Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of racism. 

This week we hear about the fight to make wrestling more inclusive and from a dedicated  football fan whose club hasn’t had a win in years. 

The Real Fight Behind Australian Pro Wrestling by Eugene Yang

In 18 years of pro-wrestling, Joel “The Smash Hit” Bateman never wore the Indigenous flag on his tights, and kept an important part of his identity away from his in-ring character because he never felt safe from the racism he heard from the stands and the problematic storylines. But, then 2020 came. The pandemic forced the wrestling community into a moment of reflection while Black Live Matter rallies around the world opened their ears to what Joel and other diverse wrestlers had been trying to say. This path has led to Deathmatch Downunder, a promotion Joel co-founded, where he finally feels safe and ready to bring his whole self into the ring.

Producer: Eugene Yang 

Supervising Producer: Lee Robinson 

Music: “HIghway 430” by Truck Stop from Blue Dot Sessions: Highway 430 by Blue Dot Sessions,  “Kvelden Trapp” by Fjell from Blue Dot Sessions: Kvelden Trapp by Blue Dot Sessions, The Bulwark from Blue Dot Sessions Kvelden Trapp by Blue Dot Sessions 

Why Root For The Losing Team by Luke Fennech 

Why do fans turn up week in and week out to support their team, even if they aren’t winning? Why don’t they just support another team? Well there’s a lot more to fandom than you might think. 

Music: Running Waters by Audionautix, Ellies Home Stretch by The Great North Sound Society and The Quiet Aftermath by Sir Cubworth. 

Producer:Luke Fennech 

Supervising Producer: Allison Chan  

All The Best credits:

Production Manager: Danni Stewart

Editorial Manager: Mell Chun

Episode Mix and Compile: Danni Stewart

Host: Maddy Macquine

Social Media Producers: Matilda Fay and Angela Moran