Anime Meets Wrestling: Michael Spencer on Demon Slayer & Influence

How No Country For Old Men influences Pro Wrestler Brick Savage

What does one of wrestling’s most intimidating forces have in common with one of cinema’s coldest villains? In this episode of The Commentary Booth [/episodes]: Live Via Satellite [https://www.pariomagazine.com.au/live-via-satellite], Jamie Apps [https://www.pariomagazine.com.au/all-articles?author=549df0c1e4b045b4501a7c42] is joined by former Metroplex [https://metroplex-wrestling.square.site/] Champion ‘Worldbreaker’ Brick Savage [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.instagram.com/worldbreakersavage/%3Fhl%3Den&ved=2ahUKEwiV3KiugpqSAxWnwTgGHceNKpEQFnoECCUQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0htUssOVgEKlnISYjNTajQ], dialling in from Texas as he prepares for the Metroplex Wrestling Texas Rumble on February 7. The conversation spirals from the brutal deserts of No Country For Old Men [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Country_for_Old_Men&ved=2ahUKEwjbjq-7gpqSAxVQwzgGHYo7E1oQFnoECFoQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2EkNqnOQDe_qdDnTY_w3bz] into the psychology of modern pro wrestling, and it gets intense fast. Brick breaks down why the Coen Brothers [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.imdb.com/list/ls053030423/&ved=2ahUKEwimwofCgpqSAxUa3TgGHdYGMkQQFnoECDUQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3nIX9mg-AK0ycpgsMBTD3N]’ neo-Western classic has stuck with him for years, from Anton Chigurh’s terrifying calm to the film’s obsession with fate, preparation, and consequences. He draws clear parallels between Javier Bardem [/episodes?tag=javier bardem]’s methodical villain and his own in-ring philosophy, staying three steps ahead, never rushing, and letting inevitability do the damage. Highlights Breakdown: Why No Country For Old Men feels like a horror film without being one Anton Chigurh as the blueprint for a great wrestling villain Proactive vs reactive characters, in film and in the ring Building moments, not just matches How Texas, violence, and morality shape Brick Savage’s persona What fans should expect from Brick at the Metroplex Texas Rumble Brick’s advice on digging deep within to create an authentic and intimidating character Athena [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.instagram.com/athenapalmer_fg/%3Fhl%3Den&ved=2ahUKEwjlp5LdgpqSAxXE2DgGHRc0N9AQFnoECCwQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2X9kH95KgFhzJvZqYFWPbA]’s Influence: How the MPX owner and wrestling star is elevating the entire promotion Along the way, the pair unpack proactive versus reactive storytelling, why violence in film can be honest rather than gratuitous, and how wrestling characters, like movie villains, live or die by the smallest details. With the Texas Rumble looming, Brick also opens up about sacrifice, intimidation, and why being a force of nature still scares people in 2026. It’s part film analysis, part wrestling masterclass, and quietly one of the most revealing conversations Brick Savage has had on record. FOLLOW BRICK SAVAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA: - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/worldbreakersavage/] - X/Twitter [https://x.com/BrickSavage7] - Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/BrickSavage7] - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@BrickSavage] This week’s episode is brought to you by Australian Wrestling Cards [https://pariomagazine.com.au/auswrescards] Check out more great content from Pario Magazine on our website [https://pariomagazine.com.au]. ------------------------------------------------------------- SUPPORT PARIO MAGAZINE & THE COMMENTARY BOOTH - PATREON [www.patreon.com/jamieappsmedia ] - BUY MERCH [www.wrestlermerch.com/pario-magazine ] - AMAZON PRIME VIDEO [https://amzn.to/3vOzqQm ] - TUBEBUDDY [https://www.tubebuddy.com/ParioMag] - Subscribe to AEW Plus [https://www.fite.tv/join/aew-plus/] using my code (q0yydoz) to earn $10 in FITE credit - Shop Online With Honey [http://joinhoney.com/ref/7sj8ffg] - Shop Online With Satechi [http://rwrd.io/mtdz59q] MY EQUIPMENT - Elgato Facecam [https://amzn.to/3QsIFgW ] - Rode PodMic [https://amzn.to/3BmDIQQ] - Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP [https://amzn.to/3p4EWKE] - Streamlabs Talk Studio [https://streamlabs.pxf.io/ParioMag] FOLLOW JAMIE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter [www.twitter.com/JamieAppsMedia ] - Facebook [www.facebook.com/JamieAppsMedia ] - Instagram [www.instagram.com/jamieappsmedia ] - TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@jamieappsmedia] FOLLOW PARIO MAGAZINE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter [www.twitter.com/ParioMagazine ] - Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ParioMagazine] - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/pariomagazine]

