The Proletariat Lariat
By The Proletariat Lariat
Updates every Monday Morning at 8 AM!
Want to help support the podcast more? Join the patreon www.patreon.com/TheProletariatLariat
The Proletariat LariatFeb 28, 2022
The Proletariat Lariat Ep 27 "Proletariat Lariat Tags in the WGA"
Austin and CB hold down the podcast while Maria and DQ are doing a TJPW Tour. Special Guest Olga joins us to talk about the WGA Strike: what's at stake and how it could affect wrestling. If you want to help the strike check out: https://entertainmentcommunity.org/https://www.wgacontract2023.org/strike/picket-schedules-and-locations
The Proletariat Lariat Ep 26 "Factionalism is Good Actually"
The normal pod crew assembles together once again for your regular show. This week we return to talk about what it means to stand in solidarity with Gisele Shaw & trans wrestlers and how the old guard too often gets a pass while they alienate others. We also spend our time diving deeper into why lack of accountability plans & conflict resolution might pave the way for CM Punk's return to fail, and our main topic of how factions in and outside the ring can be good for all. Thanks for listening and spread the word of our podcast to all of your friends!
The Proletariat Lariat Bonus Episode 'BDS Interview w/ MJ'
In a bit of a departure from our regular format we welcomed guest MJ to our show for a very important interview regarding some of the most recent work from the Democratic Socialists of America's BDS/Palestine Solidarity Working Group. MJ discusses with us some of the WG's most recent campaigns as well as how they hope to raise the political consciousness within the United States socialist movement when it comes to placing a greater priority on Palestinian solidarity.
If you are curious about their work we encourage you to check their stuff out further @DSA_Palestine on twitter. And their most recent statement regarding Los Angeles City council-member Nithya Raman here https://medium.com/@dsapalestinesolidarity/socialists-dont-enable-zionism-e89f7d79b85b
The Proletariat Lariat Ep 25 "The Long Convention"
The normal pod crew assembles together once again for your biweekly regular show. On today's episode we take a bit of a deep dive into the controversy surrounding Riho's twitter deactivation and the online bullying campaign that accompanied it. We talk about what it means to be a public figure and how important it is to take care of your mental health when in the public eye whether as a professional wrestler or as an organizer. We then go on to discuss all of the hype heading into Wrestlemania in the next couple weeks and how WWE has handled the unplanned rise of Sami Zayn amidst the very much planned coronation of Cody Rhodes. We juxtapose Wrestlemania with annual organizing conventions and how putting so much pressure onto one big event can make it difficult to be able to make any last minute adjustments. Thanks for listening and spread the word of our podcast to all of your friends!
The Proletariat Lariat Ep 24 "Coca-Cola vs Pepsi"
The pod with special guest Ariadne (@shardsambit) discusses the life and legacy of Billy Two Rivers, in and out of the ring; how @takesoup handles the haters with class and why American neckbeards hate Japanese women wrestlers; and the third topic which dives into coalition building and how important it is within the organizing world as well as in the professional wrestling industry. Happy birthday to Zach.
The Proletariat Lariat Ep 23 "Puff Puff Pass Rumble"
New year, new pod! We have nearly all hands on deck; Zach was too busy getting 4th place on her Tuesday Trivia Night when we recorded. The crew talks Wrestle Kingdom 17, what was great about, what to watch if you've never watched New Japan Pro Wrestling, why Mercedes Mone is more unlikely sign with AEW, and why CB and Maria want the entire roster of STARDOM to step on them. That and more!
You can support the podcast on patreon at https://www.patreon.com/TheProletariatLariat as well as on twitter at https://twitter.com/Pro2Lariat
Other things to send your support to:
Enjoy Wrestling
https://www.patreon.com/enjoywrestling
Latest Episode of the Enjoy Wrestling Odyssey (Finale this Thursday Jan 26 at 8 PM EST)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmRYOjVj7ZU
Hoodslam Wrestling
https://www.patreon.com/HOODSLAM
Streets For All
https://twitter.com/streetsforall
Bud Riders Union
https://twitter.com/fightsoulcities
CENTRO SOLIDARIO DE PUERTO RICO
The Proletariat Lariat Ep 22 "2022: The Year of the Scissor"
Brawl Out, Vince Out, Scissoring Out; the year of 2022 was a lot for the Pro Wrestling Industry. For our last episode of the year, we have the entire Proletariat Lariat podcast crew to discuss moments that have stuck out for us. We then reflect on what lessons could be learned and how they apply to our own organizing in left spaces. Finally we look to the new year to what lies in the horizon for 2023 in the world of pro-wrestling. We'd like to thank everyone who has listened to the podcast for our first year, anyone who became or were a patron on patreon, and especially thank all the guests who came on the pod! We look forward to doing more shows for 2023!
