Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling

Credit where credit's due...After a couple of weeks of wondering where the SummerSlam momentum was, WWE finally delivered a Monday Night RAW that actually felt focused from beginning to end.This week on Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling, we're breaking down Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi making Hell in a Cell feel personal, Chad Gable earning what should be his first singles championship opportunity, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins delivering one of the strongest contract signings of the year, and why this was the first RAW in weeks that genuinely felt like it was building toward SummerSlam.We also catch up on SmackDown, discuss CM Punk and Cody Rhodes officially becoming SummerSlam opponents, Baron Corbin's return, Gunther completely snapping on Nick Aldis, and why WWE may finally have its biggest stories moving in the right direction.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Also discussed:• Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi continues to heat up• Roman Reigns COOKS Seth Rollins on the 🎙️• Chad Gable wins the Intercontinental Championship Gauntlet• Maxxine Dupri breathes new life into The Vision• Iyo Sky vs. Roxanne Perez• LA Knight's future after The Bloodline• SmackDown preview and Saturday Night's Main Event Predictions━━━━━━━━━━━━━━This episode is sponsored by Zarc International.Check out the full VEXOR lineup on Amazon or at Zarc.com.Be Prepared. Protect Yourself. Carry VEXOR.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling is your weekly source for WWE analysis, long-form discussions, wrestling philosophy, and the bigger stories shaping WWE.Follow Alexander the Great on X: @Froe87Join the TTW Discord and keep the wrestling conversation going between episodes.Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.00:00 Cold Open – "That's More Like It!"02:06 Intro & SummerSlam Momentum04:08 SmackDown Catch-Up14:10 Brock Lesnar, Paul Heyman & Oba Femi23:45 Iyo Sky vs. Roxanne Perez31:15 The Vision, Maxxine Dupri & Alpha Academy39:45 Royce Keys vs. Jimmy Uso47:05 Bayley & Lyra Valkyria55:10 Intercontinental Championship Gauntlet Match01:08:20 Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins Contract Signing01:33:10 Final Thoughts & RAW Co-MVPs01:38:20 SmackDown Preview01:40:30 Saturday Night's Main Event Preview01:45:30 Outro

C.M Punk Is WWE Champion, But Was Sami Zayn's Reign Cut Too Short?CM Punk is WWE Champion again...But the biggest conversation coming out of RAW wasn't actually about CM Punk.We sat down expecting our Main Event Discussion to turn into a heated debate over CM Punk ending Sami Zayn's nine-day WWE Championship reign.Instead, something unexpected happened.About halfway through the discussion, we both stopped arguing because we realized we'd been debating the wrong thing.The more we talked about it, the more we came to the same conclusion:This is still bad booking.We don't believe Triple H had some brilliant six-month master plan. In fact, we wouldn't be surprised if the decision to put the WWE Championship on Sami Zayn happened at the last possible minute simply because he deserved his flowers before WWE got back to the match that always felt inevitable—CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes.It's messy.It's inconsistent.It doesn't make much sense......but somehow it also gave WWE the spark it desperately needed heading into SummerSlam.That's where the conversation went, and it ended up being one of our favorite Main Event Discussions we've ever had.━━━━━━━━━━━━On this week's Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling:🔥 CM Punk shocks Chicago and wins the WWE Championship🔥 Why Sami Zayn's nine-day reign still mattered🔥 Cody Rhodes' unfinished business after Gunther's attack🔥 The Vision wins World Tag Team gold🔥 Gunther's master plan continues to unfold🔥 Is LA Knight right?🔥 Oba Femi, Paul Heyman & Brock Lesnar head toward Hell in a Cell🔥 Sol Ruca challenges Raquel Rodriguez for the Women's Intercontinental ChampionshipPlus RAW MVP, Final Thoughts, and a Main Event Discussion that ended up somewhere neither of us expected.━━━━━━━━━━━━This week's episode is brought to you by Zarc International.With the weekend finally here, a lot of people are packing up for camping trips, heading out on hiking trails, spending the day on the lake, or taking the RV out for a few days.Most people assume nothing's going to happen...Until they're walking back to the campsite after dark.Or they hear something outside the tent.Or they realize they're a lot farther away from help than they thought.Those are the moments where being prepared suddenly matters.This week we're featuring the VEXOR Outdoorsman. It's built for exactly those kinds of situations, with a powerful 25–30 foot range, a heavy-duty belt clip that attaches easily to your backpack or gear, and maximum-strength protection designed for the outdoors.Check out the full VEXOR lineup on Amazon or at Zarc.com.Be Prepared. Protect Yourself. Carry VEXOR.━━━━━━━━━━━━Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling is your weekly source for WWE analysis, long-form discussions, wrestling philosophy, and the bigger stories shaping WWE.Follow Alexander the Great on X: @Froe87 (fro like afro... add the E... 87).Join the TTW Discord and keep the wrestling conversation going between episodes.Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