The Prestige Explained Through The eyes of Pro Wrestler JD Griffey

Step into the ring where magic meets mayhem! In this captivating episode of The Commentary Booth [/episodes]: Live Via Satellite [https://www.pariomagazine.com.au/live-via-satellite], host Jamie Apps [https://www.pariomagazine.com.au/all-articles?author=549df0c1e4b045b4501a7c42] sits down with five-time Metroplex Wrestling [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://metroplex-wrestling.square.site/&ved=2ahUKEwjkl7S165aSAxXwzzgGHVU6CmEQFnoECDEQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1IfazGAEliXOawGUcY_rrt] champion 'Shady' JD Griffey [https://www.instagram.com/shady_jd_griffey/] to explore how Christopher Nolan [/all-articles?tag=Christopher Nolan]'s masterpiece The Prestige [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.netflix.com/au/title/70047095&ved=2ahUKEwjQsprK65aSAxXMxTgGHaN5GWcQFnoECEgQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3iEZCrIL4nifi6ixHfy2Sf] mirrors the sacrifices, obsessions, and rivalries that define professional wrestling. As JD prepares for the chaotic Metroplex Wrestling Texas Rumble on February 7, he reveals how the film’s themes of obsession, sacrifice, and bitter rivalry might make it one of the most unintentionally honest films ever made about professional wrestling. Discover how the magician’s code is eerily similar to wrestling’s kayfabe, and why the greatest performance is the one the audience never fully sees. This is more than a film review; it’s a raw look at the cost of devotion and the art of deception in the world of sports entertainment. The conversation moves between film analysis and lived experience. The toll of kayfabe. The addiction to reactions. The fine line between dedication and self-destruction. There’s admiration here, but also discomfort. Wrestling, much like Nolan’s film, doesn’t flinch from the consequences of obsession, it just hides them better. Highlights Breakdown: - The Three Acts of Wrestling: How JD breaks down matches using the film's pledge, turn, and prestige structure - Living Two Incomplete Lives: The personal cost of maintaining kayfabe and character in the modern wrestling era - Obsession & Sacrifice: Why the best performers give 100% even when audiences only perceive 30-40% - The Matthew Palmer Rivalry: How JD's greatest opponent became someone who knew him better than family - Secrets of the Craft: JD's philosophy on protecting wrestling's magic in the age of social media and shows like WWE's Unreal [/all-articles?tag=wwe unreal] - Texas Rumble Intentions: His vengeful plans for the February 7 Metroplex Wrestling Texas Rumble [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://metroplex-wrestling.square.site/product/mpx-texas-rumble-general-admission-feb-7-2026/C7BTXEJGAWSEG56MOTIUAU5O%3Fcs%3Dtrue%26cst%3Dcustom&ved=2ahUKEwjgyN-bc1q4h3rk4hgruu7auyf0dpxtx6hsh86xpq04jx5g5&usg=AOvVaw33jV6QuQkX2WY2P6xf0leI] Tune in for a conversation that pulls no punches, blending film analysis with the gritty reality of the wrestling business. It’s a testament to the idea that to be the best, you must be willing to disappear and come back, for your art. FOLLOW JD GRIFFEY ON SOCIAL MEDIA: - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/shady_jd_griffey/] - X/Twitter [https://x.com/ThatJDGriffey] This week’s episode is brought to you by Australian Wrestling Cards [https://pariomagazine.com.au/auswrescards] Check out more great content from Pario Magazine on our website [https://pariomagazine.com.au]. ------------------------------------------------------------- SUPPORT PARIO MAGAZINE & THE COMMENTARY BOOTH - PATREON [www.patreon.com/jamieappsmedia ] - BUY MERCH [www.wrestlermerch.com/pario-magazine ] - AMAZON PRIME VIDEO [https://amzn.to/3vOzqQm ] - TUBEBUDDY [https://www.tubebuddy.com/ParioMag] - Subscribe to AEW Plus [https://www.fite.tv/join/aew-plus/] using my code (q0yydoz) to earn $10 in FITE credit - Shop Online With Honey [http://joinhoney.com/ref/7sj8ffg] - Shop Online With Satechi [http://rwrd.io/mtdz59q] MY EQUIPMENT - Elgato Facecam [https://amzn.to/3QsIFgW ] - Rode PodMic [https://amzn.to/3BmDIQQ] - Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP [https://amzn.to/3p4EWKE] - Streamlabs Talk Studio [https://streamlabs.pxf.io/ParioMag] FOLLOW JAMIE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter [www.twitter.com/JamieAppsMedia ] - Facebook [www.facebook.com/JamieAppsMedia ] - Instagram [www.instagram.com/jamieappsmedia ] - TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@jamieappsmedia] FOLLOW PARIO MAGAZINE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter [www.twitter.com/ParioMagazine ] - Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ParioMagazine] - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/pariomagazine]

