Wrestling Is Real Wrestling Podcast

Wrestling Is Real Wrestling Podcast

By: Wrestling Is Real Podcast

Language: en

Categories: Sports, Wrestling, Arts, Visual

Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of professional wrestling since 2012, the Wrestling Is Real Podcast, with your host @KingOfPodcasts, offers in-depth, bold, and uncensored commentary. We go beyond the surface to analyze the intricate storylines, pivotal TV moments, and creative directions across all major promotions including WWE, AEW, TNA, MLW, NWA, and more.Expect insightful critiques, passionate debate, and a commitment to exploring why some angles captivate us and others fall flat. If you're looking for a podcast that truly understands the psychology and spectacle of wrestling and isn't afraid to speak its mind, you're in the right place. We're here for...

Episodes

WWE Squanders Stranger Things Collab with Upside Down Booking
Jan 08, 2026

The January 5, 2026, edition of Monday Night RAW from Brooklyn was a bizarre, disjointed attempt at a cross-promotional spectacle that ultimately left fans feeling like they were trapped in a creative void. 

Despite the high-stakes billing of the first RAW of the year and the one-year anniversary of the move to Netflix, the "Stranger Things" integration felt like a hollow gimmick that actively hindered the show’s momentum. Rather than providing meaningful storytelling, the "Upside Down" was represented more by the show's backwards logic and flat energy; while the production team leaned into the aesthetic with thematic filters and gra...

Duration: 00:59:59
WWE in 2026: Future Pillars or Fading and Fragile Main Eventers
Dec 31, 2025

WWE is feverishly undergoing a violent tectonic shift as a new generation of powerhouses prepares to bulldoze a main roster currently plagued by injuries and aging veterans. 

While Oba Femi is being hailed by officials as a "special case" on par with Bron Breakker—who is already being groomed as the next Roman Reigns—longtime staples like CM Punk are facing harsh public critiques. 

Wrestling icon Kevin Nash recently went as far as to suggest that Punk is "done," citing slow ring work and a lack of world-champion physique. This generational gap is further widened by a depl...

Duration: 00:40:35
MJF's Calculated and Chaotic World Title Win at AEW World's End
Dec 28, 2025

In a chaotic and calculated main event at Worlds End, Maxwell Jacob Friedman officially ended the reign of Samoa Joe to become the new AEW World Champion, signaling a ruthless return to his roots as the industry's most despised villain. 

By outlasting Joe, Swerve Strickland, and Hangman Adam Page in a grueling 4-Way Match, MJF didn't just win back the "Triple B"—he effectively shed the "generational talent" hero persona to embrace the cold, manipulative tactics that first made him a star. 

Utilizing a timely low blow on Page and a devastating Heatseeker on Joe, Friedman prov...

Duration: 00:34:59
Streaming Supremacy or Creative Crisis? WWE’s 2026 Netflix Pivot Faces Momentum Meltdown
Dec 24, 2025

While Netflix is celebrating a massive victory this week with record-breaking viewership for the Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua clash—pulling in an estimated 33 million global viewers—the same cannot be said for its newest billion-dollar partner, WWE. 

As the calendar turns to 2026, the wrestling giant finds itself in a state of "creative bankruptcy," entering the new year with virtually zero narrative momentum despite the prestige of the Netflix platform. 

Reports suggest a desperate, last-minute scramble to inject life into the product by raiding the NXT developmental system.

High-profile stars like Trick Williams, Sol Ruca...

Duration: 00:51:53
John Cena Loss Backlash Exposes 'Directionless' WWE Creative
Dec 18, 2025

WWE creative, under the direction of Paul "Triple H" Levesque, was reportedly "blindsided" and caught off guard by the intense, negative fan reaction to John Cena losing his retirement match to Gunther. While Triple H has publicly attempted to dismiss the boos as expected "heat," internal sources suggest the level of hostility exceeded WWE's projections, revealing a failure to gauge audience sentiment. 

This creative misstep and subsequent shock reinforce reports that, in the wake of Cena's retirement, WWE Raw is now suffering from "controversial reveals and directionless storylines," suggesting a deeper issue with the creative structure Levesque leads. Duration: 01:01:25

John Cena's Traditional Loss Ignites Juvenile Delusional Meltdown
Dec 14, 2025

John Cena takes traditional loss and the juvenile delusional meltdown

The curtain officially fell on a legendary career as John Cena suffered a definitive, clean submission loss to "The Ring General" Gunther in the main event of Saturday Night's Main Event. 

In a brutal and technical showcase meant to pass the torch to the next generation, Cena valiantly fought but ultimately submitted to Gunther's unforgiving assault, making this the first time the wrestling icon has officially retired with a loss. 

While long-time fans lauded the respectful and powerful elevation of Gunther, the collective gasp fr...

Duration: 00:28:42
"Paul’s Vision Being Executed" WWE in 2025 Under Private Equity Influence
Dec 11, 2025

The inaugural year of TKO Group Holdings, the entity merging WWE and UFC, saw WWE not just survive, but flourish under the streaming behemoth Netflix's gaze.

Despite the organization being majority-owned by Endeavor (and indirectly controlled by the private equity giant Silver Lake), WWE President Nick Khan has firmly maintained that the creative success of the new era is purely the product of Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque. 

Khan's quote, "It's Paul’s vision being executed," underscores a key tension: a publicly traded, financially driven operation is allowing the creative side an unprecedented level of...

Duration: 01:03:50
TNA Moves to AMC Along with WWE/NXT Crossover
Dec 04, 2025

​TNA Wrestling has secured a significant multi-year media rights agreement that will see its flagship weekly show, Thursday Night iMPACT!, move to AMC and AMC+ starting January 15, 2026. 

This monumental move represents a major strategic shift for TNA, aiming to capitalize on AMC Networks' reputation for catering to passionate, engaged fan bases and substantially increasing TNA's household reach. The two-hour broadcast will air live every Thursday from 9-11 p.m. ET, kicking off with a live event in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. 

This new television home marks the latest chapter in TNA’s nomadic history, which began when T...

Duration: 01:07:51
Survivor Series War Games Reaked of Warmed Over Thanksgiving Leftovers
Nov 30, 2025

WWEs Survivor Series, featuring the hallmark WarGames matches left many fans questioning the creative decisions behind the outcomes and match presentation.

 Women's WarGames Match with Charlotte Flair, which also included IYO SKY, Alexa Bliss, AJ Lee, and Rhea Ripley, secured a victory over the opposing team, led by Becky Lynch and featuring the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Asuka and Kairi Sane, along with Nia Jax and Lash Legend, by submission.

 Despite the monumental effort, the match was criticized for being nearly an hour long with little significant development. 

The booking seemed overly focused on...

Duration: 00:33:20
Triple H War Games Booking Boast or Russo Reality Check
Nov 27, 2025

Triple H is trying to sell us a bill of goods. In recent interviews, he’s boasting about a "deep field" and a "wide open" future, conveniently glazing over the fact that WWE’s main event scene is essentially a retirement community. 

He points to the "thickness" of the roster underneath, citing names like Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, yet the marquee remains choked by part-timers and veterans pushing 40 or 50—Lesnar, Punk, Reigns, and Cody. If the future is so bright, why is the present so reliant on the past?

The ugly truth is that WWE is curr...

Duration: 01:14:37
AEW Full Gear Full of Blood and a Boatload of Belt Changes
Nov 23, 2025

AEW's Full Gear 2025 was a spectacle that swung wildly between brilliance and overkill, proving once again that the company thrives on high-stakes drama—but sometimes piles on the extremes like it's allergic to subtlety. Four title changes lit up the ledger (FTR's tag team triumph, Ricochet's gauntlet glory for the new National belt, Mark Briscoe's gritty TNT grab, and Samoa Joe's cage-clinching World Championship heist), but let's pump the brakes: that's not evolution; it's title turnover roulette. In one night? It risks diluting the prestige of every strap, turning reigns into revolving doors. AEW's booking is ambitious, sure, but this ma...

Duration: 00:16:19
WWE Desperate One Night Booking for Divided Delusional Fanatics
Nov 20, 2025

In a televised attempt to justify its massive Netflix contract and squeeze every last drop of nostalgia out of its most famous living star, WWE rolled into Madison Square Garden for a Monday Night Raw that reeked of desperate "All Hands On Deck" pandering.

The evening began with a bloated, 50-minute tribute to John Cena's "Final Raw," a farewell so comprehensive it felt like an overlong eulogy for a man who will surely be back for WrestleMania. 

