In this episode of Wrestling Soup, hosts Anthony Thomas and Kevin Castle dive into the history and culture of tattoos, particularly focusing on the changing perceptions of tattoos in society and wrestling. The discussion kicks off with Bianca Blair's recent invasive tattoo removal and Kevin's personal experiences and observations on the culture surrounding tattoos since the early 1990s. They touch on the illegal tattoo scene in New York, societal and safety concerns from past decades, and the evolution of tattoo trends in various subcultures including wrestling, rock, and hip-hop. The hosts analyze the idea of tattoos as an outlawish and now mainstream element, sharing personal anecdotes and talking about notable wrestlers with tattoos, such as John Cena, Chris Jericho, and Cody Rhodes. There's a detailed reflection on the motivations behind removing tattoos, including professional and personal reasons. The episode also delves into the potential Hall of Fame induction for Lex Luger and his complex personal history, covering aspects of redemption and the potential role of Sting in the induction process. The segment concludes with thoughts on John Cena's recent appearance and his unchanged persona, as well as future predictions for notable wrestlers.
00:00 Introduction and Hosts
00:06 Bianca Blair's Tattoo Removal Journey
00:15 Tattoo Culture in the Early 90s
00:38 Illegal Tattoo Practices in New York
02:32 AIDS Scare and Tattoo Safety Concerns
03:07 Famous Tattoo Artists and Personal Experiences
04:44 Tattoo Trends and Cultural Shifts
08:02 Tattoo Removals and Personal Reflections
11:31 Professional and Personal Motivations for Tattoo Removal
17:43 Final Thoughts on Tattoos and Future Plans
20:44 Discussing Celebrity Tattoos
21:48 Wrestling Icons and Their Ink
22:56 Cody's Controversial Neck Tattoo
24:52 John Cena's Stagnant Image
30:26 Lex Luger's Hall of Fame Induction
32:40 Personal Reflections and Closing Remarks