Happy Fourth of July weekend! 🇺🇸WWE finally stopped playing it safe... now don't ruin it.This week we're breaking down one of the biggest episodes of RAW on the road to SummerSlam.King Oba Femi chooses Brock Lesnar over his guaranteed championship opportunity.Did WWE just weaken the entire point of King of the Ring?Alexander the Great discusses why the reported long-term plan may make sense for Oba Femi... but not for the tournament itself.He also dive into Seth Rollins' incredible promo opposite Roman Reigns, why it instantly made SummerSlam feel bigger, and why it reminded us just how special their rivalry really is.Plus: • Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi inside Hell in a Cell • Sami Zayn's WWE Championship reign already feels in danger • CM Punk SummerSlam speculation • Chad Gable continues building momentum • Gunther vs. Nick Aldis? • Liv Morgan, Iyo Sky & Judgment Day • Rhea Ripley's SummerSlam uncertainty • LA Knight, The Bloodline • Cody Rhodes becomes No. 1 Contender (SmackDown Spoilers) & much moreWe also cover the biggest SmackDown spoilers from the July 3 taped episode, what they mean for SummerSlam, and why WWE's next few weeks could determine whether this year's SummerSlam becomes an all-time classic... or another missed opportunity.This week's episode is brought to you by Zarc International.Whether you're celebrating the Fourth of July at a parade, barbecue, fireworks show, on the lake, or traveling for the holiday weekend, it's always better to have protection and never need it than NEED protection it and not have it.Check out the full line of VEXOR® pepper spray and personal safety products at Zarc.com or on Amazon.Be Prepared. Protect Yourself. Carry VEXOR.🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music📲 Follow Alexander the Great everywhere: @Froe87 (Froe = "Fro" like afro... add the E...87.)💬 Join the TTW Discord and keep the wrestling conversation going all week long with fellow wrestling fans talking RAW, SmackDown, SummerSlam, fantasy booking, news, rumors, and everything in between.00:00The Pointlessness of King of the Ring06:09Oba Femi, Brock Lesnar & WWE's SummerSlam Plan12:03Can WWE Avoid Screwing Sami Zayn?18:03RAW Midcard Roundup: Rey, Hendry, Iyo & Gable24:08Joe Hendry, Austin Theory & The Vision29:46LA Knight, The Bloodline & Gunther's Next Rival38:52The Judgment Day, Danhausen & Chad Gable's Momentum45:14The Alpha Academy Story Continues54:06Seth Rollins Delivers a FANTASTIC promo01:06:56SmackDown Spoilers, Rhea Ripley News & SummerSlam Roadmap