After cutting a heartfelt promo about his 23-year career, Cena was interrupted (as is tradition) by "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio. T...

Duration: 01:12:47
Ruthless Depression: WWE's Fanatic Fandom In Crisis Mode
Nov 13, 2025

The recent "boom period" for WWE is reportedly "definitely cooling off," characterized by a noticeable decline in advance ticket sales, signaling an end to the company's peak momentum, according to Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer. This decline is mirrored by a growing discontent among the loyal fanbase, who have begun to label the current era—starting with the Raw debut on Netflix—the "Ruthless Depression" Era, a play on the company's past "Ruthless Aggression" period.
This fan backlash, as voiced by groups like Wrestling Allilance, stems from several key grievances: persistently high ticket prices, disappointing booking and poor storylines, and the...

Duration: 00:57:56
Triple H's Time in Creative Is Numbered
Nov 06, 2025

Whispers in the corridors of power at TKO and WWE suggest that Paul "Triple H" Levesque's reign over the company's creative direction could be drawing to a dramatic close.

 The man once hailed as the architect of WWE's post-Vince McMahon era is now facing mounting pressure from plummeting ratings, fan backlash, and internal calls for a seismic shift—echoing the very "new landscape" he himself hinted at in recent interviews.

Triple H, WWE's Chief Content Officer since July 2022, has long positioned himself as the visionary steering the promotion toward a more cinematic, interconnected storytelling model. In a c...

Duration: 00:58:41
New Champs but Stale Storylines at Saturday Night's Main Event
Nov 02, 2025

Saturday Night's Main Event hit the Delta Center last night like a half-baked sequel—pyros fizzled, Post Malone danced ringside, and four title matches crammed a Peacock stream that felt more like filler than fireworks. 

Jade Cargill and CM Punk cut through the haze, claiming the WWE Women's and vacant World Heavyweight Titles in bursts of brilliance. Cargill's Jaded crush on Tiffany Stratton was raw power poetry: chokeslams booming, a torture rack toying with the champ like a ragdoll, blood on her brow as confetti fell at 14:22.

 Punk's double GTS on Jey Uso, post-barricade brawl and trai...

Duration: 00:10:42
Same Shoes, Same Stars: WWE Numb to Anything New in Netflix Era
Oct 30, 2025

After days of cryptic shoe-themed teasers across WWE’s social channels, fans finally got their payoff — the official WrestleMania 42 trailer.

 But while the marketing campaign generated buzz, it also underscored a growing frustration among fans: beneath the flashy production, WWE’s creative direction feels increasingly out of touch.

The new trailer, filled with familiar faces like Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and Seth Rollins, reflects WWE’s reliance on the same main-event lineup that has dominated the company for years. 

Despite the global spotlight of the upcoming Netflix era in 2025, there’s little sign of risk-taking...

Duration: 00:54:30
WWE's Creative Answers Are Not AI and Algorithms. What is?
Oct 23, 2025

Recent speculation about WWE's creative direction has been dominated by reports of Artificial Intelligence being integrated into the storytelling process, fueling fears of an automated, algorithm-driven product. 

However, this focus on AI misses the fundamental issue: a perceived creative bankruptcy that technology cannot solve. 

As reports from outlets like Newsweek and Fightful have clarified, the panic over AI writing promos and booking matches is largely unfounded, with the company's use of AI focused on production efficiencies rather than creative generation.

​A Newsweek article titled "Wild WWE AI Report Gets Debunked" directly addresses these rumors, expl...

Duration: 00:45:16
AEW Substandard WrestleDream Not Quite The Dream
Oct 19, 2025

AEW WrestleDream featured a brutal main event, Darby Allin outlasted Jon Moxley in a violent "I Quit" match. The grueling war finally concluded when Allin forced the seemingly unquittable Moxley to surrender.
The AEW World Championship was on the line as "Hangman" Adam Page defended his title against the formidable Samoa Joe. In a hard-hitting clash of titans, "Hangman" managed to overcome the challenger and retain his world title.
The night's biggest shock came after the $500k Tag Team Match, which saw Jurassic Express (Jack Perry and Luchasaurus) defeat The Young Bucks to win the massive prize. As...

Duration: 00:21:14
AI Wrestling Runs Wild or A WWE Blurry Vision (ep.966)
Oct 16, 2025

While wrestling fans and others online have been captivated and disturbed by a recent trend of AI-generated wrestling videos, the WWE is facing its own set of internal issues, from a murky championship picture to dwindling viewership, creating a "blurry vision" for the company's future.

The rise of OpenAI's Sora has led to a surge in viral, and often bizarre, videos depicting real and deceased public figures in WWE matches. These AI-generated clips have featured historical figures like Queen Elizabeth II and John F. Kennedy, as well as deceased celebrities, in realistic but unsettling wrestling scenarios. The trend...

Duration: 00:48:18
TNA Bound For Glory Bumbled By WWE and NXT Influence
Oct 13, 2025

TNA's biggest event of the year, Bound For Glory, suffered from a profound and detrimental influence from WWE and NXT-style booking, resulting in a confusing, over-booked, and ultimately frustrating night of action. The pay-per-view, which should have been TNA's chance to shine, instead felt marred by questionable decisions, unnecessary complexity, and a lack of faith in its own roster and storytelling.
Over-Exposed NXT Talent and Convoluted Finishes:  The recurring presence of NXT talent—including TNA World Champion Trick Williams and Knockouts Champion Kelani Jordan—was a double-edged sword that mostly cut TNA.
The TNA World Championship main event saw M...

Duration: 00:38:59
WWE Bound For Dropping Ratings or Down Under Creative
Oct 09, 2025

In the wake of WWE's high-profile pivot to streaming platforms like Netflix and ESPN, the company's business model has emerged as a paradoxical behemoth—raking in unprecedented revenue through lucrative media deals and inflated live event pricing, yet teetering on the brink of creative insolvency that alienates talent and fans alike. 

Since the Netflix era kicked off in January 2025 with the exclusive streaming of *Monday Night Raw*, WWE has positioned itself as a content powerhouse, securing a $5 billion, 10-year pact that promised global expansion and subscriber boosts for the streamer. However, beneath the glossy veneer of executive self-congratulation—evide...

Duration: 00:58:14
WWE NXT-N-A Talent and Title Control Over TNA and AAA
Oct 02, 2025

WWE's NXTNA—a snarky shorthand for the NXT-TNA-AAA mashup—smells like a calculated middle finger to AEW, cloaked in cross-promotional chaos. 
Ricky Starks, rebranded as Ricky Saints, went from AEW's midcard darling to NXT's dual-title kingpin in six months, snagging the North American belt from Shawn Spears in April and toppling Oba Femi for the NXT Championship at No Mercy.
 NoDQ.com crowed the Femi match as WWE's "F.U." to AEW, spinning a supposed jobber into a titan.
Never mind Starks' AEW resume—wins over CM Punk, Jericho, FTR for tag gold, the 2023 Owen Hart tourney, and 2022...

Duration: 00:54:16
WWE Counterprogramming Fumbles WrestlePalooza and Put Partners in Peril
Sep 25, 2025

WWE’s much-hyped WrestlePalooza, the first Premium Live Event (PLE) streamed on ESPN Unlimited, landed with a thud, earning a scathing “C” grade from ESPN combat sports writer Andreas Hale. The Indianapolis event, meant to kick off 

WWE’s blockbuster five-year, $325 million deal with ESPN, promised “epic moments” and "surprises" but delivered a lackluster card that left fans and critics underwhelmed. Hale praised the Women’s World Championship match between Stephanie Vaquer and IYO SKY as the sole highlight, while slamming the Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena opener  and the Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre main event .

WWE’s broad...

Duration: 00:51:42
AEW All Out Fletcher or All About AJ Wrestlepalooza
Sep 21, 2025

AEW All Out 2025 delivered  a stacked card with five championship matches, intense stipulation bouts, and the emergence of new stars. Headlined by AEW World Champion “Hangman” Adam Page defending his title against TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher.

“The Protostar,” stepped into the spotlight as a main event contender, challenging Hangman Adam Page for the AEW World Championship. Fletcher’s performance, however, showcased his potential as a top-tier talent, earning praise for his intensity and signaling his arrival as a future cornerstone of AEW.

 The match capped off a night that highlighted both established stars and rising prospects, with Toronto...

