Celebrate Wrestling - McGuire on Wrestling

It's the week after the 4 PPV/PLE weekend in North America alone between AEW, WWE, NXT and TNA.  A Lot has happened, and even more has happened since.  From title programs being raced into and out of, to championships proving to be less important to some wrestlers than personal grudges, we ask if the stipulations and circumstances leading up to matches are being properly paid off... Plus, Joe Aguinaldo joins Mike McGuire for some conversation on that topic, as well as which match truly is the main event of this year's WWE SummerSlam.  Will Kenny Omega REALLY lose any future shots at the AEW title?  There are a lot of great questions going into the week of wrestling, but not many being answered from last week... Also, news updates on the report that Sheamus may be leaving WWE after his contract ends, a heartbreaking update regarding Charlotte Flair and Mike recounts some different experiences doing wrestling shows during the Canada Day long weekend stretch! For more on our shows, visit celebratewrestling.com    

The gWo returns as Mitch Hontzias and Dimitri Korolis take you through the week of wrestling they watched! From the first SmackDown of the Sami Zayn era, WWE Night of Champions, Oba Femi tossing his title opportunity for a chance to walk through Hell (in a Cell), and AEW building Will Ospreay up for Wembley, the Greeks let you know what's what as only they can! For more on all our programming, visit www.celebratewrestling.com  

From fellow wrestlers to family, the story of Jim Neidhart and Bret Hart forming The Hart Foundation was one that originated in necessity, but became one of the greatest combinations of its era. This week, join Stefan Bennett and guest co-host Mike McGuire as they discuss some of the hilights and their own memories of the Hart Foundation. From their formative years being sided with the unrelated but appropriately named manager, "The Mouth of The South", Jimmy Hart, to their eventual turn into fan favorites. Have some thoughts or memories of The Hart Foundation tag team?  Leave them here in the comments, or join us on the Celebrate Wrestling social media channels through www.celebratewrestling.com 

After a weekend that saw 4 PPV/PLE Events from WWE, NXT, AEW and TNA, Joe Aguinaldo and Mike McGuire blow the dust off the BEST DAMN RAW REVIEW ON THE INTERNET... to NOT talk about Raw! Instead, the guys go over hilights from all the big shows over the weekend, including YOUR feedback with "YAY!/BOO!" on AEW's Forbidden Door!

For the first time in nearly a decade, a Canadian born wrestler is WWE Champion.  It's an elite group, full of history makers and Hall of Famers.  For Sami Zayn, some argue it was destiny, while others will say it's an experiment.  Whatever the reason, we look at what the future could hold for the new Champion, and what it means for the future. Joe Aguinaldo joins Mike McGuire to go through the matches, and the fallout leading to Saturday Night's Main Event and SummerSlam, plus we get into YOUR thoughts with another edition of "YAY!/BOO!". For those wanting coverage of AEW's Forbidden Door, TNA Slammiversary and NXT Great American Bash, Mike and Joe will be back TUESDAY with a bonus podcast, Tuesday Morning Cooked!  They'll talk about those shows, and whatever else... in true Classic TMC fashion!

It's WWE Night of Champions day, plus an NXT, TNA and AEW Pay Per View Weekend, and Dimitri Korolis and Mitch Hontzias are here to give you their thoughts going into the weekend!  What are they looking forward to?  What are their picks?  What is Dimitri's fascination with some guy named Peter? These questions, plus NUMEROUS "Alternate Scenarios" are here to give you some laughs!  

This week, the summer series focusing on members of The Hart Foundation and The Hart Family continues, as Stefan Bennett shares memories of "The King of Harts", Owen Hart. Flanked by Celebrate Wrestling's Mike McGuire, hear stories about Owen's early successes, the different paths he took to get to wrestling's biggest stages, and the core memories his career formed for many fans, our hosts included.

