Draft:Mark Bland
Mark Bland | |
|---|---|
| Born | St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Occupations | Radio host, political commentator, professional wrestler, television host |
| Years active | 1994–present |
| Known for | The Left Hook, The Q, Broadcasting, St. Louis Broadcasting |
| Website | www |
Mark Bland is an American radio personality, political commentator, television host, podcaster, and a Hall of Fame professional wrestler from St. Louis, Missouri. He is the host of the political talk program The Left Hook, which airs on KRLL 104.1 FM and WIBH 102.5 FM.
Early life and entertainment career
[edit]Bland was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. He began his entertainment career at a young age, later becoming involved in radio, television, music, and professional wrestling.
While attending college in St. Louis, Bland hosted and produced the weekly radio program The Friday Night Drive on 89.5 FM. The program led to opportunities in local television, including hosting the music video program Video Jukebox beginning in 1997 and later Mega Music in 2001.
Bland later hosted Audaphobia, a locally produced television program that aired through the St. Louis Warner Bros. affiliate WB-11.
Professional wrestling career
[edit]Bland was active in the St. Louis independent professional wrestling scene, competing in the Mid-Missouri Wrestling Association-Southern Illinois Conference Wrestling (MMWA-SICW). He later served as Director of Operations for Dynamo Pro Wrestling and became known by the nickname "The Gen-X Icon."[1]
Bland was inducted into the Independent St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame as part of its Class of 2025. The organization recognized his contributions to the St. Louis wrestling community as a competitor, promoter, and wrestling executive.[2]
During the early stages of his wrestling career, Bland competed in MMWA-SICW, the same St. Louis-based promotion where Randy Orton began his professional wrestling career. Orton's early career records list Bland as one of the wrestlers he performed with during his time in the promotion.[3]
Bland later combined his wrestling background with broadcasting, hosting programs focused on professional wrestling and mixed martial arts.
Sports and MMA broadcasting
[edit]In 2008, Bland began hosting Absolute Wrestling Radio on Team 1380 AM in St. Louis, covering professional wrestling and mixed martial arts. He also worked as a play-by-play broadcaster for the nationally syndicated MMA television program Combat Showcase.
Music and entertainment business
[edit]Bland founded Syndicate Entertainment Group, a St. Louis-based entertainment company focused on artist management, independent record operations, and music consultation.
Through his work in the music industry, Bland helped manage artists and was involved with Flight Case for Sushi, which signed with Akon's KonLive Distribution record label.
Bland also holds a position as manager of US Operations in 2005 with Nordic Talent and handled management for The Rednex Rednex
Political broadcasting
[edit]In 2010, Bland launched The Q, a political talk program focused on current events and politics from a moderate-to-liberal perspective. The program developed a following through online distribution and radio syndication.
In 2025, Bland and co-host Jason Kull joined Occupy Democrats for the Occupy Democrats Show, a political podcast distributed through the organization's social media platforms. The partnership later evolved into The Left Hook, currently on FOX News Radio stations.
The Left Hook
[edit]The Left Hook is a weekly political talk show hosted by Mark Bland and Jason Kull. The program covers national politics, Missouri politics, current events, and popular culture.
The program airs Saturday mornings on KRLL 104.1 FM and WIBH 102.5 FM and is also distributed through podcast platforms.
References
[edit]- ^ "Mark Bland". Independent St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame. Retrieved July 21, 2026.
- ^ "Mark Bland". Independent St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame. Retrieved July 21, 2026.
- ^ "Randy Orton". Wikipedia. Retrieved July 21, 2026.
External links
[edit]Category:American radio personalities Category:American political commentators Category:American podcasters Category:American television hosts Category:Professional wrestlers from Missouri Category:People from St. Louis