Duration: 00:21:30
A WWE Wrestlepalooza of Inferior Improv and Match Match Match
Sep 18, 2025


We look into the intersection of corporate influence and creative execution within WWE's programming. The "Match Match Match" podcast trope is used to critique what is described as "inferior improv" and "corporate suffocation of creative," leading to generic and uninspired storylines. This is exemplified by a "tedious" go-home promo for a mixed-tag team match involving CM Punk & AJ Lee against Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch. 

Meanwhile, this creative direction coincides with a significant new partnership between WWE and ESPN. A media call with ESPN executives Matt Kenny and JT Lasker took place ahead of the Wrestlepalooza Premium Live E...

Duration: 00:55:06
TKO's Global Power Play Puts WWE Toxic Fandom Into Tailspin
Sep 15, 2025

WWE made a controversial announcement that WrestleMania 43 in 2027 will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This marks the first time WWE's flagship event will be hosted outside of North America, and it's a decision that has sent shockwaves through the fan base. 
The move, which is reportedly part of a massive new deal that includes the 2027 Royal Rumble and at least one other major event in the same year, is a clear signal of TKO Group Holdings' focus on maximizing global revenue, with reports suggesting these events could earn the company upwards of $50 million each night. 
The outrage is...

Duration: 00:39:02
Triple H: Master Manipulator or AJ Lee: Agent of Fandom Healing (ep. 958)
Sep 11, 2025

In the face of historically low wrestling ratings and a strategic gamble with Raw's start time, WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H is being cast as a master manipulator, deftly using the "juvenile delusional fandom" as putty in his hands. 
Rather than a genuine philosophical shift toward transparency, his public defense of the WWE: Unreal docuseries is portrayed as a calculated mind trick. 
He cleverly called out the hypocrisy of podcasters and online critics who consume backstage gossip, while simultaneously giving them exactly what they crave: the illusion of having the curtain pulled back. By providing a sanctioned gli...

Duration: 01:09:36
AJ Lee WWE Return Riles Frenzied Fandom For Wrestlepalooza Hype
Sep 06, 2025

WWE Smackdown pulled out all the stops with "hot shot" booking to set the stage for their upcoming Wrestlepalooza event. 
The surprise return of AJ Lee, who came to the aid of her husband, CM Punk, in a heated confrontation with Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. While the toxic portion of the WWE fandom is ecstatic over Lee's comeback, gloating online about how it proves WWE's superiority over a struggling AEW brand that is reportedly seeing its TV ratings and viewership numbers sink to record lows, her return is ultimately a red herring.
 It's designed to generate a qu...

Duration: 00:21:59
AEW Avoids WWE Chess Move. Wrestlepalooza Now Competing with College Football
Sep 04, 2025

Time to dissect the latest chapter in the WWE bullying tactics to counter AEW, arguing that WWE's decision to counter-program AEW All Out with their new ESPN-backed Wrestlepalooza event was a major unforced error.
 This move, driven by a clear case of "Tony Khan derangement syndrome," aimed to disrupt AEW's business but instead provided them with the perfect opportunity to make a brilliant strategic pivot. 
We break down how AEW not only sidestepped a pointless head-to-head conflict by moving their event to an earlier time but also leveraged the situation to secure a groundbreaking pay-per-view deal with HBO Ma...

Duration: 00:54:40
World Title Goes Bonnie and Clyde in Contemptuous Clash in Paris
Sep 01, 2025

The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, secured a decisive victory over Bronson Reed. The Wyatt Sicks, with the eerie presence of Uncle Howdy, successfully defended their WWE Tag Team Championship against The Street Profits.
Becky Lynch, emerged victorious, retaining her WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship against Nikki Bella. Later in the evening, in a crucial Fatal four-way match for the World Heavyweight Championship, Seth Rollins retained his title. 
The win came with a twist, in the true style of Bonnie and Clyde Becky helped Rollins defeat CM Punk to retain. The event also featured Rusev overpowering Sheamus in a Good O...

Duration: 00:31:29
WWE Fixed on Crushing Competition and Fueling Toxic Fandom
Aug 28, 2025

The competition between WWE and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has been characterized by what many consider to be a series of petty and anti-competitive actions, particularly on the part of WWE. This approach appears to be rooted in a desire to prevent any competitor from reaching the level of success once achieved by WCW, which forced WWE to work harder and innovate. The modern-day parallel of this rivalry extends from the top corporate level down to the fan base.

Corporate Anti-Competition
The business tactics of WWE and its parent company, TKO, have been described as intentionally disruptive...

Duration: 01:12:10
AEW Forbidden Door London: MJF and Toni Storm Excel in Exhibition-Heavy Card
Aug 25, 2025

AEW Forbidden Door London highlighted MJF and "Timeless" Toni Storm as top main event stars through stellar booking. MJF’s gripping AEW World Championship loss to "Hangman" Adam Page showcased his magnetic presence, while Toni Storm’s submission win over Athena for the AEW Women’s World Championship reinforced her dominance. 

Beyond the intense Lights Out Steel Cage main event, where Golden Lovers, Darby Allin, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Will Ospreay defeated Death Riders, The Young Bucks, and Gabe Kidd, most championship matches—like Kyle Fletcher’s TNT title defense, Mercedes Moné’s TBS four-way, Zack Sabre Jr.’s IWGP title bout...

Duration: 00:40:02
WWE Panders To Petty Fandom While Pushing Around Other Promotions
Aug 21, 2025

WWE's recent maneuvers suggest a calculated strategy to dominate the industry, often at the expense of fostering genuine growth or collaboration. 
Under the leadership of Triple H and with TKO Group's backing, WWE has been accused of leveraging its resources to undermine rivals like AEW, while exerting influence over smaller promotions such as AAA and TNA. This approach not only involves aggressive counter-programming but also subtle digs that appeal to a segment of the fanbase thrives on tribalism and schadenfreude. Critics argue that these tactics—rooted in pettiness—risk alienating broader audiences and stifling innovation, as WWE prioritizes short-term wins...

Duration: 00:53:21
Triplemania 33 and the Case for WWE to Embrace Fun Gimmicks and Campy Storytelling.
Aug 17, 2025

AAA's Triplemania 33 event as one of the year's best wrestling shows, highlighting its use of over-the-top, character-driven performances. Memorable moments included the match between Omos and Microman and a puppet version of Finn Bálor's "Demon" character. The speaker suggests that WWE, under Triple H's leadership, could benefit from adopting AAA's "make-believe," campy, and fun approach to storytelling to energize its own product. 

While some WWE stars participated, the crossover with AAA's style highlights a need for more "pageantry" and "showmanship" in mainstream wrestling. These creative elements are what fans, including the "juvenile delusional fandom," truly enjoy.
Duration: 00:08:11

TKO Stands for TV Domination Kicking Out Talent and Intimidating Opposition
Aug 14, 2025

KOP argues that the TKO Group's business strategy, which combines the assets of WWE and UFC, is focused on securing maximum television and streaming dominance at the expense of talent and competition. 

New UFC Deal with Paramount+We look at the recent, historic seven-year, $7.7 billion media rights deal between TKO Group and Paramount for UFC content, beginning in 2026. This agreement is seen as a major power play, as it moves all UFC numbered events and Fight Nights exclusively to Paramount+. This move effectively ends the previous pay-per-view model, making all UFC events available to Paramount+ subscribers at no e...

Duration: 01:02:12
TKO Terrific Banking Big ESPN Deal While WWE Creatively Challenged
Aug 07, 2025

In a landmark move for professional wrestling, WWE, under the umbrella of TKO Group Holdings, has secured a five-year, $1.625 billion media rights agreement with ESPN, positioning the sports entertainment giant’s Premium Live Events (PLEs) on ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming platform starting in 2026. This deal, valued at an average of $325 million annually, marks a significant shift from WWE’s current streaming partnership with NBCUniversal’s Peacock, which expires in March 2026 and was valued at $180-$200 million per year. 
The agreement, which includes marquee events like WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, Survivor Series, and Money in the Bank, will see all 1...

Duration: 01:06:32
Cody Conquers Cena with a Beast Incarnate Callback (ep.949)
Aug 04, 2025

In a night of unexpected turns and high-stakes championship matches, Cody Rhodes emerged victorious over John Cena in a brutal street fight for the Undisputed WWE Championship. 
The night also saw Naomi successfully defend her Women's World Championship in a triple-threat match against Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky, replicating the surprise pinfall strategy used at a previous event.
The Wyatt Sicks, consisting of Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy, retained their WWE Tag Team Championship in a chaotic Six-Pack Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match. Despite the involvement of women and a high-energy performance, some teams like Motor City Machine G...