Wrestling Meets Horror: Taleena Lee’s Australian Wrestling Story

Pro wrestling has always lived somewhere between sport, theatre, and obsession. In this Live Via Satellite [https://www.pariomagazine.com.au/live-via-satellite] episode of The Commentary Booth [/episodes], Jamie Apps [https://www.pariomagazine.com.au/all-articles?author=549df0c1e4b045b4501a7c42] sits down with writer and filmmaker Taleena Lee to explore that space, and the deeply personal journey behind her wrestling-themed anthology series, Australian Wrestling Story [https://www.instagram.com/australianwrestlingstory_/]. What begins as a conversation about discovering wrestling in the most unexpected way slowly opens into something more intimate. Taleena traces her path from teenage fandom, through film school during COVID, to writing a six-part horror-infused TV series designed by a wrestling fan, for wrestling fans. Along the way, she speaks candidly about grief, creativity, and the strange comfort wrestling can offer when life gets heavy. Highlights Breakdown: How Taleena discovered wrestling through a storyline she initially hated The personal loss that shaped her connection to wrestling and storytelling Turning a film-school idea into a horror-infused wrestling anthology Why Australian Wrestling Story is being built for fans first Paying tribute to the Australian wrestling scene and its performers The challenges of creating independently, from writing to social media Drawing inspiration from Buffy the Vampire Slayer [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118276/&ved=2ahUKEwjfh9jHiYiSAxWQr1YBHSYdE6sQFnoECGEQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0-lSbF1afoEDid10x40W9h], American Horror Story [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.netflix.com/title/70210884&ved=2ahUKEwj9u4DmiYiSAxUYslYBHfI4CmAQFnoECEoQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0mztgp1xZhieMzWTQb99zJ], Yellowjackets [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.pariomagazine.com.au/episodes/ranking-scream-movies%3Fsrsltid%3DAfmBOoqDjHGCVDaFpKChJvMTYn4UL6pKeidYWJGYW54IeVcs1A6m2BV6&ved=2ahUKEwiU2PnXiYiSAxW7ulYBHbKTGHMQFnoECCcQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0T112S0_f34hVePVyA9Ure], and the Australian independent wrestling scene [/auswrescards], Australian Wrestling Story blends split timelines, psychological horror, and wrestling mythology into something that feels familiar but also unsettling in the best way. Taleena describes the show as “Dark Side of the Ring [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-series/dark-side-of-the-ring&ved=2ahUKEwjzmeGQioiSAxWPh1YBHepnFF8QFnoECC4QAQ&usg=AOvVaw2mgimglwoMexU05rAtMAHm] meets American Horror Story”, and once you hear her unpack it, that comparison sticks. Jamie and Taleena also dig into the realities of independent creation, wearing too many creative hats, building a grassroots audience online, and why paying respect to the Australian wrestling community sits at the heart of the project. It’s a thoughtful, occasionally funny, sometimes emotional conversation about storytelling, fandom, and why wrestling continues to resonate far beyond the ring. FOLLOW TALEENA ON SOCIAL MEDIA: - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/australianwrestlingstory_/] - TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@aws_nocontact?lang=en-GB] This week’s episode is brought to you by Australian Wrestling Cards [https://pariomagazine.com.au/auswrescards] Check out more great content from Pario Magazine on our website [https://pariomagazine.com.au]. ------------------------------------------------------------- SUPPORT PARIO MAGAZINE & THE COMMENTARY BOOTH - PATREON [www.patreon.com/jamieappsmedia ] - BUY MERCH [www.wrestlermerch.com/pario-magazine ] - AMAZON PRIME VIDEO [https://amzn.to/3vOzqQm ] - TUBEBUDDY [https://www.tubebuddy.com/ParioMag] - Subscribe to AEW Plus [https://www.fite.tv/join/aew-plus/] using my code (q0yydoz) to earn $10 in FITE credit - Shop Online With Honey [http://joinhoney.com/ref/7sj8ffg] - Shop Online With Satechi [http://rwrd.io/mtdz59q] MY EQUIPMENT - Elgato Facecam [https://amzn.to/3QsIFgW ] - Rode PodMic [https://amzn.to/3BmDIQQ] - Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP [https://amzn.to/3p4EWKE] - Streamlabs Talk Studio [https://streamlabs.pxf.io/ParioMag] FOLLOW JAMIE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter [www.twitter.com/JamieAppsMedia ] - Facebook [www.facebook.com/JamieAppsMedia ] - Instagram [www.instagram.com/jamieappsmedia ] - TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@jamieappsmedia] FOLLOW PARIO MAGAZINE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter [www.twitter.com/ParioMagazine ] - Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ParioMagazine] - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/pariomagazine]

