EXTREMIUM 25 - "Tod Is God" by ECW Commisioner Tod Gordon Book Review!

EXTREMIUM 25 - "Tod Is God" by ECW Commisioner Tod Gordon Book Review!

Author: Hardcore Haven August 21, 2025 Duration: 1:04:49

It's time for Luke Pennock & Brendan Flaherty to review a book! Specifically, TOD IS GOD by ECW former owner and Commisioner and current podcaster and pawn broker Tod Gordon

Discussed: the trifecta of off-topic Lukeisms - Hulk Hogan (naturally), The Drew Carey Show (obviously), and Basketball (inevitably),reading Holes to children and the words we were surprised were in this book, the difference between Hak and Hack, the difference between Rockin' Robin and Rockin' Rebel, how Paul Heyman and Tod Gordon are both sorta kinda nepo babies, Paul being the cool one, early days with TWA, the bargain price of joining the NWA, and the conundrum of the wrestling book, Luke's prudish streak, and 2 Cold's appendage - among other tangents! And it's all on the new BONUS episode of Harcore Haven! 

And check out our Patreon for another heaping helping of BONUS content - our 2025 "State of Wrestling" check-up - out TOMORROW (August 22nd, 2025).  Listen here: https://www.patreon.com/c/valuedog/

Buy the shirt! Buy the shirt! Buy the shirt. 

IG & Twitter: @hcorehavenpod

Luke on Twitch: http://www.twitch.tv/pukelennock/

Logo by Raymond Biesinger
Bonus theme song by Booji Bomb.





Two lifelong fans, Luke Pennock and Brendan Flaherty, host Hardcore Haven, a deep and often humorous dive into the chaotic world of Extreme Championship Wrestling. This isn't just a nostalgic recap show; it's a systematic excavation. Each episode of the podcast focuses on a specific original ECW broadcast, breaking down the wild matches, the iconic promos, and the cultural ripple effects that made this promotion legendary. You'll hear their analysis of the athleticism and the storytelling, placing it all within the broader context of sports entertainment history and its influence on film and television. The central, driving question of Hardcore Haven is deceptively simple: what did "extreme" actually mean in the end, beyond the barbed wire and chair shots? Was it a philosophy, a marketing gimmick, or a genuine revolution? By going through the archives chronologically, Luke and Brendan piece together an answer, finding the substance beneath the spectacle. Their conversations are detailed reviews filled with passion, knowledge, and the kind of camaraderie that comes from sharing a unique obsession. Tune in for a thoughtfully rowdy exploration of wrestling's most rebellious era.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Hardcore Haven
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 91 - Shane Goes to the Mayor (Oct. 22nd & 29th, 1996 - ECW TV) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01:26
It's time for Luke Pennock & Brendan Flaherty to review episode 183 and 184 of ECW, from October 22nd & 29th, 1996. The debut of Kurt Angle! That's a wrap on Kurt Angle! The return of Chris Candido! The revenge of Raven!…
Ep. 90 - Grey Goo's Anatomy (Oct. 8th & 15th, 1996 - ECW TV) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:37:20
It's time for Luke Pennock & Brendan Flaherty to review episode 181 and 182 of ECW, from October 8th & 15th, 1996. Buy a shirt! Buy a shirt. IG & Twitter: @hcorehavenpod Contact us: hardcoreahavenpod@gmail.com Luke on Tw…
Ep. 89 - The Italian Job(ber) - Sept. 24th & Oct. 1st, 1996 (ECW TV) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:09:18
It's time for Luke Pennock & Brendan Flaherty to review episode 179 and 180 of ECW, from September 24th & October 1st, 1996. Discussed: Christopher Nolan's gut punches, a whole lotta colliding worlds, cutting out Sabu's…
Ep. 86 - Gary's Goodbye - August 13th & 20th, 1996 (ECW TV) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:10:14
It's time for Luke Pennock & Brendan Flaherty to review episode 173 and 174 of ECW, from August 13th & 20th, 1996. The ECW crew travels to Japan and we say goodbye to a legend as Pitbull #1 - Gary Wolfe - reveals a sudde…