What is “Huge Pop”?

Professional wrestling is all about the suspension of disbelief and generating huge emotional reactions from an audience.  Those emotional reactions form a lifelong bond between the fans and the companies providing this unique form of entertainment.  It’s not unlike the way sports fans live and die with their teams and stick with them win or lose.  

That moment, when your favorite wrestler comes through the curtain, when their song hits, or when they land their big move – gets the crowd up on their feet, cheering at the top of their lungs.  In the wrestling business, that massive reaction is known as a “Pop”.  

This radio show, produced for TSN, understands that those moments are the lifeblood of professional wrestling, which is why we wanted to title this program “Huge Pop”.  It’s all about recognizing those moments each week, further cementing that connection with long time fans, returning fans, and brand-new ones who are checking out this brand of entertainment for the first time.  

“Huge Pop” is executive produced by Randy Charpentier and Bradie Whetham, who previously delivered Sunday Night’s Main Event for TSN.  The technical producer of the show is independent professional wrestler, Lincoln Allen.  

“Huge Pop” is hosted by two veterans of the wrestling world.  

Donnie DaSilva (also known as “Big Daddy” Donnie) has been involved in pro wrestling since 1996.  He’s learned the ins and outs of every role in the business, and has had success as a commentator, and most notably as an event promoter and matchmaker.  

He’s worked directly with some of the biggest names in the history of the business like Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper, Jimmy Snuka, Jake Roberts and many more.

Donnie also has a long background in broadcasting.  Having graduated from Humber College’s radio program, he volunteered at AM 640 in Toronto, before landing an opportunity as a producer and on-air talent at CJCL The Fan 590.  

In 1996, he founded a show called Live Audio Wrestling, which became one of the first online radio shows to ever be broadcast live on the internet.  That property eventually made its way to AM 590 and lasted for many years after Donnie had left the team.

More recently, Donnie was co-hosting Sunday Night’s Main Event on TSN radio – specializing in great interviews with big names in the wrestling business.  Currently Donnie is a producer and coach for Superkick’d Pro Wrestling in Toronto. 

Jimmy Korderas spent 30 plus years as a referee for the World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment.  

Toronto born Jimmy Korderas is considered by many to be a future WWE Hall of Famer.  

He’s one of the best to ever do that job and has worked with all of the biggest names – from Andre The Giant to Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock.  Jimmy is a well respected and beloved member of the WWE family, who still attends live events and is always welcomed home with open arms.  

Jimmy spent years hosting a television show on Rogers Sportsnet with Arda Ocal, Santino Marella, Renee Paquette and Jackie Redmond.  Their “post-game” wrap up followed Monday Night Raw and was an extremely popular part of the broadcast.  Jimmy is also a published author, having written a book about his amazing WWE career.  

Jimmy also posts his "Reffin' Rant" shorts on his social media accounts daily, and hosts a podcast with former WWE referee Brian Hebner called "Reffin It Up"  

Jimmy and Donnie have known each other for more than two decades and have a very natural rapport and fun chemistry.