Invasion from Planet Wrestletopia - Interview with Ed Kuehnel
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In this episode of Comic Books and Cold Ones, host K-Mac interviews Ed Kuehnel, co-creator of the comic book Invasion from Planet WrestleTopia, a comedic homage to wrestling's golden era. The conversation dives deep into the cultural roots of professional wrestling, tracing its lineage from circus sideshows to the NWA territory system, and explores how it blended sport, theater, and spectacle. Kuehnel shares personal stories from his youth in Portland, Oregon, where he was captivated by local legends like Rowdy Roddy Piper and Playboy Buddy Rose, and discusses how those memories inspired the book’s characters and humor. The duo also reflects on the absurdity and artistry of wrestling, from the infamous heart punch to the theatricality of kayfabe, while celebrating the genre’s unique place in American pop culture. The episode culminates in a playful 'gauntlet of questions' testing wrestling trivia, with Kuehnel impressing with his knowledge of territories, finishing moves, and obscure wrestling lore.
Wrestling’s roots are deeply tied to the American circus, with its own language, culture, and performance art.
The NWA territory system allowed regional promotions to coexist under a loose national umbrella, creating a rich ecosystem of wrestling talent.
Invasion from Planet WrestleTopia is a love letter to wrestling’s absurdity, blending nostalgia with satire and meta-commentary.
The book’s success stems from its authentic fan perspective and the creators’ shared passion for both comics and wrestling.
Finishing moves like the claw, heart punch, and flying elbow are more than just techniques—they’re cultural artifacts of wrestling’s theatrical legacy.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome to the Pod: Beer, Comics, and Wrestling
The episode opens with K-Mac welcoming listeners to Comic Books and Cold Ones, setting the tone with playful banter, listener shoutouts from Ho Chi Minh City, and a humorous discussion about Vietnamese beer and cobra-infused brews. The hosts establish the show’s unique blend of comic book fandom and beer culture.
Meet Ed Kuehnel: Co-Creator of Invasion from Planet WrestleTopia
K-Mac introduces Ed Kuehnel, co-creator of the comic book Invasion from Planet WrestleTopia, highlighting his background in video game writing and The Onion. The hosts express excitement about the interview, setting up the deep dive into wrestling’s cultural significance.
Wrestling as Cultural Art: From Circus to Comic Book
“I found it maybe at like seven years old or eight years old, flipping channels. There was no part of me as a kid that thought it was scripted or choreographed or anything. I just thought this was real combat and it was real blood.”
The Birth of a Comic: From Idea to Trade Paperback
“Even if this doesn't go anywhere, I just got to put the story out into the world. We love the story so much, the concept. We just thought it was ridiculous and we had to do it.”
The Circus Roots of Wrestling: Carny Speak and Kayfabe
“You don't talk to the police, you don't trust, you know, local politicians. You don't socialize much with normies. You sort of keep it in the circus.”
“Copernicus, Galileo. They often look to the stars and ask themselves, is there a life out there? And can it wrestle?”
“Even if this doesn't go anywhere, I just got to put the story out into the world. We love the story so much, the concept. We just thought it was ridiculous and we had to do it.”
“The Shockmaster, for those of you familiar, they weren't trying to be funny. When the shock master bursts through a wall and falls on his face, and his helmet falls off on live TV. Like they were trying to make us laugh, but it is the funniest damn thing.”
Host
Guest
Invasion from Planet WrestleTopia
book
K-Mac
person
Rowdy Roddy Piper
person
Ed Kuehnel
person
Playboy Buddy Rose
person
NWA
organization
Superstar Billy Graham
person
Portland Wrestling
organization
Andre the Giant
person
Randy Savage
person
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