Duration: 00:40:26
Seth Rollins Briefcase Bait and Switch and John Cena Heel Turn Halted
Aug 03, 2025

SummerSlam 2025 starts up following a plot twist in a highly anticipated rematch between two of WWE's biggest stars: the returning hero John Cena and the "American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.

The main event of SummerSlam Night 1 saw CM Punk dethrone Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship. The celebration was short-lived, however, as Seth Rollins, who had won the Money in the Bank contract, appeared with his briefcase. With CM Punk weakened from his grueling match, Rollins cashed in, hitting a Curb Stomp on the unsuspecting champion to steal the victory and the World Heavyweight Championship, solidifying his reputation as "...

Duration: 00:24:05
WWE: Unreal Exposes No Script, No Structure, and Improvised Booking
Jul 31, 2025

"They spent less than 10 minutes in the writer's room". Netflix’s WWE: Unreal docuseries may have promised to pull back the curtain on the larger-than-life world of professional wrestling—but it also unintentionally revealed just how thin that curtain really is. 
Across multiple episodes and interviews, what stands out most is not just the backstage access or production secrets, but the shocking admission that WWE’s writing process often consists of planning by booking committee with no ownership, except for a small inner circle of executives making major calls while agents and producers scramble to fill in the gaps on the...

Duration: 01:09:59
Hulk Hogan: Reshaping Wrestling, Outliving the Headlines (ep.946)
Jul 24, 2025

The wrestling world is reeling today with the news of Hulk Hogan's passing at the age of 71. TMZ reported that the legendary superstar, born Terry Gene Bollea on August 11, 1953, died this morning after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Florida. His death marks the end of an era for a figure who transcended professional wrestling to become a global pop culture phenomenon.Hogan's career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on every territory he graced. Before the "Hulkamania" phenomenon took hold,

Hogan honed his craft in various promotions, including the American Wrestling Association (AWA). Under...

Duration: 00:19:20
WWE TKO Shell Game with TNA, Streamers and Theaters
Jul 24, 2025

The cynical orchestrators at WWE are once again tightening their grip, not just on the narrative, but on the wallets of their most devoted fans. Peacock, WWE's exclusive streaming home for Premium Live Events in the US, has just announced a significant price hike, adding another $3 to both its ad-supported and ad-free tiers starting July 23rd. 
This move, framed by Peacock as a necessary reinvestment in content, feels like a familiar shell game for WWE devotees, who now face increased costs to access the same programming that was once included at a lower price, or even offered via the n...

Duration: 00:39:46
NXTs World Title Takeover at TNA Slammiversary (ep.944)
Jul 21, 2025

Slammiversary 2025 was a monumental event for Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling, marked by high-stakes championship battles, inter-promotional rivalries, and the highly anticipated return of a legendary figure. The show boasted an impressive attendance of 7,623, the largest for a TNA event in North America since Lockdown 2013, a testament to the growing excitement surrounding the promotion. This year's Slammiversary was particularly notable for the significant presence of NXT talent, leading to what could be described as an "NXT Title Takeover" as the night unfolded.
One of the most heavily anticipated matches of the night, and a central pillar of the "NXT...

Duration: 00:38:50
WWE SummerSlam Sprint: A Two-Night Card Rushed in Under Three Weeks
Jul 17, 2025

WWE is in an absolute scramble, attempting to build a two-night SummerSlam spectacular from August 2nd to 3rd, 2025, with less than three weeks to go. The card, while stacked with high-stakes matchups, feels rushed, largely due to the company's recent programming focus.
The current lineup promises some electrifying encounters. John Cena is set to defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against a surging Cody Rhodes, a match with major implications for the top title. On the women's side, Tiffany Stratton puts her WWE Women's Championship on the line against the formidable Jade Cargill, while a Triple Threat match for the...

Duration: 00:50:48
WWE Evolution A Symbolic Milestone with Stunted Development and Stagnant Storytelling
Jul 14, 2025

The return of WWE Evolution in 2025, following the historic 2018 inaugural event, served as a powerful statement by WWE and its parent company, TKO, reaffirming their commitment to the women's division. While the event was intended as a celebratory showcase of female talent and a symbol of empowerment, critics argue that despite the efforts by TKO and WWE, Evolution 2025 ultimately did not "move the needle" in terms of significant mainstream attention or long-term viewership. 
The event’s results—featuring major title defenses and a battle royal—highlighted the diversity and depth of talent within the roster, including emerging stars and veteran...

Duration: 00:38:03
Hang 'Em High! Adam Page Ends Death Riders' Reign at All In: Texas (ep.941)
Jul 13, 2025

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) made history tonight at Globe Life Field, presenting AEW All In: Texas, a landmark pay-per-view that cemented itself as a pivotal moment in the company’s history. The event lived up to its billing as a "newsworthy" spectacle, featuring dramatic returns, significant title outcomes, and consequential storyline progression that reshaped the AEW landscape.
The night’s events were highlighted by the crowning of a new AEW World Champion, major shifts in company management, and the surprising return of key figures.
Hangman Adam Page Reclaims World Championship Amid Stunning ReturnsIn the main event, “Hangman” Adam Page def...

Duration: 00:41:48
WWE Empty Evolution Toxic TNA Partnership and Another Assault on AEW (ep.940)
Jul 10, 2025

In a bold strategic maneuver, WWE is leveraging its recent "one-sided" partnership with TNA Wrestling, alongside a flurry of its own premium live events, to maximize monetization and, critically, to seek redemption for its bruised ego stemming from the "Wednesday Night Wars" against AEW Dynamite.
This weekend's seemingly innocuous "Evolution" pay-per-view, however, reveals a deeper, more troubling narrative about the company's commitment to women's wrestling under this new paradigm.
In a revealing interview with Ariel Helwani, TNA President Carlos Silva shed light on the burgeoning relationship with WWE. Silva expressed immense optimism, stating that the partnership is a...

Duration: 01:11:48
Why WWE Is Too Corporate to Be Creative (ep.939)
Jul 03, 2025

Corporate influence significantly stifles creativity in media by prioritizing profit and broad appeal over niche or innovative content, leading to risk aversion and a fear of failure that discourages original ideas. This is clearly exemplified within the WWE, especially under TKO Group Holdings (Endeavor) and the creative leadership of Triple H, despite some shifts from the Vince McMahon era.
The drive for mass appeal in WWE, while praised for a more "wrestling-centric" approach, still means prioritizing storylines and characters that resonate with the broadest possible audience, often sacrificing artistic depth or appealing to niche wrestling fans. This profit-driven approach...

Duration: 00:44:08
WWEs Convoluted and Contentious Night of Champions (ep.938)
Jun 29, 2025

WWE's return to Riyadh for Night of Champions 2025 delivered a mix of unexpected outcomes and frustrating booking, leaving fans with a sense of both excitement and disappointment. While the event saw the elevation of new talent in rare singles showcases, the title matches were marred by overbooked finishes and excessive interference, contributing to a feeling of generic storytelling.In a night that saw two major tournaments conclude, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes defeated Randy Orton in a well-received match to win the King of the Ring. Meanwhile, Jade Cargill continued her ascent by overcoming Asuka to be crowned the Queen...

Duration: 00:26:42
John Cena Pipe Bomb and a CM Punk Saudi Submission (ep.937)
Jun 26, 2025

At this weekend's Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the WWE is delivering a massive dose of nostalgia—and a heavy dose of irony—as WWE Champion John Cena defends his title against CM Punk in the main event. In a stunning role reversal, the once-rebellious Punk is now at the mercy of a heel John Cena, who's in the midst of a "farewell tour" that promises to "ruin wrestling" on his way out.
The build-up to this highly anticipated match has been nothing short of surreal. A newly turned heel Cena delivered a "reverse pipe bomb" to CM P...

Duration: 01:02:15
Bloodline in Disarray: Inside The Fractured Samoan Dynasty (ep.936)
Jun 19, 2025

The once-dominant Bloodline has devolved into a disjointed and often perplexing saga since Roman Reigns lost his championship. While Roman has seemingly faded from the immediate title picture, the remaining members have embarked on disparate and, at times, baffling paths. 
Jey Uso has experienced a frustrating cycle of brief championship reigns, failing to capitalize on his significant momentum despite his enduring popularity. Jimmy Uso has largely been relegated to irrelevance, his only notable involvement being a poorly executed and confusing attempt at a "Bloodline reunion." 
This "secondary Bloodline," featuring Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Jeff Cobb (as JC Mateo), an...

