by Joshua Scarselli.
Today we sit down with the hosts of one of the hottest wrestling podcasts around: Ringside Renaissance. Kombat Jones and Very Deadly Jesse bring us behind the scenes and tell us about what makes a great wrestling podcast.
RRX: How did you guys come up with the idea for the podcast?
VDJ: We’ve been lifelong friends literally since we were kids. And from the beginning, wrestling was the one constant. Even when life pulled us in different directions for a few years, when we reconnected, we picked up right where we left off … talking wrestling.
At some point we realized we’ve been having these debates for decades. Why not turn the cameras and microphones on and let people in on it? That’s how Ringside Renaissance was born.
RRX: You guys are growing quite the following. What do you concentrate on to set you apart from other wrestling podcasts?
KJ: We focus on being unapologetically authentic. A lot of personalities in the space feel like characters playing a version of themselves. We don’t do that. We’re goofy. We’re immature at times. We have a raunchy sense of humor. But we also know wrestling. So we mix sharp analysis with chaotic energy and let it be what it is. We’re not trying to sound like anyone else. We’re just being us and that’s what people connect with.
RRX: You offer some really insightful analysis. What is your background in wrestling?
VDJ: We’ve been students of the game our entire lives. Countless hours of watching events, breaking down matches, studying promos, documentaries, interviews everything.
We didn’t just grow up watching wrestling. We grew up analyzing it. Working in the business has always been a dream for both of us. The podcast is our way of contributing even if it’s from outside the ropes for now.
RRX: Who are some of your favorite people you have had the chance to interact with in the business?
KJ: Honestly, one of the biggest things for us has been getting recognition from people actually in the business — especially being called “Busted Open approved.” That meant a lot because those are people who LIVE this.
But beyond that, it’s not even just about big names — it’s the fans, the IWC, the people in the comments going crazy every week. That interaction is what fuels the show. We’re building something where it’s not just us talking wrestling … it’s a whole community reacting in real time.
VDJ: I agree with Kombat. The crazy people we interact with on social media have been great. And the new friendships we have made with other podcasters.
As far as people in the business, I had a really cool night with Jimmy Snuka years ago. We met at the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame induction ceremony and hung out all night together. I have a bunch of stories running into wrestlers. But that one, and meeting Matt and Jeff Hardy drunk at an Outback Steakhouse, are probably my favorite.
RRX: If you could have any guest or group of guests, who would it be and what would you ask them?
KJ: If we’re going dream-level: CM Punk, Paul Heyman, Triple H. That’s the table right there.
Questions? Not the safe ones. “What’s something fans THINK they understand about wrestling … that they’re completely wrong about?” “What’s a storyline you wish you could redo?” “How much of the chaos we see on screen is actually real backstage tension?” We want real conversations — not media-trained answers.
VDJ: Again, I agree with Kombat here. Only other guests I would potentially like are Danhausen and Killer Kross
RRX: What do you see as the future of Ringside Renaissance?
KJ: Ringside Renaissance is bigger than a podcast. We’re building a full media brand. Live shows, guest interviews, viral short-form content, and eventually … stepping INTO the wrestling world, not just covering it. We want to be the bridge between fans and the business — but with personality, comedy, and zero filter. Rated RR isn’t just a name … it’s the direction.
RRX: If you could see one thing in wrestling you haven’t seen yet, what would it be?
VDJ: We want to see a fully blurred line between reality and storyline again. Not just “oh that was a good promo”. I’m talking fans questioning what’s real. Social media becoming part of the storyline. Real-life tension bleeding into TV. That unpredictable feeling that made wrestling feel dangerous again.
RRX: Where can people find you and keep track of what you’re up to?
KJ: We’re everywhere: YouTube (main hub), Spotify & all podcast platforms – TikTok, Instagram, X. Just search “Ringside Renaissance Wrestling Podcast” or hit the Linktree.
We drop episodes live at 6PM EST — and the clips are constant all week.
RRX: Anything else you would like to add?
VDJ: Yeah, A lot of people talk about wrestling. We’re building something people feel.
We’re not here to play it safe, follow narratives, or sound like everybody else. We’re here to say what the fans are already thinking … just louder.
Photos provided by Ringside Renaissance