You can support us on patreon at https://www.patreon.com/TheProletariatLariat all the content is now free! No Tiers No Masters!
And while Twitter is still an ever worsening hellsite you can follow us on https://twitter.com/Pro2Lariat
The Proletariat Lariat Ep 21 "The Final Girl is our First Wrestler Guest" (feat Ziggy Haim)
We are back with our first wrestler guest, one half of the Enjoy Wrestling tag team champions, "The Final Girl" Ziggy Haim! We talk about her career, dealing with mental health & anxiety along the way and how managing it is important not just in the wrestling industry, but leftist organizing spaces. We are also blessed with the return of our beloved co-host Austin who has appropriately come back after taking a break for mental health. There are plenty of fun stories and insights in this episode so you don't want to miss out!
For listeners in Pittsburgh, you can catch Ziggy live as she defends the Enjoy Tag Titles in a 4 way tag match at Enjoy Wrestling Presents: The Enjoy Odyssey Saturday December 17th 7 PM @ Mr. Smalls tickets: here
Other promotions you can find Ziggy at are Absolute Intense Wrestling (AIW), Olde Wrestling, Ryse Wrestling, Wrestler's Lab, and more!
The Ziggy vs Edith Surreal Lucha de Apuestas (Hair vs Mask match) we gushed about in the pod (starts around 21:30) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0y1irRI8lf8
The Proletariat Lariat Episode 20 "West Coast Only"
This episode we talk about the Jacobin article In the WWE, Wrestlers Say Labor Abuses Are Everywhere written by Tim Gill, making our way from Jesse Ventura's 1986 union push with Jumpin' Jim Brunzell, to "superstar" activists getting the Big Push in our organizations, the soft monopoly the WWE has been the undisputed champion of for decades running, and a deep dive into the WWE/Saudi govt deal that mutually benefits both regimes. STACKED EP ALERT with Byron Lopez from DSA OC!
Jacobin article discussed: https://jacobin.com/2022/10/wwe-vince-mcmahon-wrestling-unions-health
Find Byron at https://twitter.com/AnarchoGamerism
Follow us on twitter at https://twitter.com/Pro2Lariat
The Proletariat Lariat Episode 19 "Don't Work Yourself Into A Shoot Brother"
We are back to discuss the effects of "worked shoots" in wrestling can have on burning out the fans, how it relates to conflict in leftist spaces where new members get alienated by what is real and what isn't; the effects of social media and how it may be that being "Not WWE" is not enough for AEW to have a healthy backstage. We also talk about our "Elite/Delete" of what we watched in wrestling the last couple of weeks and more!
Follow us on twitter at https://twitter.com/Pro2Lariat
The Proletariat Lariat Episode 18 "Wrestling is for Everyone!" ft Ariadne & Enjoy Wrestling
Hi we are really happy to have Kurt who is one of the co-owners of Pittsburgh independent promotion Enjoy Wrestling and returning guest Ariadne where we talk about Pittsburgh's Little Italy Days, how Enjoy Wrestling got started, how it operates, and how to build a healthy community in both wrestling & left organizing. That and more on this packed episode.
You can now support Enjoy Wrestling on patreon; doing so can get you access to behind the scenes videos, interviews, and other content; as well as join a discord server with fans, talent, and owners of Enjoy. You can pledge over here: https://www.patreon.com/enjoywrestling
Don't forget to sign up with our patreon where you can get articles, exclusive episodes (one of these days we'll record them) and early access to our episodes. Sign up here: https://www.patreon.com/TheProletariatLariat
The Proletariat Lariat Episode 17 "The Battle of Los Angeles (DSA Edition) ft Ariadne & Zack W"
We are back with two guests with returning guest Ariadne (@shardsambit) and fellow member of the Zax Caucus (LA Chapter) Zack W to talk about recent discourse around the treatment of Johnathan Gresham dropping the ROH title and arguing with Tony Khan. This leads to a discussion on the recent, but long running struggles of black activists being pushed out and/or leaving DSA Los Angeles due to mistreatment from chapter leadership/leadership cliques. We also talk about the continual struggles of the women's division in AEW and there is an attempt to cause a "Battle of the Zach/k's"
The Proletariat Lariat has sponsored a couple wrestling shows! Check out Enjoy Wrestling for their set of Enjoy Cup Tag Tournament Shows! First ep of this season: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ak1iJWBCsA
And this Friday Aug 12th at 7:30 PM check out WrestleLab which is doing a show in New Kensington, PA with Industrial World Wrestling: https://twitter.com/WrestlersLab/status/1557696766228811777
Consider being a patreon at https://www.patreon.com/TheProletariatLariat get access to all episodes and some bonus content; help support the podcast and allow it to grow bigger
The Proletariat Lariat Episode 16 "Lol Get Owned Vince"
We were struggling to think of things to discuss and then lo and behold the announcement of Vince McMahon retiring as head of WWE broke. We discuss the ramifications of this happening, how this affects (if at all) the quality of WWE in the long and short term or whether this is a cynical ploy by Vince to avoid the big shame of more reports coming up of his abuses and scandals over the years.
