WWE lost media
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Eps 19: WWE lost media

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The podcast focuses on the intriguing world of WWE lost media, highlighting various matches, promos, and segments that have disappeared over time. It delves into reasons behind the loss, such as technical glitches, poor archiving practices, and intentional removals due to controversial content. Notable examples include early wrestling footage that never made it to modern formats, test shows, and unaired dark matches. The discussion also touches on the efforts of dedicated fans and archivists striving to recover and preserve these elusive pieces of WWE history, as well as the significance of lost media in understanding the evolution of WWE's product and storytelling.

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Host

Terrance Rodriquez

Terrance Rodriquez

Podcast Content
When we think about World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), our minds often gravitate towards the grandiose spectacle and the larger-than-life characters that have graced the ring over the decades. However, nestled within the sprawling annals of WWE history lies a treasure trove of lost media that has eluded even the most dedicated wrestling aficionados. Some of the most intriguing elements of this lost media include dark matches that never made it to air, unaired segments, and promotional material that has seemingly disappeared into thin air. Take, for example, the earlier days of WWE, back when it was still the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Before the digital age allowed for archiving, many matches were broadcast only once on local television and never seen again. The notorious "lost" match between Bret "The Hitman" Hart and Tom Magee from 1986 is a sterling example. For years, it was known as one of the greatest matches never to be seen, until footage finally surfaced in 2019.

Additionally, house shows, which are non-televised live events, often featured unique matches and storylines that never made it to TV. Many of these recordings are rumored to exist in private collections but have never been publicly released. Beyond matches, there are lost promos and skits, such as early character development segments for iconic wrestlers like The Undertaker or Stone Cold Steve Austin. These moments, pivotal for the athletes' careers, have either been misplaced, taped over, or remain in vaults, possibly deteriorating away. There's also the urban legend of an "unaired" Monday Night Raw episode following the tragic death of Owen Hart, capturing raw emotion and backstage footage, kept away to honor privacy and reverence for the incident.

To add to the mystery, international broadcasts and translations often had unique segments tailored to fit different audiences. These versions frequently contain content that isn’t found in the U.S. broadcasts. Collectors and historians have spent years attempting to track down these international tapes, hoping to unearth gems that have been all but forgotten. Similarly, past crossover projects with other media forms, like videogames or cartoons, have hidden scenes that were cut out due to time constraints or creative changes midway through development.

The WWE has also seen its fair share of unauthorized leaks and controversial tapings, such as the notorious "Plane Ride from Hell" stories, which are part of both the allure and the cautionary tales within the wrestling community. Some of these stories are documented, albeit in restricted tapes that occasionally make the rounds in smaller circles online but are seldom verified.

While some footage and media pieces have been found and restored over the years, the world of WWE lost media remains a labyrinth of tantalizing prospects. This shadowy subculture offers a different narrative of the glitzy and polished product we see today; it shows a raw, unfiltered aspect of a business that thrives on spectacle and secrecy. Enthusiasts continue to hold out hope that more of these lost gems will resurface, bringing to light new aspects of wrestling history and giving fans a richer, fuller understanding of the WWE's storied past.