For weeks we've been sitting here saying the same thing...WWE has been playing it safe.Predictable champions.Predictable booking.A SummerSlam build that desperately needed something to wake it up.Then Night of Champions happened.Sami Zayn shocked the wrestling world by pinning Cody Rhodes CLEAN to become the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion, Oba Femi was crowned King of the Ring, Iyo Sky became Queen of the Ring, and suddenly the road to SummerSlam feels exciting because—for the first time in a while—we genuinely don't know what's coming next.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━🔥 IN THIS EPISODE🏆 Sami Zayn defeats Cody Rhodes & GUNTHER to become the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion👑 King Oba is officially crowned👑 Queen Iyo earns another shot at Liv Morgan🤔 Why WWE finally stopped playing it safe💥 Why Bron Breakker should have won💥 Why Jade Cargill should have won🔥 How one night completely changed the SummerSlam landscape👀 RAW Preview featuring Roman Reigns' return and the fallout from Night of Champions━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━💥 ALSO DISCUSSED• Cody Rhodes finally passing the torch to Sami Zayn • Why unpredictability is back • Oba Femi's dominant rise • The future of Brock Lesnar • SummerSlam championship scenarios • Ricky Saints' continued momentum • WWE finally taking creative risks • Why not knowing what's next is the best thing that could have happened heading into SummerSlam━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━🛡️ This episode is sponsored by Zarc International.You insure your home.You insure your vehicle.You insure your health.Why not protect yourself, too?Check out VEXOR Pepper Spray from Zarc International—the family business that's been manufacturing personal safety products since 1982.Be Prepared.Protect Yourself.Carry Vexor.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling is your home for weekly RAW, SmackDown, Premium Live Event coverage, WWE news, fantasy booking, long-term storytelling discussions, wrestling philosophy, and everything happening on the road to SummerSlam.Follow the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.⭐ If we earned your listen, we'd truly appreciate a 5-star rating and review!Follow Alexander the Great on X & TikTok:@Froe87Join the Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling Discord and keep the conversation going all week with fellow wrestling fans discussing RAW, SmackDown, Premium Live Events, fantasy booking, predictions, and everything happening across WWE.00:00 WWE Finally Stopped Playing It Safe03:12 Night of Champions Overall Thoughts05:59 King Oba Is Crowned10:58 Queen Iyo Is Crowned18:10 Rollins vs. Breakker - Wrong Winner?25:06 Why Bron Needed This More31:09 Seth Wins... But Should He Have?36:36 Trick Williams vs. Ricky Saints42:32 Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill55:12 Sami Zayn Shocks WWE01:04:26 NEW WWE Champion!01:11:01 What's Next for Sami?01:15:58 Sami's 20-Year Journey01:20:04 They Saved SummerSlam01:23:56 Night of Champions Final Grades01:27:00 RAW Preview | Roman Returns

One night.Two crowns.Two SummerSlam decisions.Night of Champions isn't just about who wins King and Queen of the Ring...it's about who takes control heading into SummerSlam.Are WWE's tournament winners the right choices?Will new stars be created?Or is WWE about to play it safe when they should be building the future?This week, we make our official Night of Champions predictions while opening the TTW Vault for two of our biggest countdowns yet.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━🔥 IN THIS EPISODE👑 TTW Vault: Top 5 Greatest King of the Ring Winners of All Time🏰 TTW Vault: Top 5 Greatest King of the Ring Moments of All Time👑 Official Queen of the Ring Finals Predictions🤴 Official King of the Ring Finals Predictions🔒 Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker – Steel Cage Match🏆 Championship Match Predictions🎯 Which winners create the most compelling SummerSlam matchups?🤔 Who SHOULD win... and who WILL win?━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━💥 ALSO DISCUSSED• Stone Cold's legendary Austin 3:16 promo • Undertaker vs. Mankind: Hell in a Cell • King Booker • Kurt Angle vs. Shane McMahon • Xavier Woods finally becoming King • Bret Hart, Brock Lesnar, Owen Hart & Triple H • Why King & Queen of the Ring matter more than the crowns themselves━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━🛡️ This episode is sponsored by Zarc International.You insure your house.You insure your car.You insure your health.Why not insure yourself?Check out VEXOR Pepper Spray from Zarc International and carry with confidence every day.Be Prepared.Protect Yourself.Carry Vexor.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling is your home for weekly RAW, SmackDown, Premium Live Event coverage, WWE news, fantasy booking, long-term storytelling discussions, wrestling philosophy and everything happening across WWE on the road to the next major event.Follow the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.⭐ If we earned your listen, leave us a 5-star rating and review!Follow Alexander the Great on X & TikTok:@Froe87Join the Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling Discord and keep the conversation going all week with fellow wrestling fans discussing RAW, SmackDown, Premium Live Events, fantasy booking, predictions, and everything WWE.00:00 – One Night. Two Crowns. Why Night of Champions Matters04:14 – TTW Vault: Top 5 King of the Ring Winners13:03 – Bret Hart vs. Brock Lesnar: Who Deserves the Higher Ranking?19:04 – Brock Lesnar's King of the Ring Legacy25:36 – Triple H, The King of Kings & The Curtain Call29:31 – Owen Hart vs. Kurt Angle: Two All-Time Great Winners33:30 – Owen Hart: The King of Harts37:44 – Kurt Angle's Meteoric Rise to the Top45:30 – Why Stone Cold Is the Greatest King of the Ring Winner Ever54:02 – TTW Vault: Top 5 King of the Ring Moments01:01:53 – King Booker & Kurt Angle vs. Shane McMahon01:07:34 – Austin 3:16: The Promo That Changed Wrestling01:08:41 – Undertaker vs. Mankind: The Greatest King of the Ring Moment01:14:32 – Official Night of Champions Predictions01:22:23 – Final Thoughts & SummerSlam Outlook