After another incredible showing at Calgary's Dungeon Wrestling this past weekend, TNA World Champion Mike Santana sat down with Mike McGuire to talk all about the past couple years, including his current status as the TNA Wrestling World Champion! Amidst the rumors and speculation, we let Santana speak for himself in this fun and enlightening conversation. Plus, Mike chats with the Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer on another incredibly busy weekend on the way with TNA, WWE, NXT and AEW all running PLE/PPV events throughout the weekend. This is a can't miss episode of McGuire on Wrestling!  

It's a busy weekend for the gWo - Mitch and Dimitri have some Greek festivities to tend to this weekend, but together with "Dadi", Mike McGuire, they were on the call at Dungeon Wrestling's "Slampede 2" in Calgary this past weekend. So, the mics were there, they were there, and they made the most of it giving you a bite sized edition of the ACT in one of wrestling's most historic locations! Hear talk about TNA World Champion Mike Santana, Jacob Fatu's current path, AEW's upcoming 12 man cage match and much more, live from the hallowed halls of the Victoria Pavilion!

Checking the boxes on what a wrestling superstar in the 80's and 90's had to capture the imagination of fans around the world, British import Davey Boy Smith is still celebrated as one of the greats. While never a World Champion, Smith's popularity and intangible charisma shone through in an era where while fitting the mold as far as looks go, Smith could connect with fans in a way that seemed effortless. This week, Stefan Bennett and Mike McGuire take a look at some of the points of Davey's career, leading up to his untimely passing.  Hear two different perspectives - one from North America, and one from Smith's home of the UK - and what he meant to each of our hosts, and how he resonated with fans globally. 

The biggest victory for a professional wrestling vampire mad scientist with no actual professional affiliation with a major sporting franchise or actual participation in said franchise’s events took place this past weekend... and it somehow makes sense! How the unlikely pairing of Danhausen and the New York Knicks' 2026 playoff journey became a perfect storm and made the relatively new WWE star the talk of the sports world.  This could very well be wrestling's greatest mainstream crossover success (while the wrestler is still just a wrestler!) Also this week, an update on the Rhea Ripley injury situation, as details remain scarce about "Mami's" status going into WWE SummerSlam. Could AEW be facing a situation with a Japanese star that is all too familiar to them? Plus, YOUR feedback on the greatest mid-carders, and a preview of this coming Friday's Dungeon Wrestling event in Calgary, Alberta and more!

Breaking news! The Greeks watched SmackDown! With the wonky scheduling of WWE the last few weeks, they get a pass, but do they GIVE a pass to what they saw this week? Also, who are their picks for the King and Queen of the Ring?  Does AEW have anything planned for the Death Riders?  That and a LOT more come up on this week's sit down with Mitch Hontzias and Dimitri Korlis! For more on our shows, visit celebratewrestling.com    

This week, join host Stefan Bennett with Mike McGuire as they take a brief glimpse at the life and career of one of wrestling's most believable stars.  Whether "Flyin" early in his career or epitomizing a "Loose Cannon" in front of and behind the curtain, the story of Brian Pillman, while all too short, is fascinating to look back at and discuss. Let us know what you remember about Brian Pillman in the comments, and support all our shows at celebratewrestling.com Photos for graphic art: WWE Our podcasts are proudly produced without the use of generative AI.

In a story that broke early in the weekend, the lawsuit between WWE Shareholders and Vince McMahon and TKO executives has been dropped.  While not a criminal trial, the implications of the trial being dropped are still being learned.  How much money could Vince McMahon and TKO be liable for - if anything?   Mercedes Mone has returned to AEW TV, adding some bigger star power to the Women's division and the Owen Hart Tournament.  Chad Gable, after dropping the El Grande Americano mask is back for redemption, and possibly a true opportunity.  Danhausen is expanding his curse range, and more! The Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer joins Mike McGuire for an extended discussion on these topics, plus a deeper look into the situation among Japanese Wrestling in 2026.  With New Japan Pro Wrestling joining a conglomerate of several other companies, what does the future hold for fans in and of Japan's stars? Plus, some indy experiences, and how a simple investment could boost independent wrestling's production quality. For more on our shows, visit celebratewrestling.com  