Anime Meets Wrestling: Michael Spencer on Demon Slayer & Influence

Step into The Commentary Booth - Live Via Satellite [https://www.pariomagazine.com.au/live-via-satellite], for an electrifying chat with Australian wrestling star, Michael Spencer!  Host Jamie Apps [https://www.pariomagazine.com.au/all-articles?author=549df0c1e4b045b4501a7c42] peels back the curtain on how anime has become the ultimate inspiration for Michael's in-ring persona and iconic gear. From his Dragon Ball Z [/live-via-satellite/bobby-bishop] roots as a Vegeta-inspired powerhouse to his latest, jaw-dropping Demon Slayer [https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GY5P48XEY/demon-slayer-kimetsu-no-yaiba?srsltid=AfmBOoqOhP_xIbD1Ci9LYRfARhGIlctaQatMfwlp-NbmkG4bSNwNrlDt] cosplay gear, Michael breaks down how he brings his favourite characters to life.  Michael shares the secrets behind his creative process, the challenge of weaving anime quotes into promos, and why he does it all for the "five people in the room who get it." Highlights Breakdown: - Michael’s first anime inspirations (Dragon Ball Z, Fullmetal Alchemist [https://www.netflix.com/title/80223731]) - The transition from fan to wrestler and incorporating anime into his persona - Why Demon Slayer became his favourite gear set yet - Family life, Crunchyroll binges, and sharing anime with his kids - Which anime world he’d choose to survive in (hint: Pokémon [https://www.pokemon.com/us] fans rejoice) - Upcoming PWA shows, the Beershed & Mounties events Whether you’re an anime enthusiast, a pro wrestling fan, or both, this is a high-energy, insightful chat you won’t want to miss. FOLLOW MICHAEL ON SOCIAL MEDIA: - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/suspencers/] - X./Twitter [https://x.com/Prince_MSpencer] This week’s episode is brought to you by Australian Wrestling Cards [https://pariomagazine.com.au/auswrescards] Check out more great content from Pario Magazine on our website [https://pariomagazine.com.au]. ------------------------------------------------------------- SUPPORT PARIO MAGAZINE & THE COMMENTARY BOOTH - PATREON [www.patreon.com/jamieappsmedia ] - BUY MERCH [www.wrestlermerch.com/pario-magazine ] - AMAZON PRIME VIDEO [https://amzn.to/3vOzqQm ] - TUBEBUDDY [https://www.tubebuddy.com/ParioMag] - Subscribe to AEW Plus [https://www.fite.tv/join/aew-plus/] using my code (q0yydoz) to earn $10 in FITE credit - Shop Online With Honey [http://joinhoney.com/ref/7sj8ffg] - Shop Online With Satechi [http://rwrd.io/mtdz59q] MY EQUIPMENT - Elgato Facecam [https://amzn.to/3QsIFgW ] - Rode PodMic [https://amzn.to/3BmDIQQ] - Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP [https://amzn.to/3p4EWKE] - Streamlabs Talk Studio [https://streamlabs.pxf.io/ParioMag] FOLLOW JAMIE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter [www.twitter.com/JamieAppsMedia ] - Facebook [www.facebook.com/JamieAppsMedia ] - Instagram [www.instagram.com/jamieappsmedia ] - TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@jamieappsmedia] FOLLOW PARIO MAGAZINE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter [www.twitter.com/ParioMagazine ] - Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ParioMagazine] - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/pariomagazine]

