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. 64 - Steve Austin City Limits -  (Oct. 10th & 17th, 1995 - ECW TV) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:51:46
It's time for Luke Pennock & Brendan Flaherty to review episode 129 and 130 of ECW, from October 10th & October 17th, 1995. Steve Austin gives a WCW exit interview! Tommy Dreamer calls Uncle Terry on his cell phone! The…
Ep. 63 - The Beauty of a Bleep (Sept. 26 & Oct. 3rd, 1995 - ECW TV) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:30:14
It's time for Luke Pennock & Brendan Flaherty to review episode 127 and 128 of ECW, from September 26th & October 3rd, 1995. A wild Steve Austin appears! Luchadors debut in the ECW arena! Beulah opens her PO Box and Cact…
Free Preview - Gangsta's Paradise (Sept. 16th, 1995) - EXTREMIUM 16 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:51
This one caused a ruckus for us! Witness the ECW debuts of Rey Mysterio Jr. and Psicosis! Witness the ECW debut of... Bull Pain! Witness the ECW debut of a familiar guy dressed as another familiar guy (it will make sense…
Ep. 60 - Stocking up on Pearl Jam (August 15th & 22nd, 1995 - ECW TV) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:14:12
It's time for Luke Pennock & Brendan Flaherty to review episode 121 and 122 of ECW, from August 15th & 22nd, 1995. Support us on Patreon! Only a buck for our THREE WEEK PUSH! https://www.patreon.com/hardcorehaven/ IG & T…
TRAILER - Bonus: In Your House 2 (July 23rd, 1995) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:44
While the Heat Wave is running rampant in Philly, the Fed runs their 2nd ever "In Your House" event in Music City - and we're along for the ride! Join us on Patreon for a watchalong of IN YOUR HOUSE 2 - featuring a godaw…
Ep. 59 - Safe Maiming ft. Tannara Yelland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:31:37
It's time for Luke Pennock & Brendan Flaherty to review episode 119 and 120 of ECW, from August 1st & 8th, 1995. Mikey Whipwreck gets Dommed! Taz gets Steinerized! The whole roster goes to the fair and gets soaked! We're…
Ep. 58 - Pac-Fan: Capitol Stormer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:05:52
It's time for Luke Pennock & Brendan Flaherty to review episode 117 and 118 of ECW, from July 18th & 25th, 1995. Support us on Patreon! Only a buck for our THREE WEEK PUSH! https://www.patreon.com/hardcorehaven/ IG & Twi…
Free Preview - Heat Wave (July 15th, 1995) - EXTREMIUM [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:10
It's a watch-along! The heat is turned up and the sweat and blood are flyin'... Don't miss our first attempt at what people have been doing with their wrestling podcasts for time immemorial. Hear us react *LIVE* (to tape…