The Greeks are back together with a fresh take on the week in wrestling from the FAN point of view. This week on the gWo Hitlist: - AAA's Mask v. Mask lived up to the hype - Cody's doing his job - What's next for Gunther - Who's stuck in the "Wrestling Friend Zone"? - Fantasy booking for Chad Gable - Reasons to get behind "The Toxic Spider" Thekla - The Alternate Scenario - Kevin Knight in the Don Callis Family - Mercedes Mone's return to AEW TV and more!  

When WWE acquired Mexico's AAA, few people saw a future where a comedy gimmick from Chad Gable on Raw would turn into one of the hottest, most celebrated feuds in recent history.  El Grande Americano Original v. El Grande Americano II overdelivered in ways that people can't stop talking about. Join Mike McGuire and guests for insight into the last week of professional wrestling on all levels! Also, AEW brings another PPV to Canada, and ticket prices are actually making fans HAPPY!  The Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer returns to talk all about the WWE/TKO Shareholders' Lawsuit, AEW's PPV success needing to translate to weekly stats, and more relevant talk. Finally, Mike and Joe Aguinaldo give their thoughts on WWE's latest PLE, Clash in Italy.  From Brock Lesnar coming out of retirement to Tribal Combat becoming a played-out stipulation, the guys let you know what they think, and then we hear from you in another edition of "YAY!/BOO!" Celebrate Wrestling is a self-supporting and listener supported entity.  For info on how you can support, visit celebratewrestling.com    

The gWo are coming in raw and unedited this week as producer Dadi is in transit and… well… I guess you’ll just have to listen to find out what’s up! Guaranteed to be part of the discussion is the hot streak that AEW is on, Clash in Italy for WWE and more! This episode has currently not been produced or edited in any way… listener discretion is probably advised….

At a time when WWF/WWE Television was peaking, their biggest star and hottest attraction was out of action.  That aside, Fully Loaded 2000 remains a PPV that is remembered fondly by fans. From crazy stipulations to a "Triple Main Event", what made this show so special?  How did WWE manage to make up for a missing mega-star?  Which new faces saw breakthrough outings? Stefan Bennett will walk you through the entire card, as well as moments surrounding the event and try to answer these questions and more!  

Weeks feel like months in pro wrestling these days.  In just over a week we have had a "network special", a PPV, countless weekly TVs and shows, as well as some surprising crossovers from wrestling into the mainstream!

Join Mike McGuire for a special Monday edition of the show as we look back on a crazy AEW PPV from New York City, and look ahead to WWE's Clash in Italy with a return match few saw coming! Plus, Mike DEFENDS what some fans say was a "house show" card for Saturday Night's Main Event, and also looks at the New York Knicks' complicated but complimentary relationship with Danhausen!

Also, news on AAA's Noche De Los Grandes, WWE House Shows returning to Edmonton and Calgary, and lots more!

The gWo are back after a week off, as we get ready for AEW's Double or Nothing PPV!  Plus, the guys look at the shocking return of Brock Lesnar, The Bucks of Jericho and more! Plus, a look into tonight's WWE Saturday Night's Main Event, trying to figure out the Moxley/Ospreay relationship, El Grande Americano and more!  

The war between WCW and WWE was reaching its boiling point.  Bret Hart would challenge The Undertaker for the WWE Championship, with the controversial Shawn Michaels as the special referee.  Tensions were high, and the show titled "Hart and Soul" brought a series of stories and stipulations to a talent-stacked card. Despite the talent and star power, the show struggled, and would also play scene to one of the most damaging and defining injuries to a Superstar in history.  Join Stefan Bennett as he walks us through the time as well as the events leading up to and following the card in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Joining Stefan for this episode, Celebrate Wrestling's Mike McGuire offers his perspective and memories from the time, and you're welcome to share yours as well! Share your memories and thoughts on the Celebrate Wrestling discussion page!  