We also talk about the Brisco Brothers being signed to a long term ROH deal and what it means about accountability for previous extremely homophobic (CW death threats to LGTB+ folks) comments from 2014. Have the Briscos done anything to change their behavior, how do we confront people in a restorative way? Finally, the crew gives updates from their lives since last episode.
Follow us twitter at https://twitter.com/Pro2Lariat
Consider being a patreon at https://www.patreon.com/TheProletariatLariat get access to all episodes and some bonus content; help support the podcast and allow it to grow bigger
The Proletariat Lariat Episode 15 "Now listen brother there are weeks where decades happen!"
After a couple of weeks off we've caught up to all the recent developments in the wrestling world with regards to the AEWxNJPW supershow "Forbidden Door", the AEW Dynamite Special "Blood & Guts", the Jeff Hardy DUI situation, and the recent legal troubles of Vince McMahon. It's a grabbag episode of the very busy last 3 weeks of wrestling.
Follow us twitter at https://twitter.com/Pro2Lariat
The Proletariat Lariat Episode 14 "A Plague For the Cast and Crew"
At long last we are back to talk about our trips to Vegas for AEW Double or Nothing and the LA Dynamite Show that followed. We give our highlights and lowlights from our trips and how most of us have been recovering since (whether it be COVID related or not) We then talk about injuries in the wrestling industry in light of the recent rash of high profile injuries in AEW. There is discussion on how often wrestlers are poorly compensated and a culture of working hurt and offer solutions how healthcare should happen in the industry.
Shout out to all comrades who donated to the Abortion Fund-a-Thon; we were able to raise 328$ for Western PA Fund For Choice!
Follow us twitter at https://twitter.com/Pro2Lariat
The Proletariat Lariat Episode 13 "Lucky 13" Feat Em Fear (@ForkedPgh)
We are back and really excited to have Em Fear from the Grit & Glitter podcast to talk about intergender wrestling and Enjoy Wrestling "Renegade" Episodes 1 & 2. We talk about the various intergender matches we remember watching, the growth and development of intergender matches in the independents, and the roadblocks that prevent them from becoming accepted in the mainstream.
This will also be the episode before 4/5's of the podcast will be converging to Las Vegas to attend AEW Double or Nothing and we are excited to be able record a live episode and hopefully some bonus content from our trip!
You don't want to miss this episode, if you want to support Grit and Glitter you can subscribe on their patreon here for bonus content!
Zach T is raising funds for the National Network for Abortion Funds fund-a-thon and is soon to be over 300$ of his 500$ goal; any donation gets a shoutout on the podcast you can find out more here: https://fund.nnaf.org/fundraiser/3736237
Follow us twitter at https://twitter.com/Pro2Lariat
The Proletariat Lariat Episode 12 "May Day Sheet Cakes & Harm Reduction Feat Joanna (@Joannaeswan)
We are back with a new episode of TPL! This week we have a run in from Joanna from Street Watch LA (@StreetWatchLA) to talk about harm reduction and discuss how wrestling companies treat their talent going through substance abuse. We look at cases like Jeff Hardy, the failures of the WWE attempts to properly take care of their workers and how other companies like AEW do things differently. We also give our May Day 2022 stories and give takes on the week's Dynamite.
Some group's we want to shout out: Centro CSO , The Sidewalk Project , and Homeless Health Care LA . With the recent news about the Supreme Court looking more and more likely to destroy Roe v Wade, stripping millions of their rights to have control over their bodies. It's even more important to support local abortion funds. Zach T is raising funds for the National Network for Abortion Funds fund-a-thon and is soon to be over 300$ of his 500$ goal; any donation gets a shoutout on the podcast you can find out more here: https://fund.nnaf.org/fundraiser/3736237
Follow us twitter at https://twitter.com/Pro2Lariat
The Proletariat Lariat Ep 11 "WHOSE RING? OUR RING!"