Duration: 01:00:59
Ring General Reign Renewed, CM Punked Contradiction. Truth is Resurrected.
Jun 12, 2025

A whirlwind of change has swept through the WWE Universe in the days following the monumental Money in the Bank premium live event, where Seth Rollins and Naomi secured their respective championship opportunities. The aftershocks of the event have seen a significant title change, a blockbuster match announcement fraught with controversy, and the startling return and evolution of a beloved veteran, leaving fans buzzing with a mix of excitement, debate, and intrigue.

On the Monday Night Raw following Money in the Bank, the reign of "Main Event" Jey Uso as World Heavyweight Champion came to an abrupt end...

Duration: 00:43:11
Tables Ladders Rings and Briefcases Make WWE Money In The Bank
Jun 08, 2025

At the 2025 Money in the Bank event, Seth Rollins climbed the ladder to victory in the Men's Money in the Bank match, outlasting LA Knight, Solo Sikoa, Andrade, El Grande Americano, and Penta to earn his second career briefcase. The match also saw a significant turn of events as Jacob Fatu betrayed his ally, Solo Sikoa.

In the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match, Naomi captured the briefcase, triumphing over Alexa Bliss, Roxanne Perez, Rhea Ripley, Giulia, and Stephanie Vaquer. The match highlighted a new direction for the women's division, featuring a number of fresh faces from...

Duration: 00:30:11
The TKO Effect: WWE Reluctantly Forced to Cut Veteran Talent (ep.933)
Jun 05, 2025

TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of WWE and UFC formed in September 2023, is actively shaping WWE's operational landscape, with its financial strategies appearing to exert significant influence on talent roster management. 
While claims regarding the "sudden upcoming releases" of all specific talents like The Miz are not entirely accurate (as reports indicate he is not leaving and his contract runs until at least late 2025), the departure of R-Truth following a non-renewal of his contract in early June 2025, Karrion Kross's uncertain contract status with no new deal in sight, and broader talent cuts in May 2025 affecting both main roster a...

Duration: 01:09:37
WWE Goes Double or Nothing Pitting NXT All In on AEW (ep.932)
May 29, 2025

WWE appears to be reigniting a new front in its competitive battle with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), scheduling major NXT events directly against AEW's flagship pay-per-view, All In: Texas. This move follows the recent counter-programming of AEW's Double or Nothing with NXT Battleground and signals a more aggressive strategy, reportedly with more head-to-head clashes planned for 2025. These tactics are unfolding against a backdrop of fluctuating viewership for some WWE programming and dedicated fan loyalty that often fuels intense online discourse and disdain for the rival promotion.

In a bold scheduling decision, WWE has announced that its NXT Great...

Duration: 01:03:26
AEW Rebounds at Double or Nothing and a Trick Williams TNA Takeover
May 26, 2025

AEW Double or Nothing 2025 was a testament to the promotion’s evolution, blending established stars, fresh faces, and compelling narratives to deliver a show that reaffirmed AEW’s place as a powerhouse in professional wrestling.

Double or Nothing delivered a masterclass in professional wrestling, showcasing a revitalized All Elite Wrestling that has rebounded from a challenging 2024. With a well-rounded card, strategic roster adjustments, and compelling storytelling, AEW proved it’s in a strong position from top to bottom, captivating fans with high-octane matches and fresh rivalries.

The **Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Final** saw Will Ospreay...

Duration: 00:24:12
Paul Heyman Adds Third Man to His New Triple Threat (ep.930)
May 25, 2025

At WWE Saturday Night's Main Event in Tampa, Florida, Paul Heyman shocked the wrestling world by completing the formation of his new "Triple Threat" faction, reminiscent of his legendary ECW stable.

With Seth Rollins as the cunning leader akin to Shane Douglas, Bron Breakker as the explosive powerhouse mirroring Chris Candido, and the returning Big Bronson Reed as the destructive force in the mold of Bam Bam Bigelow, the faction made a thunderous statement.

In the opening tag team match, Rollins and Breakker defeated Sami Zayn and CM Punk, with Reed’s surprise return and attack on...

Duration: 00:33:59
Double or Nothing in the Desert or Doubling Down on Celebrities (ep.929)
May 22, 2025

WWE in 2025 is choosing celebrity clout over their roster to get their wrestling over, delivering an insult to the faithful fanbase.

The year 2025 in WWE has starkly illuminated a troubling trajectory, one where the supposed pursuit of mainstream relevance through celebrity sideshows has taken clear precedence over the craft of professional wrestling.

The company's increasing reliance on figures like social media influencer-turned-part-time champion Logan Paul, the ever-present Pat McAfee, and even fleeting appearances or associations with names like NBA star Tyrese Haliburton and musician Travis Scott, paints a clear picture: WWE brass seemingly believes the path...

Duration: 00:55:02
Too Much Time to Fill: WWE Creative Stalls Under Content Demands (ep.928)
May 15, 2025

In the past, WWE thrived under time constraints, delivering tight, compelling hour-long wrestling shows that left fans wanting more. Fast-forward to today, and the landscape is flooded with content—up to eight hours weekly between Raw, SmackDown, NXT, premium live events, and online programming.

Despite this abundance, or perhaps because of it, the product is suffering creatively. With more hours to fill than ever, the lack of innovation and engaging storytelling is painfully clear, exposing a major flaw in WWE’s modern formula and threatening the long-term value TKO Group Holdings can extract from its media partnerships.
Duration: 00:57:13

Backlash Boasts New Bloodline Bruiser, But Little Else (ep.927)
May 11, 2025

Tonight's WWE Backlash largely lived up to the unfortunate reputation of many "B-level" premium live events: a card filled with solid in-ring action but hampered by predictable finishes and stagnant storylines. While the matches themselves offered moments of quality, the overall narrative landscape felt disappointingly bland.

The United States Championship remained with Jacob Fatu (c), who overcame LA Knight, Drew McIntyre, and Damian Priest in a chaotic Fatal Four-Way. The most significant talking point of this match, and perhaps the entire evening, was the debut of Jeff Cobb, the newest Samoan addition to the Bloodline lineage. Cobb made...

Duration: 00:22:43
Who is WWE Prioritizing for a Push, and Where? (ep.926)
May 08, 2025

Amidst the bewildering main roster booking, WWE's inherited contract decisions in AAA Lucha Libre, and the TNA World Title defense at NXT Battleground, who is WWE strategically trying to get over?

The WWE Universe is witnessing a period of perplexing main event booking on its main roster, exemplified by a recent Raw where World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso, after a charged confrontation with Paul Heyman (now aligned with Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker), impulsively accepted a title defense against Rollins for that same night—a match reportedly ending in a "confusing no contest."

This follows Heyman's el...

Duration: 00:59:29
WWE Developmental Purgatory: Where Potential Headliners Get Stuck in Limbo
May 01, 2025

WWE's talent development has significantly transformed over the decades. Initially, a traditional "farm league" system aimed to refine a small pool of prospects. This has evolved into a vast, multi-tiered structure centered on the WWE Performance Center and the NXT brand. While this expansion aimed for a global talent pipeline and a consistent influx of stars, it has arguably become a "bloated hierarchy burdened by redundancy," often struggling to consistently produce main event talent ready for the main roster.

Historically, WWE relied on affiliations with independent territories like Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) and Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW). These...

Duration: 00:56:54
TNA Loses Identity to NXT? TNA Rebellion 2025 Recap (ep.924)
Apr 28, 2025

TNA Rebellion 2025 was a major event on the calendar for TNA Wrestling, but the show was arguably overshadowed by a pervasive and, for some viewers, overwhelming presence of WWE NXT talent and creative influence. Based on the night's card and outcomes, a clear argument can be made that there is currently "too much NXT" integrated into the TNA product, raising questions about the promotion's distinct identity.

The integration was felt throughout the pay-per-view, often in significant matches and segments. The TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship match, a Fatal Four-Way, featured not one, but two full teams from NXT...

Duration: 00:35:43
WrestleMania 41’s Fallout and the Crumbling Creative Core of WWE (ep.923)
Apr 24, 2025

WrestleMania 41 has come and gone, but the stench of its disjointed booking and crumbling creative foundation still lingers. While fans are quick to point fingers—at The Rock, John Cena, or even the always-polarizing Becky Lynch—the reality is that WWE’s storytelling machine has been running on fumes, with WrestleMania 41 exposing just how dire things have become.