This past weekend, something possibly more pro-wrestling than pro-wrestling caught a lot of eyes, in the form of a new MMA venture presented on Netflix. The Ronda Rousey/Gina Carano main evented card brought a lot of eyes to an event that some viewed as a potential competitor to UFC.  UFC is co-owned by WWE's parent company, TKO.  This week, Mike McGuire and Joe Aguinaldo look at the show itself, as well as the business behind it and what kind of threat it could pose to pro-wrestling fans. Also this week, we take a quick look at the upcoming AEW Double or Nothing 2026 card, and Legends and Champions returns this week, so we have a special discussion with host Stefan Bennett, as we all try and anticipate what the John Cena Classic could actually end up being. Plus, news on the 1999 film "Beyond The Mat", Marty Jannetty, Iyo Sky, Naraku, Baron Corbin, WSW Australia and more!

In this extended conversation, Mike McGuire sits down with 3 Time World Champion, Ethan Carter III, EC3. From the ORIGINAL NXT to WWE, TNA and back to WWE, the NWA and yes, Control Your Narrative - now Exodus Pro Wrestling, EC3 has experienced a lot in his career, and while he loves talking about it, he and Mike dive deep into all sorts of topics. Some great laughs and insight await, so enjoy this chat with "The Top 1%"... 

This week, get a preview of an extended interview with 3x World Champion, Ethan Carter III, aka EC3!  The discussion covers a bit of wrestling, a bit of life, and some laughs along the way!  Full interview will be posting this Wednesday! Following WWE's BackLash PLE, we get your feedback with our traditional "Yay!"/"Boo!" listener segment!  Celebrate Wrestling's Joe Aguinaldo joins Mike McGuire to talk about the good and not so good from the show as well! Also, The Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer returns this week to talk about the impact that recently passed media mogul Ted Turner contributed to professional wrestling throughout 4 decades. Also, Dave and Mike discuss Darby Allin's continued run as AEW champion, and the upcoming Rousey v. Carano fight!

WWE's Backlash PLE is today (6pET, 4pMT, 3pPT), and Mitch and Dimitri are back with their take on the week leading up to the show! Plus, some creative numbers come out amidst rumors of pay cuts in WWE, AEW keeps on trucking, and the guys give their thoughts on who the "new faces v. old guard" in current wrestling storylines!  

For years, wrestling fans knew Raj Dhesi as "The Maharaja", Jinder Mahal.  From stereotypical foreign menace to comedy character and eventually WWE Champion, he's using his experiences in a completely different way, and he's hoping to make a difference. You'll hear from him in a special interview on this week's show with Mike McGuire.  Also, the news of the week includes the surprise departure of one of WWE's longest-running and most celebrated tag teams, The New Day.  Will this be the end of the line for them as WWE continues releasing talent to make budget cuts? Also, Celebrate Wrestling's Joe Aguinaldo joins Mike to talk about UFC's possible decrease in viewer interest, Darby Allin's continued AEW Championship run, plus YOUR guesses as to who Danhausen could choose as a mystery partner at WWE Backlash!

Mitch Hontzias and Dimitri Korolis are back to take the gWo faithful through the week of wrestling as only they can! This week, the guys give their thoughts on the 4 part Netflix docuseries, "Hulk Hogan: Real American".  Offering the perspective of a couple guys who like many, grew up as Hulkamaniacs, hear their thoughts on the show. The guys also talk about AEW and their current run of storylines, the post-WrestleMania shakedown, the new stars in WWE and more! For more on our shows, visit celebratewrestling.com  

At just 24 years old, "Chizzled" Chad Daniels has dedicated his life to the dream of being a pro wrestler.  Find out how literally from birth, wrestling was a part of his life, and how it set the ball in motion for what he does today. For more on our shows, visit celebratewrestling.com