No guests this week we are joined with Zach, Austin, CB, and DQ to talk about our respective experiences with participating and/or support direct actions in activism or organizing. Using that as the launch pad we then try to relate the similarities of an action with going to a live wrestling show, noting the surprising similarities between the two.
We then round out the episode talking about the 4/20 Episode of Dynamite which Zach gives his live review of the show and answers questions on his experience. If you want a shout out in the podcast donate to https://fund.nnaf.org/fundraiser/3736237 where Zach T is raising funds for Western PA Fund For Choice in the annual Abortion Fund-a-Thon for the Pittsburgh DSA Team.
Here are the groups that DQ brought up K3 Tenant's Council and Los Angeles Tenant's Union (LATU) and from Austin G Centro Solidario PR Follow us twitter at https://twitter.com/Pro2Lariat
Get early access to the episodes and more by subscribing to our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/TheProletariatLariat
The Proletariat Lariat Episode 10 "Combat Burnoutism feat Nate (@Excallq)"
We are re-joined by our co-host Austin G and returning guest Nate (@excallq) to talk about the very important subject of burnout in both the organizing space and the wrestling fandom/industry. We talk about each of our personal struggles with burnout and how we have made efforts to get a handle on them. Then Zach T gives a quick trip report of the Enjoy wrestling show he attended recently before we dive into the Highlights and Lowlights of AEW Dynamite 4/13/22
Get early access to the episodes and more by subscribing to our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/TheProletariatLariat
If you want a shout out in the podcast donate to https://fund.nnaf.org/fundraiser/3736237 where Zach T is raising funds for Western PA Fund For Choice in the annual Abortion Fund-a-Thon for the Pittsburgh DSA Team. Follow us twitter at https://twitter.com/Pro2Lariat
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCigEDeqwVTDL7awOBfXYttg
The Proletariat Lariat Episode 9 "Tight Muscles and Good Resolution" feat Ariadne (@shardsambit)
After a week long break we are back and better than ever! This week are joined by Ariadne (where you can find xey/xem @shardsambit) to talk about baseball from a labor and developmental/minor league standpoint and how it compares to the Professional Wrestling Industry. We then also discuss the April 6th edition of Dynamite on important topics like why don't the two Adams kiss, why the Sammy/Tay storyline is bad, and why it's cool that MJF hates the troops. That and more!
If you want a shout out in the podcast donate to https://fund.nnaf.org/fundraiser/3736237 where Zach T is raising funds for Western PA Fund For Choice in the annual Abortion Fund-a-Thon for the Pittsburgh DSA Team.
Get early access to the episodes and more by subscribing to our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/TheProletariatLariat
Follow us twitter at https://twitter.com/Pro2Lariat
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCigEDeqwVTDL7awOBfXYttg
The Proletariat Lariat Episode 8 "Everything Is Kayfabe"
Zach T helms the pod alone to have a one on one conversation with former VICE wrestling beat writer Ian Williams (@Brock_toon) where we talk about our journeys in pro-wrestling fandom, how small indie venues trump big stadium shows, how the best way to talk to famous people, thoughts on HHH, and our thoughts on the 3/23 edition of AEW Dynamite
If you want a shout out in the podcast donate to https://fund.nnaf.org/fundraiser/3736237 where Zach T is raising funds for Western PA Fund For Choice in the annual Abortion Fund-a-Thon for the Pittsburgh DSA Team.
Get early access to the episodes and more by subscribing to our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/TheProletariatLariat
Follow us twitter at https://twitter.com/Pro2Lariat
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCigEDeqwVTDL7awOBfXYttg
The Proletariat Lariat Episode 7 "Bad Guys Live Forever"
On this episode of The Proletariat Lariat Zach and DQ are joined by Cole from Erie DSA to talk about the life and tragic passing of Scott Hall AKA Razor Ramon where we go into problematic aspects of the Razor character, how toxic locker rooms/work cultures led to his addiction problems, and ultimately the sadness of his passing.
In lighter things we talk about Zach's recent Maryland train ride and having to be in a minivan with family to drive through a snow storm to get to said train.
We also cover AEW St. Patrick's Day Slam II with highlights on the new women's champ Thunder Rosa, how the cage match went, Wheel Yuta leaving the Best Friends and receiving the Initiation Slap, appreciating The Jericho Appreciation Society, and more!
If you want a shout out in the podcast donate to https://fund.nnaf.org/fundraiser/3736237 where Zach T is raising funds for Western PA Fund For Choice in the annual Abortion Fund-a-Thon for the Pittsburgh DSA Team.
Follow Cole on twitter @ColeAsLife
Follow us twitter at https://twitter.com/Pro2Lariat
Get early access to the episodes and more by subscribing to our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/TheProletariatLariat
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCigEDeqwVTDL7awOBfXYttg
The Proletariat Lariat Episode 6: "Wardlows Of The World Unite!"
