moments, including the infamous 'Kennel from Hell' match that simply won't be forgotten.Al Snow is the latest inductee into the 2026 Wrestling Life Hall of Fame, in recognition of his groundbreaking impact on professional wrestling, his grasp of wrestling psychology and his commitment to furthering the industry.

Candice Michelle has signed with TNA Wrestling and is hugely excited about her new role as a producer, supporting the company's talented stars behind-the-scenes. In this Wrestling Life with Ben Veal interview, former WWE Women's Champion and 2025 Wrestling Life Online Hall of Fame inductee Candice Michelle returns to the show to reveal the circumstances that led to her joining TNA, her ambitions as a producer and whether an in-ring return may also be on the cards in the near future. Candice Michelle also reflects back on being the underdog throughout her wrestling career, achieving her dream of becoming a Playboy Magazine cover star and playing a central role in the WWE Divas division. Could we see Candice Michelle make a return to the squared circle for one more run?Don’t miss this exclusive interview packed with memories, insight and hints about what could be coming next.