The road to Night of Champions is almost over, but did WWE lose the unpredictability that made the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments so much fun?This week on Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling, we catch everyone up after missing our normal SmackDown Fallout episode before diving into a very unusual go-home edition of RAW. We discuss why SmackDown massively underdelivered despite an incredible card on paper, why the semifinal rounds may have taken all the excitement out of the tournaments, and whether WWE is struggling to stick the landing heading into Night of Champions.We also break down:━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━👑 Oba Femi vs. Jey Uso and why there's only one right outcome.👑 Iyo Sky vs. Liv Morgan and why we're firmly on Team "Queen Iyo."🔥 Roman Reigns, Jacob Fatu and the continuing Bloodline civil war.🏆 The Street Profits become four-time WWE World Tag Team Champions.🙏 Chad Gable's apology tour finally hits its first real roadblock.😈 Lyra Valkyria's shocking heel turn.💥 Ethan Page vs. Dragon Lee.🤣 Danhausen continues stealing every backstage segment.⚠️ Plus, we discuss the biggest spoiler developments from the taped Go Home SmackDown in London, including the future of Solo Sikoa's MFTs, Blake Monroe's first major storyline, Ricky Starks' continued rise, and the final build to Night of Champions.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Sponsored by Zarc InternationalProtecting people since 1982.Be Prepared. Protect Yourself. Carry VEXOR.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━🎧 Follow Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Amazon Music.⭐ If we earned your listen, we'd truly appreciate a five-star review.💬 Join the Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling Discord and keep the conversation going all week long.Follow Alexander the Great on X & TikTok: @Froe8700:00 - WWE's Unpredictability & The Road to Night of Champions02:49 - SmackDown Catch-Up: The Good, The Bad & The Disappointing06:11 - Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther: What Went Wrong?09:07 - Jey Uso's Push & The Tournament Problem11:49 - Liv Morgan, Charlotte Flair & WWE's Injury Angle Problem14:48 - Why Nobody Wants Jey vs. Oba17:59 - Oba Femi Is Still the Future21:02 - SummerSlam Implications & Creative Concerns23:51 - Final Thoughts on SmackDown41:17 - Roman Reigns, Jacob Fatu & RAW Begins45:15 - Women's Tag Team Championship & Lyra Valkyria's Heel Turn50:48 - Chad Gable's Apology Tour Hits a Roadblock57:12 - Dragon Lee vs. Ethan Page01:06:45 - Rusev's Old-School Heel Promo01:07:18 - Iyo Sky vs. Liv Morgan: Queen Iyo or We Riot01:12:44 - Danhausen Strikes Again01:15:03 - LA Knight vs. Jimmy Uso01:21:45 - Judgment Day Friction & Roxanne Perez01:24:47 - Backstage Notes & Next Week's RAW01:26:08 - World Tag Team Championship: New Champions Crowned01:36:04 - Final Thoughts on RAW01:41:11 - Go Home SmackDown Spoilers from London01:55:02 - Night of Champions Preview