We are joined again with Nate from Chico DSA and give the highlights and lowlights of AEW Revolution as well as the 3/9 edition of AEW Dynamite. But first we start with a discussion of the discourse that came out of CM Punk's AFI entrance at Revolution and the parallels in the wrestling fandom and leftist organizations/movements.
If you want a shout out in the podcast donate to https://fund.nnaf.org/fundraiser/3736237 where Zach T is raising funds for Western PA Fund For Choice in the annual Abortion Fund-a-Thon for the Pittsburgh DSA Team.
Follow Nate at @excallq and donate to Chico DSA's Mutual Aid efforts here
Follow us twitter at https://twitter.com/Pro2Lariat
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCigEDeqwVTDL7awOBfXYttg
Join us on patreon here for bonus content (more forecoming!) https://www.patreon.com/TheProletariatLariat
The Proletariat Lariat Episode 5 "The Revolution Will Be Previewed and Predicted"
On an extra special, extra stuffed PPV episode of the Proletariat Lariat we are joined with Nate from Chico DSA where we discuss the idea on the wrestling industry is at it's best when it's a "Big Tent" of different styles and booking philosophies. We quickly go over the finale of Enjoy Wrestling's Striking Distance and review the 3/2 edition of Dynamite before rounding things out with going over the card of AEW Revolution with our predictions and fantasy booking.
If you want a shout out in the podcast donate to https://fund.nnaf.org/fundraiser/3736237 where Zach T is raising funds for Western PA Fund For Choice in the annual Abortion Fund-a-Thon for the Pittsburgh DSA Team.
Follow Nate at @excallq and donate to Chico DSA's Mutual Aid efforts here
Enjoy Wrestling Striking Distance Episode 3
Follow us twitter at https://twitter.com/Pro2Lariat
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCigEDeqwVTDL7awOBfXYttg
Join us on patreon here for bonus content (more forecoming!) https://www.patreon.com/TheProletariatLariat
Proletariat Lariat Episode 4 "The Kliq Wanted This Episode Buried"
On this episode TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES; shout out to Maria who edited this episode that required two recordings and shout out to DQ who found out his audio wasn't recorded so redid it in post!
We talk about the recent interview from AEW Dax Hardwood on an encounter with Shawn Michaels and a discussion on mental health in toxic work environments, and then review the 2/18 AEW Rampage, and 2/23 AEW Dynamite as things heat up for AEW Revolution!
As always follow us on twitter at: https://twitter.com/Pro2Lariat
And you can further support us by signing up our patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/TheProletariatLariat
You can find our guest Johnathan at https://soundcloud.com/mrj_thesaint/in-c-minor-let-me-out-prod-mrj
The Proletariat Lariat Episode 3 "The Elite Is A Big Tent Organization"
We talk Cody Rhodes, 2/11 AEW Rampage, Enjoy Wrestling Striking Distance Episodes 1 & 2, and 2/16 AEW Dynamite. We bring up labor issues, the JR counter, and how Adam Cole is trying to make The Elite a big tent faction. That and more!
Here are the links for the Enjoy Striking Distance Episodes
Episode 1
And follow them on twitter: https://twitter.com/EnjoyWrestle
Follow this podcast here: https://twitter.com/Pro2Lariat
And sub to our pateron here: https://www.patreon.com/TheProletariatLariat
The Proletariat Lariat Episode 2 "Watching Wrestling With Opera Glasses"
For the second episode of The Proletariat Lariat Zach, CB, DQ, and Austin go over the February 4th edition of AEW Rampage, go into an impromptu tangent on the 2022 WWE Royal Rumble and then round things out with the February 9th edition of AEW Dynamite. We go over how one match made Zach break his stoneface reaction to watching matches, a discussion on the problemtic elements to the MJF/CM Punk feud, and why Hangman Adam Page will forever be Virginia's Champion! That and more on this packed edition of the Proletariat Lariat!
You can further support the show by checking out our new Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/TheProletariatLariat
Follow our podcast on twitter: https://twitter.com/Pro2Lariat
And if you want to listen to the podcast on youtube check out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCigEDeqwVTDL7awOBfXYttg
The Proletariat Lariat Episode 1 "Pilot"
The first of hopefully many episodes, our five hosts introduce themselves and talk about their various journeys and histories of being a wrestling fan. There is also some analysis as a whole of the industry through a leftist lens, especially stressing that this is an anti-McMahon and Kevin Dunn production. This will also set the stage for subsequent episodes to start reviewing what the hosts watched.