Step inside the brutal, old-school world of professional wrestling with Mark Fleming — three-time Virginia Heavyweight Wrestling Champion, International Heavyweight Champion, world-travelled professional wrestler and protégé of the legendary Lou Thesz.
In this episode, Mark joins Brett Summers for an incredible deep dive into a wrestling career that crossed amateur wrestling, Jim Crockett Promotions, the NWA, New Japan Pro Wrestling, UWFi, shoot-style wrestling and submission grappling.
Mark reveals how his journey began as a 13-year-old amateur wrestler before eventually earning his opportunity in professional wrestling through a notoriously demanding Jim Crockett Promotions tryout. From there, he entered a completely different wrestling business — one where young wrestlers were expected to prove themselves, veterans could genuinely wrestle, and life on the road was relentless.
🔥 Inside the Golden Age of Jim Crockett Promotions
Mark shares stories from one of the most talent-packed wrestling territories in history, surrounded by names including Ricky Steamboat, Mike Rotunda, Jack & Jerry Brisco, Gene Anderson, Ole Anderson, Dory Funk Jr., Wahoo McDaniel, Ivan Koloff and many more.
He discusses the punishing travel schedule, old-school locker-room culture, learning professional wrestling on the road and what it really meant to earn the respect of wrestlers who could legitimately stretch you.
It’s about catch wrestling, amateur wrestling, submission wrestling, shoot wrestling, kayfabe, toughness, sacrifice, politics, respect and surviving the territorial era of professional wrestling.
If you’re interested in NWA wrestling history, Jim Crockett Promotions, Lou Thesz, catch-as-catch-can wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling, UWFi, shoot-style wrestling, Ken Shamrock, MMA history, submission grappling or the forgotten history of professional wrestling**, this episode is essential viewing.
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Mark Fleming in action!
The Grapple Of Your Eye Show 
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