Let’s start with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who popped up on The Pat McAfee Show attempting damage control after his elimination chamber cameo and subsequent WrestleMania 41 absence. He addressed the chaos surrounding his involvement, or lack thereof, in this year’s Wrest...

Duration: 01:14:21
WrestleMania 41 Night 2: John Cena Lands on Lucky Number 17 (ep.922)
Apr 21, 2025

WrestleMania 41 Night 2 in Las Vegas culminated in a series of controversial to trainwreck moments that electrified the WWE Universe.

The energy was palpable as fans celebrated the return of Becky Lynch, fully embracing her iconic "The Man" persona and storming back into the title picture by capturing the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship with Lyra Valkyria.

The night also saw Dominik Mysterio cleverly navigating a chaotic Fatal Four-Way to secure a massive victory and the Intercontinental Championship, marking a huge milestone in his ascendant career.

Logan Paul delivered polishes his main-event credentials with an...

Duration: 00:31:50
WrestleMania 41 Night 1: A Meaningless Main Event Over Favors (ep.921)
Apr 20, 2025

WrestleMania 41 Night 1 unfolded as a largely predictable affair, headlined by a main event solely dictated by contractual obligation and "favors" rather than compelling narrative with a meaningless Triple Threat Match in Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins.

Jey Uso's victory over Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship felt more like a foregone conclusion than a truly earned triumph. Gunther's swift submission marked a concerning trend of diminishing dominance on WWE's grandest stage.

The tag team title match between The New Day and The War Raiders served as a stark reminder of creative stagnation, a...

Duration: 00:28:48
WrestleMania 41 Preview: WWE Exposes Egregious Echo Chamber? (ep.920)
Apr 17, 2025

Recent statements heading into WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, emanating from WWE's top brass, have ignited a firestorm of criticism, fueling accusations of a disconnect between the company's leadership and a significant portion of its fanbase. Articles detailing comments from President Nick Khan and Chief Content Officer Triple H paint a picture that many interpret as WWE officials downplaying legitimate concerns and doubling down on a potentially flawed corporate pivot.

Nick Khan's subtle jabs at AEW ("subtle shots at AEW") and his dismissal of negative reactions surrounding the Vince McMahon documentary ("negative reaction to Mr. McMahon docuseries") suggest an...

Duration: 01:35:30
Vegas Lights, WrestleMania Nights: HHH & Khan Talk WWE Worldwide Gamble (ep.919)
Apr 10, 2025

Paul "Triple H" Levesque and Nick Khan recently took the stage at the NAB Show in Las Vegas, offering insights into WWE's business strategies, particularly their significant new Netflix partnership.

With the bright lights of Vegas hosting WrestleMania in less than two weeks, their discussion naturally centered on the company's continued growth and their vision for reaching an even wider audience..

The conversation likely highlighted the synergy between WWE's live event spectacle and their expanding media landscape. WrestleMania, a multi-day extravaganza set to electrify Allegiant Stadium, serves as a prime example of their ability to draw...

Duration: 01:07:15
AEW Dynasty Agitates WWE WrestleMania Weary and Worried Fandom (ep.918)
Apr 07, 2025

AEW Dynasty delivered a night of compelling action, highlighted by several championship clashes and the beginning of the Owen Hart Cup tournaments. Jon Moxley successfully defended his AEW World Championship against a valiant Swerve Strickland in the main event. Elsewhere in the title scene, "Timeless" Toni Storm retained her AEW Women's World Championship against the formidable Megan Bayne. The AEW World Tag Team Championship saw a change of hands as the Hurt Syndicate, comprised of Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin, defeated Big Bill and Bryan Keith. A chaotic AEW World Trios Championship match ended with the Death Riders, PAC, Claudio...

Duration: 00:27:04
WWE European Tour House Show Hijacking Ends In WrestleMania Booking Trainwreck
Apr 03, 2025

This segment on Monday Night RAW in London was supposed to be a WrestleMania main event-level confrontation between John Cena and Cody Rhodes, but what it really became was an exercise in WWE's self-congratulatory revisionist history, wrapped in a thinly veiled burial of everything outside its own bubble.

Cena, ever the company man, took the opportunity not just to challenge Cody Rhodes but to take an underhanded shot at the entire existence of AEW without actually saying it. His entire premise boiled down to this: Cody left because he wasn’t good enough, he ran off to play wr...

Duration: 00:54:26
WWE European Escape Masks WrestleMania Creative Void (ep.916)
Mar 27, 2025

The WWE's current trajectory presents a stark contrast between the enthusiastic reception John Cena receives during his European tour and the increasingly tepid build-up to WrestleMania.

While Cena's heel turn, a long-anticipated shift, should be a pivotal moment, its impact is potentially diluted by the predictable adoration of European crowds, known for their fervent support of wrestling superstars.

This creates a disconnect, as the intended antagonistic persona risks being softened by the overwhelming cheers, obscuring the true nature of his character change.

Simultaneously, the WrestleMania match card suffers from a glaring lack of compelling...

Duration: 00:48:50
John Cena Delivers Heel Heat While Creative Fumbles Execution with Narrative Weakness
Mar 20, 2025

John Cena's post-Elimination Chamber "heel turn" promo, while generating initial shock, ultimately fell flat, failing to capture the raw intensity and lasting impact of Hulk Hogan's infamous WCW heel turn in 1996. Cena's appearance, mirroring his usual ring attire and entrance music, lacked the visual and auditory cues necessary to solidify a genuine character shift.

The absence of The Rock and Travis Scott, who had accompanied him earlier in the night, further diminished the sense of a significant change. More importantly, Cena's promo lacked the venom and conviction required to establish him as a credible antagonist.

Instead...

Duration: 00:38:20
WrestleMania 41 Storyline Stumbles and Paul Heyman Perspective on Progress
Mar 13, 2025

As WWE barrels toward WrestleMania 41, the company finds itself at a crossroads between compelling storytelling and chaotic creative choices. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, legendary manager and creative mind Paul Heyman offered insights into WWE’s ongoing evolution, the impact of its new Netflix partnership, and the state of storytelling leading into the biggest show of the year.

Heyman, known for his unparalleled ability to craft compelling narratives, spoke at length about WWE’s shift in presentation and its growing presence in mainstream entertainment. The upcoming Netflix series, which promises to give fans an unfiltered look...

Duration: 00:36:37
AEW Revolution A Hollywood Ending and WCW-Style Main Event Mayhem (ep.913)
Mar 10, 2025

A sold-out crowd at the Crypto.com Arena witnessed a night of high-stakes action and championship clashes at AEW Revolution 2025. The pay-per-view, emanating from the heart of Los Angeles, saw title changes, bitter rivalries reach boiling point, and ultimately, Jon Moxley standing tall as AEW World Champion after a chaotic main event.

The night was punctuated by a series of intense matches, beginning with a brutal Steel Cage Match where Will Ospreay triumphed over Kyle Fletcher in a steel cage match stemming from their fractured alliance. Kenny Omega won the AEW International Championship against Konosuke Takeshita in a...

Duration: 00:25:24
The Corporate Takeover of WrestleMania: John Cena’s Heel Turn and WWE’s Next Big Storyline
Mar 06, 2025

As WrestleMania looms, we dive deep into the corporate takeover of WWE’s biggest event and how its commercialized grip is shaping the main event scene. The focus? John Cena’s shocking heel turn against Cody Rhodes and the seismic shift it creates. Could Cena’s pursuit of a record-breaking 17th World Title derail Cody’s redemption story for the second straight year? We’ll break down the potential booking scenarios, the long-term ramifications for WWE’s future, and whether Cena’s allegiance to the corporate machine signals a new era of WrestleMania as pure spectacle over storytelling.

At Elimination...

Duration: 00:32:47
Hollywood Ending: Rock and Cena Cancel Cody at Elimination Chamber? (ep.911)
Mar 02, 2025

WWE Champion Cody Rhodes was brutally bombarded by the box office brothers in arms, The Rock and John Cena.

The once-beloved bastion of "Never Give Up," Cena, shockingly shifted sides, siding with the sinister superstar, The Rock, to shatter Rhodes’s championship aspirations.

The packed Toronto venue, a sea of screaming spectators, witnessed the shocking spectacle unfold. Rhodes, recently victorious in a vicious, steel-cage struggle, was reeling from the relentless rivalry when The Rock’s signature theme shattered the celebratory silence.

However, the subsequent scene was far from a typical Rock rendezvous. This time, the...

