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. 80 - Sandman's Sex Party - May 21st & 28th, 1996 (ECW Tv) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:12:24
It's time for Luke Pennock & Brendan Flaherty to review episode 160 and 161 of ECW, from May 21st & 28th, 1996. Discussed: the pitch for Cars, navigating C.A.R.E. in Kindergarten, Canadian animation (and the Ontario acce…
Trailer - A Matter Of Respect (May 11th, 1996) - EXTREMIUM 24 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:40
There's a lack of rules in the ECW. There's a lack of structure. But that doesn't mean there has to be a lack of...respect! That's the issue being faced by certain sets of rivals in this show from May 11th, 1996 - A MATT…
Ep. 79 - Wear A Helmet and Die Young - May 7th & 14th, 1996 - ECW TV [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:51:26
It's time for Luke Pennock & Brendan Flaherty to review episode 158 and 159 of ECW, from May 7th & 14th, 1996 - joing via satellite! Discussed: Luke's scooter accident and the importance of helmets, penile implants and m…
Season Premiere - Dr. Marque Allen, Raven's ECW "quack" speaks! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:04
Well, we're back. And we're back with a big one. Introducing Dr. Marque Allen - San Antonio-based sports medicine practitioner, renowned foot and ankle specialist, and at one time... Raven's roommate? Not only do we delv…
Hostile City Showdown '96 (April 20th, 1996) - EXTREMIUM 23 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:22:20
Sure, we talk about wrestling on this watchalong of 1996's Hostile City Showdown. But we also talk about Matt Damon, cheese grater technology, and a whole lot more! We reccomend you actually watch along with this watchal…