Summary of Love and Radio Podcast Episode: "Imagine What I Could Do To You"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Love and Radio
- Host/Author: Love and Radio | QCODE
- Episode: Imagine What I Could Do To You
- Release Date: August 2, 2023
- Featuring: Adrienne Street
Introduction
In the episode titled "Imagine What I Could Do To You," hosted by Nick Van Der Kolk, listeners are introduced to the enigmatic world of Adrienne Street, an exotic professional wrestler known for his flamboyant persona and formidable in-ring presence. The conversation delves deep into Street's early life, his evolution in the wrestling industry, personal philosophies, and memorable encounters that shaped his career.
Adrienne Street's Early Life and Costume Design
Adrienne Street begins by reminiscing about his childhood passion for costume design, a hobby that dates back to the age of three. He reflects on crafting intricate outfits during wartime rationing, highlighting his creativity and resilience:
"I design everything from the age of three... I would turn my little Plasticine figures into the Knights in Shining Armor." [03:35]
Street emphasizes the importance of clothing in his persona, likening his transformation to that of Clark Kent turning into Superman:
"It was like Clark Kent going into the phone box, meek journalist... and he'd sort of come out like Superman." [04:20]
Wrestling Career and Persona
Adrienne Street recounts his early experiences in the wrestling ring, describing his first match with vivid detail:
"When the bell rang, I ran across the ring... I dislocated his shoulder. That was the end of the contest." [08:15]
His unique approach to wrestling—incorporating both charismatic and aggressive tactics—set him apart in the industry. Street elaborates on his ability to balance showmanship with genuine combat skills:
"I could get hold of your fingers... I don't want to rip your arm out by its socket, which I could." [24:30]
Street also discusses the fixed nature of wrestling during his time, explaining how promoters influenced match outcomes to enhance their investment:
"Wrestling was often fixed because if they had somebody that had a lot of money in that they imported from another country... He's gonna have a damn rough time while he gets there." [25:10]
Transition to a Good Guy
A pivotal moment in Street's career was his transformation from a villainous character to a beloved "good guy," inspired by an encounter with a young fan battling cystic fibrosis:
"A 13 year old girl... she lit up. I thought, bugger you." [27:00]
This heartfelt interaction led to a shift in his persona, allowing him to connect more genuinely with audiences:
"When I turned into a good guy... the crowd go, go on, kiss him, Adrian." [28:50]
Street reflects on the challenges of maintaining authenticity amidst shifting public perceptions:
"I never ever, never, never, ever said I was gay... I wouldn't stay in a box." [30:00]
Notable Incidents and Legacy
One of the most striking stories Adrienne Street shares involves his confrontation with DJ Jimmy Savile, portraying a moment where his in-ring prowess had lasting repercussions:
"I ripped him inside out. I tore all the hair out of his head... He never, ever wrestled again." [37:10]
Street discusses the mixed reactions to his actions, acknowledging the later revelations about Savile's misconduct:
"But you know, the funny thing is the newspapers were full of it... He was molesting the hell out of them. We didn't know at the time." [37:20]
He concludes by reflecting on his illustrious career, noting his numerous titles and undefeated record upon retirement:
"I've been a world champion... I've held four world titles in three different weight divisions." [35:50]
Conclusion
The episode of "Love and Radio" offers an intimate glimpse into Adrienne Street's multifaceted life, blending theatrical performance with genuine personal experiences. From his early days as a costume designer to his reign in the wrestling world, Street's story is one of creativity, resilience, and complex character evolution. His legacy is marked not only by his in-ring achievements but also by the profound impact he had on fans and the wrestling community.
Notable Quotes:
- "Imagine what I could do to you." [Various timestamps]
- "I can be a tulip, I can be a man..." [36:11]
- "Don't let all of his affectations fool you a bit. I carry the act on until the last minute." [25:50]
Produced by: Stephen Jackson
Special Thanks: Jeremy Deller, Ensemble, Tendu, Time Warp, Erushka V. Voorhees, Lucretia Dalt, and more.
For a complete playlist and to explore Adrienne Street's autobiography, visit loveandradio.org.