How Happy Gilmore Inspired Eleaine Hope’s Wrestling Persona

This week on The Commentary Booth - Live Via Satellite [https://www.pariomagazine.com.au/live-via-satellite], Jamie Apps [https://www.pariomagazine.com.au/all-articles?author=549df0c1e4b045b4501a7c42] welcomes pro wrestler Eleaine Hope for a hilarious and heartfelt conversation about how Happy Gilmore influenced her wrestling career. As we gear up for the release of Happy Gilmore 2, Eleaine reflects on discovering the original film at a young age, how it connected her with her late father, and how its quirky tone and lovable characters shaped her approach in the ring. From crafting a character that blends athletic toughness with goofy charm, to navigating the wrestling world as a proudly South Australian performer, Eleaine shares stories filled with passion, humour, and love for the sport. Whether you’re a wrestling fan or an Adam Sandler [https://www.instagram.com/adamsandler/?hl=en] diehard, this episode offers a perfect blend of pop culture, inspiration, and fun. Highlights Breakdown: How Happy Gilmore shaped Eleaine Hope's wrestling identity The movie’s blend of sports, comedy & personal nostalgia Embracing authenticity: Advice that changed Eleaine’s approach to wrestling Parallels between golf mayhem and wrestling chaos A dream Happy Gilmore-style Australian wrestling golf tournament lineup Tune in for a hilarious, heartfelt chat about nostalgia, wrestling, and why Happy Gilmore is a timeless classic, just in time for the sequel’s release! FOLLOW ELEAINE ON SOCIAL MEDIA: - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/eleainehopepw/] - X./Twitter [https://x.com/eleaine_hope] This week’s episode is brought to you by Australian Wrestling Cards [https://pariomagazine.com.au/auswrescards] Check out more great content from Pario Magazine on our website [https://pariomagazine.com.au]. ------------------------------------------------------------- SUPPORT PARIO MAGAZINE & THE COMMENTARY BOOTH - PATREON [www.patreon.com/jamieappsmedia ] - BUY MERCH [www.wrestlermerch.com/pario-magazine ] - AMAZON PRIME VIDEO [https://amzn.to/3vOzqQm ] - TUBEBUDDY [https://www.tubebuddy.com/ParioMag] - Subscribe to AEW Plus [https://www.fite.tv/join/aew-plus/] using my code (q0yydoz) to earn $10 in FITE credit - Shop Online With Honey [http://joinhoney.com/ref/7sj8ffg] - Shop Online With Satechi [http://rwrd.io/mtdz59q] MY EQUIPMENT - Elgato Facecam [https://amzn.to/3QsIFgW ] - Rode PodMic [https://amzn.to/3BmDIQQ] - Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP [https://amzn.to/3p4EWKE] - Streamlabs Talk Studio [https://streamlabs.pxf.io/ParioMag] FOLLOW JAMIE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter [www.twitter.com/JamieAppsMedia ] - Facebook [www.facebook.com/JamieAppsMedia ] - Instagram [www.instagram.com/jamieappsmedia ] - TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@jamieappsmedia] FOLLOW PARIO MAGAZINE ON SOCIAL MEDIA - Twitter [www.twitter.com/ParioMagazine ] - Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ParioMagazine] - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/pariomagazine]