Duration: 00:38:10
Does the Rock "Know His Role" for Elimination Chamber? (ep.910)
Feb 27, 2025

The Rock's return to WWE has injected a potent dose of unpredictability into the company's landscape.

His re-emergence, marked by the adoption of the "Final Boss" persona, has been far from a nostalgic victory lap. Instead, it's been a calculated power play, designed to reshape the narrative leading into major events like Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania.

Key to this shift has been his intense focus on Cody Rhodes, with The Rock delivering charged promos that blur the lines between showmanship and genuine animosity.

His pronouncements, like wanting to "take Cody's soul," have ignited a...

Duration: 00:38:38
NXT New Talent Trap Training Main Roster Mediocrity
Feb 20, 2025

NXT Vengeance Day delivered thrilling matches and title changes, with Stephanie Vaquer dethroning Fallon Henley for the Women's North American Championship, and successful title defenses by Fraxiom, Oba Femi, and Giulia. Eddy Thorpe and Ethan Page also secured key victories.

However, beneath the surface of these exciting contests lies a deeper issue plaguing the developmental brand: the struggle of both free agent signings and NXT call-ups to achieve sustained success on the main roster.

NXT has become a hotbed for independent wrestling talent, attracting a diverse array of performers like Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer Ethan Page and...

Duration: 01:12:10
Surviving Stale Elimination Chamber or Timeless Showdown Down Under (ep.908)
Feb 13, 2025

The Men's and Women's Elimination Chamber matches is taking shape, with several superstars already securing their spots for the high-stakes event set to take place on March 1, 2025, at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada. These matches will determine the next challengers for WWE’s top championships at WrestleMania 41.

In the Men's Elimination Chamber match, four competitors have already qualified. John Cena was the first to enter the match, earning his spot after finishing as the runner-up in the Royal Rumble and declaring his intention to pursue his record-breaking 17th world championship. CM Punk followed by defeating Sami Zayn in...

Duration: 00:37:20
KingOfPodcasts Roasted in Royal Rumble Fallout and WrestleMania Debate (ep.907)
Feb 06, 2025

The Wrestling is Real Podcast got a massive mix of reasoned arguments, passionate defenses of Triple H's booking, and outright negativity, highlighting the strong opinions and invested interest of the WWE fanbase in the lead-up to WrestleMania 41.

Yours truly got a lot of feedback regarding the potential booking of WrestleMania 41, starting with this past weekend's Royal Rumble, is highly polarized and centers around several key points. A significant portion of the audience believes that Triple H's booking, exemplified by the Rumble results, isn't drastically different from what Vince McMahon would have done.

This perspective often argues...

Duration: 01:03:49
Royal Rumble Still Relies On Vince's Vision, HHH Hopefuls Held Back (ep.906)
Feb 02, 2025


The 2025 Royal Rumble sent a clear message: Experience trumps hype. Charlotte Flair's triumphant return, two years in the making, culminated in a dominant Rumble victory, last eliminating Roxanne Perez. While Flair shone, a glaring weakness was exposed: NXT stars like Giulia, Vaquer, Legend, and Parker received a muted response, proving Triple H's developmental system isn't creating mainstream stars. The over-produced lower third scoreboard only amplified the problem, distracting from the action instead of enhancing it. Even Nia Jax's prolonged eliminations felt forced, highlighting the lack of credible threats.

The tag team scene sputtered with #DIY (Gargano & Ciampa...

Duration: 00:38:50
WWE's Influencer Infusion Exposes Royal Rumble Creative Bankruptcy? (ep.905)
Jan 30, 2025

Desperate for relevance, WWE trotted out internet personality Kai Cenat on Monday Night Raw, orchestrating a manufactured "call-out" of IShowSpeed for the Royal Rumble. This transparent attempt to grab some cross-platform attention highlights WWE's continued reliance on cheap spectacle rather than, you know, meaningful storytelling. While Cenat's appearance might generate some fleeting buzz online, it does little to address the glaring issues plaguing the company.

Namely, the stale main event scene. Cody Rhodes stuck in a never ending contrived feud with Kevin Owens. The rest of the roster? Lost in the shuffle, reduced to mid-card filler while WWE...

Duration: 00:40:35
Saturday Night Samoan Slaughter and a Timeless Scene Stealer (ep.904)
Jan 26, 2025

Jacob Fatu just sent a message through Braun Strowman's chest! This wasn't just a victory; it was a demolition. Fatu, with the pedigree of the legendary Anoa'i family coursing through his veins, decimated Strowman in a way that leaves no doubt about his potential. Is this the performance that finally convinces WWE to strap a rocket to his back? We analyze Fatu's dominant display, explore his journey from MLW, and discuss why he's the perfect antidote to the current WWE landscape.

But that's not all! Over in the world of AEW, Toni Storm has pulled off a masterstroke...

Duration: 00:25:16
Juvenile and Delusional: Toxic WWE Fandom Implodes Over AEW Roster Moves (ep.903)
Jan 23, 2025

Forget the high-flying moves and dramatic storylines, the real action in pro wrestling happens behind the scenes. Both AEW and WWE are engaged in a cold-blooded battle for dominance, and the wrestlers are just pawns in their game.

AEW owner Tony Khan is catching heat for refusing to release wrestlers who are warming the bench. Penta's recent defection to WWE has sparked outrage, with frustrated wrestlers demanding their release and a rabid fanbase adding fuel to the fire. But let's not pretend this is some shocking new development. Vince McMahon built his empire on controlling talent, and his...

Duration: 01:04:52
TNA Genesis and the New NXT Pact Shifting Power Plays & Partnerships (ep.902)
Jan 20, 2025

Genesis was a night of exciting matches and shocking confrontations. Moose retained his X Division Championship against Ace Austin, while Eric Young and Steve Maclin scored a victory over The System.

The Knockouts World Tag Team Champions, Spitfire, successfully defended their titles against Ash by Elegance and Heather by Elegance.

Tessa Blanchard emerged victorious against Jordynne Grace in a hard-fought singles match. Mike Santana forced Josh Alexander to say "I Quit" in their intense grudge match.
Former champions Alexander and Grace worked in their final matches for TNA with Grace most likely heading to the...

Duration: 00:28:16
From Cable to Cringe: WWE's Netflix Debut Has Straight-to-DVD Vibes (ep.901)
Jan 16, 2025

WWE's second episode of Raw on Netflix felt like a return to normalcy after the spectacle of their debut, and unfortunately, "normal" for WWE lately has been a mixed bag.

While the announcements of CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and Drew McIntyre entering the Royal Rumble are significant, and Penta's official arrival adds intrigue, the overall product felt lackluster. This begs the question: is WWE's current storytelling and weekly programming simply mediocre, or is it indicative of a larger trend in Netflix's own content?

The debut episode, while visually impressive, fell short of expectations for many die-hard...

Duration: 00:50:22
WWE RAW Netflix Debut Draws Mixed Reactions (Ep.900)
Jan 09, 2025

World Wrestling Entertainment's flagship show, Monday Night Raw, made its highly anticipated Netflix debut last night, marking a historic shift in the wrestling landscape. The move, aimed at reaching a broader audience, has generated considerable buzz, but initial reactions are mixed.

The three-hour broadcast featured a blend of high-octane action and dramatic storylines. Roman Reigns retained his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in a brutal "Tribal Combat" match against his cousin, Solo Sikoa. In a shocking upset, Rhea Ripley dethroned Liv Morgan to become the new Women's World Champion.

However, some viewers expressed disappointment with the show's...

Duration: 00:49:03
WWE and Netflix: Raw Deal Marks Point of No Return (ep.899)
Dec 31, 2024

WWE is taking a major leap into the future of entertainment by partnering with Netflix. Starting in 2025, the company's flagship show, WWE Raw, will be exclusively available on Netflix in the United States. This marks a historic shift, as it's the first time in Raw's 30+ year history that it will be leaving traditional television. This means American fans will need to subscribe to Netflix to catch all the action on Monday nights.

However, this doesn't mean Netflix is becoming the sole destination for all things WWE in the US. For now, SmackDown and NXT will remain on their...

Duration: 00:30:07
AEW World's End 2024 Wraps Up Year of Creative Collapse (ep.898)
Dec 29, 2024

AEW World's End 2024 saw Kazuchika Okada crowned the first-ever AEW Continental Champion. Okada defeated Will Ospreay in the finals, after both men had already competed in grueling semi-final matches earlier in the night. Ospreay overcame Kyle Fletcher while Okada bested Ricochet to set up the dream match final. Okada was presented the belt by returning EVP Kenny Omega, who received a thunderous ovation from the crowd.