King and Queen of the Ring have become some of WWE's most unpredictable tournaments in years.Seth Rollins is gone.Bron Breakker is gone.Becky Lynch is gone.Dominik Mysterio made a run.Je'Von Evans made a run.And as Night of Champions gets closer, one thing has become clear:The entire tournament now feels like it's orbiting around Oba Femi.But is WWE about to stick the landing?Or are we heading toward the safest possible outcome?⸻On this episode:Eddie Andelman passes away at age 89 and we look back at the man who helped create WWE's King of the Ring tournament.A major update in the Vince McMahon lawsuit and why the move toward arbitration could dramatically change how this story unfolds moving forward.Roman Reigns continues manipulating Jacob Fatu.What did Roman whisper to Jacob backstage?Iyo Sky advances to the Queen of the Ring Finals.Charlotte Flair defeats Roxanne Perez and continues building momentum.Why Roxanne Perez may have been the best wrestler in the match despite taking another loss.Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker inside a Steel Cage is officially set for Night of Champions.Chad Gable continues proving why he's one of WWE's most underutilized stars.LA Knight calls out The Bloodline after being proven right once again.Logan Paul attempts to recruit Je'Von Evans into The Vision.Oba Femi destroys Dominik Mysterio and advances to the King of the Ring Finals.And our full SmackDown preview from Kansas City.⸻This week's episode is brought to you by Zarc International.Protecting people since 1982.If you're looking for a simple way to add a little peace of mind this summer, check out the VEXOR line of pepper spray and personal safety products at Zarc.com or on Amazon.Be Prepared.Protect Yourself.Carry VEXOR.⸻If you're a wrestling fan who cares about storytelling, character direction, and wrestling philosophy, you're in the right place.Follow Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.Follow Alexander the Great on X and TikTok: @Froe87

SmackDown finally felt like it knew where it was going.Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes delivered the best segment on the entire show.Gunther added even more tension to the WWE Championship picture by naming Sami as the special referee for next week's title match.And the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments continue reshaping the road to SummerSlam.But did WWE make the right call sending SmackDown completely out of the men's side of the King of the Ring tournament?⸻Sami Zayn vs Cody Rhodes explodesGunther chooses Sami Zayn as special refereeCharlotte Flair advances in Queen of the RingJey Uso advances in King of the RingSmackDown gets swept out of the men's bracketOba Femi vs Dominik Mysterio implicationsTrick Williams, Carmelo Hayes & Ricky Saints heat up the U.S. Title sceneRey Fenix vs Axiom frustrationJacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa continue to collideLove that Danhausen ❤️SmackDown MVPRAW Preview⸻Quick shoutout to the family business — Zarc International.Be Prepared.Protect Yourself.Carry Vexor.⸻If you're a wrestling fan who cares about storytelling, character direction, and wrestling philosophy, you're in the right place.Follow Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.Follow Alexander the Great on X and TikTok: @Froe87

WWE Finally Got Unpredictable.A week ago, it felt like the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments were starting to take shape.Seth Rollins looked like a favorite.Bron Breakker looked like a favorite.The SummerSlam roadmap felt relatively clear.Then WWE blew the whole thing up.Rollins is out.Breakker is out.Becky Lynch is out.Dominik Mysterio is still alive.Je'Von Evans is still alive.And somehow the biggest story coming out of RAW might be that nobody knows where these tournaments are headed anymore.For the first time in a long time, WWE genuinely surprised us.And honestly?That's a breath of fresh air.⸻On this episode:Why Oba Femi remains the most important piece on the entire King of the Ring board.The growing Brock Lesnar problem.Liv Morgan advances while already Women's World Champion.Why the Queen of the Ring tournament is becoming increasingly difficult to figure out.Chad Gable's redemption story continues.Why "The Man Under The Mask" might be one of WWE's best character arcs right now.Penta vs Rey Mysterio delivers.The return of the American Alpha theme.LA Knight's best promo in months.Why Roman Reigns' SummerSlam direction suddenly feels less obvious.Je'Von Evans shocks the tournament.Seth Rollins is eliminated.And our full SmackDown preview.⸻Quick shoutout to the family business — Zarc International.Be Prepared. Protect Yourself. Carry Vexor.⸻If you're a wrestling fan who cares about storytelling, character direction, and wrestling philosophy, you're in the right place.Follow Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.Follow Alexander the Great on X and TikTok: @Froe87