In other championship action, Mariah May dethroned Thunder Rosa in a brutal Tijuana Street Fight to claim the AEW Women's World Championship. MJF retained his Dynamite Diamond Ring against Adam Cole but...

Duration: 00:38:14
WWE's Netflix Nightmare: The Death of Sports Entertainment? (ep.897)
Dec 25, 2024

World Wrestling Entertainment is making a risky gamble with its flagship show on Netflix, and industry insiders are predicting a potential disaster. The move, which will see Raw and SmackDown expand to 3 hours each, has sparked concerns that WWE is repeating the mistakes that led to WCW's downfall in the late 90s.

The ghost of WCW's oversaturation looms large as WWE floods the market with six hours of weekly programming. Experts warn that viewer fatigue could set in quickly, especially with the premiere episode of Nitro airing on January 6th, a notoriously difficult time to capture audience attention. "...

Duration: 00:31:27
WWE's Netflix-Fueled WrestleMania Greed-fest: Still Coasting on Vince's Leftovers? (ep.896)
Dec 19, 2024

In a move that surprised absolutely no one, WWE held a "Raw on Netflix Kickoff" event today at their headquarters, because apparently just being on the biggest streaming platform in the world wasn't enough self-congratulation for one day. The event, streamed on YouTube (because irony is dead), featured the usual suspects patting themselves on the back for the groundbreaking achievement of... well, getting a TV deal.

Triple H, clad in his finest "I'm the cool exec now" attire, kicked things off by reminding everyone that the "Triple H Era" is "your era," in case you forgot who to...

Duration: 00:49:41
Saturday Night's Main Event Wasted on a Glorified House Show (ep.895)
Dec 15, 2024

WWE's attempt to recapture the magic of Saturday Night's Main Event fell a bit flat, feeling more like a glorified house show than a must-see television event. While the retro presentation with classic sets and appearances by legendary figures like Jesse Ventura was a nice touch, the predictable booking and lack of significant developments left much to be desired.

With the exception of Chelsea Green's victory in the Women's United States Championship tournament, every match followed a familiar formula. Established stars like Drew McIntyre, Liv Morgan, and Gunther all emerged victoriously, reinforcing the status quo.

Even...

Duration: 00:39:48
Saturday Night's Main Event A Sneak Preview of WWE's Netflix Flawed Future (ep.894)
Dec 12, 2024

Wrestling today is like a Rocky movie with just the fight scene. Will Saturday Night's Main Event be The Calm Before the Netflix Storm of suspect live streaming and shuffling excuses when subscriber numbers remain stagnant and do not grow.

RAW setup Saturday Night's Main Event as Cody Rhodes opened the show addressing the fallout from Survivor Series and his feud with Kevin Owens, leading to a confrontation with Chad Gable. This resulted in a match between Rhodes and Nick Aldis (later replaced by Cody Rhodes vs. Chad Gable).

Several matches took place: including a Triple...

Duration: 01:03:19
Wrestling Fans Gone Toxic! WWE, AEW, and the Fandom That's Tearing Itself Apart (ep.893)
Dec 05, 2024

Wrestling Fandom Implodes: Raw Jumps to Netflix, AEW Dynamite Delivers, and the Internet Burns. The wrestling world is a dumpster fire this week, and it's not just because of the flaming tables. WWE Raw's impending move to Netflix in January has ignited a toxic war between WWE and AEW fans, with both sides battling over ratings, rumors, and who has the "better" product. Triple H and Nick Khan's promises of a global, family-friendly show haven't stopped the speculation about a more mature, edgier Raw on Netflix. But honestly, who cares about "family-friendly" when the real entertainment is in the online...

Duration: 01:09:49
WWE Not Netflix Ready with Sufferingly Predictable Survivor Series (ep.892)
Dec 01, 2024

As Survivor Series 2024 exploded onto screens, a spectacle of athleticism and drama... but also a glaring reminder of WWE's frustratingly inconsistent booking. While the matches themselves delivered, the overarching narratives felt like a tangled mess of missed opportunities and baffling detours.

The Men's WarGames match, the event's centerpiece, exemplified this perfectly. CM Punk, inexplicably inserted into the Bloodline saga instead of pursuing Gunther's World Heavyweight Championship, now found himself entangled in a web of family drama and owing a mysterious favor to Paul Heyman. This felt less like a compelling storyline and more like a haphazard swerve, sacrificing...

Duration: 00:34:19
Toxic Wrestling Fandom Reaches Fever Pitch: WWE Loyalists Under Fire (ep.891)
Nov 28, 2024

The world of professional wrestling is no stranger to passionate fans, but a recent surge in tribalism and online toxicity has many questioning the state of the WWE Universe. While loyalty is admirable, a vocal segment of WWE fans have crossed the line, engaging in relentless attacks against rival organizations, wrestlers, and even those who simply express different opinions.

This hyper-aggressive behavior manifests in various ways. Online forums and social media platforms are flooded with derogatory comments aimed at AEW, Impact Wrestling, and their respective rosters. Wrestlers who choose to sign with non-WWE promotions often face a barrage...

Duration: 00:39:14
AEW Full Gear 2024: A Night of Missed Opportunities and Flat Finishes (ep.890)
Nov 24, 2024

AEW Full Gear 2024 featured a full card of matches with championships on the line and rivalries coming to a head. The event began with Private Party successfully defending their AEW World Tag Team Championships in a four-way match against The Outrunners, Kings of the Black Throne, and The Acclaimed.

The night continued with several singles matches. MJF defeated Roderick Strong, Jay White emerged victorious against "Hangman" Adam Page, and Kyle Fletcher bested Will Ospreay in a display of athleticism. Daniel Garcia captured the AEW TNT Championship from Jack Perry, while Konosuke Takeshita retained the AEW International Championship against...

Duration: 00:17:09
Tony Khan Fuels Fan Dissent While WWE Sweats its Netflix Debut (ep.889)
Nov 21, 2024

AEW's Full Gear Approaches Amidst Fan Frustration and WWE's Netflix Jitters
as All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is heading into its Full
Gear pay-per-view this weekend with a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the company. While AEW has undeniably shaken up the professional wrestling landscape, recent months have seen growing criticism directed at CEO Tony Khan. Fans are increasingly vocal about the lack of television time for certain contracted wrestlers and a perceived dip in crowd excitement leading up to the big event.
The absence of stars has fueled frustration among fans who feel AEW isn't utilizing its...

Duration: 00:42:42
Can Survivor Series Sustain Stale Bloodline Inner Turmoil Storyline? (ep.888)
Nov 14, 2024

RAW had the usual roster of decent matches, but WWE is really stretching to make every feud and faction feel relevant. Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Kairi Sane, and IYO SKY) defeated Pure Fusion Collective (Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler, and Zoey Stark) in what felt more like a team-building exercise for Damage CTRL than a serious contest. There’s only so much suspense you can get from throwing together another “heel team vs. heel team” clash. The booking team may need to decide if they want to push Damage CTRL’s dominance or start rotating some fresh faces in, or else we’re lo...

Duration: 00:34:46
Bloodline's Desert Storm: A Dynasty Under Creative Siege (ep.887)
Nov 07, 2024

WWE NXT was the place to be for nostalgia as a hardcore legend made his presence felt. Bubba Ray Dudley, one half of the legendary Dudley Boyz, competed in his first WWE match since 2016. He teamed with Trick Williams to take on Ethan Page and Ridge Holland in a tag team bout. Elsewhere on the show, Tony D'Angelo continued his dominant reign as North American Champion, adding another successful defense to his record. The NXT Tag Team Champions also put their individual skills on display as they faced off against each other in a singles competition. The night concluded with...

Duration: 00:36:13
WWE Crown Jewel 2024: Predictable Spectacle and Bloodline Climax Goes Bust
Nov 04, 2024

WWE's annual trip to the Saudi Arabian desert proved to be a lucrative yet creatively hollow spectacle, with Crown Jewel 2024 offering little more than over-the-top entrances and predictable outcomes. While the pyrotechnics dazzled and the production was undeniably grand, the event ultimately fell flat, particularly for those hoping for a satisfying resolution to the long-running Bloodline saga.

The main event saw Roman Reigns, once again, defend his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, this time against Cody Rhodes. Despite a valiant effort from Rhodes, the outcome was never truly in doubt. Reigns, with the predictable interference from Solo Sikoa, emerged...

Duration: 00:18:28