The Road to SummerSlam Begins.RAW after Clash in Italy felt less like a fallout show and more like WWE finally starting to show us where some of these major stories are heading.King and Queen of the Ring are underway.The SummerSlam picture is starting to come into focus.And while some of those directions are exciting...Others feel a little too familiar.Has WWE already started repeating the same Bloodline story with Jacob Fatu?Why does WWE keep loading multiple major stars into the same tournament qualifiers?And what exactly is WWE trying to tell us through the King and Queen of the Ring brackets?⸻On this episode:Roman Reigns gets exactly what he wanted from Jacob Fatu.Why the new Bloodline dynamic feels a lot like the old one.King and Queen of the Ring officially begin.Oba Femi advances and continues his path back toward Brock Lesnar.Why WWE's Fatal 4-Way qualifier obsession continues to frustrate us.Iyo Sky advances while Giulia gets pinned in Italy.The growing confusion surrounding Liv Morgan's place in the Queen of the Ring tournament.Why Chad Gable isn't underrated — he's underutilized.The future of American Made.Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker delivers one of the best RAW main events of the year.And our full SmackDown preview from Bologna, Italy.⸻Quick shoutout to the family business — Zarc International.Be Prepared. Protect Yourself. Carry Vexor.⸻If you're a wrestling fan who cares about storytelling, character direction, and wrestling philosophy, you're in the right place!Follow Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.Follow Alexander the Great on X and TikTok: @Froe87Chapters00:00 The Road to SummerSlam Begins02:56 Roman Reigns Gets What He Wanted07:37 King & Queen of the Ring Begin12:20 Oba Femi Advances22:45 WWE's Fatal 4-Way Problem36:22 Your New Women's IC Champion39:21 Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee vs Rusev & Ethan Page43:57 Finn Balor, Jey Uso & Backstage Fallout57:23 Chad Gable Isn't Underrated01:02:30 Iyo Sky Advances — Giulia Gets Pinned?!01:14:03 Quick Hits: Maxxine, Danhausen & Bayley01:20:30 Next Week's RAW Looks Weird01:30:20 Seth Rollins vs Bron Breakker01:40:00 Final Thoughts on RAW01:48:28 SmackDown Preview

There was nothing objectively wrong with Clash in Italy.That's the weird part.The matches were good. The crowd was hot. A Championship changed hands. Storylines moved forward.And yet by the time the wrestling weekend was over, the show we couldn't stop thinking about wasn't Clash.It was AAA Noche de los Grandes.This week, we break down a wrestling weekend that ended up becoming a conversation about something much bigger than wins and losses.Why did Clash in Italy feel good... but not memorable?Why does WWE keep choosing the safe version of the story?And why did a four-match AAA special television event leave a bigger impression than a WWE Premium Live Event packed with stars?⸻On this episode:Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther and why their WWE Championship match left so much on the table.Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill and the performance that finally made us rethink Jade's future.Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi and why Oba may have needed this loss more than another dominant victory.Sol Ruca captures her first main roster championship.Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu and the growing frustration with WWE's reliance on the safest possible direction.Our full Clash in Italy review and final thoughts.AAA Noche de los Grandes results.El Grande Americano vs. El Grande Americano in a legitimate Match of the Year contender.Why Ludwig Kaiser's accidental masterpiece may have become the biggest success of his career.And why Undertaker's approach to booking professional wrestling feels completely different right now.⸻Quick shoutout to the family business — Zarc International.Be Prepared. Protect Yourself. Carry Vexor.⸻If you're a wrestling fan who cares about storytelling, character direction, and wrestling philosophy, you're in the right place!Follow Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.Follow Alexander the Great on X and TikTok: @Froe87Chapters00:00 Introduction & Wrestling Weekend Thesis01:54 Building a Community of Wrestling Nerds10:39 Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther — Left So Much on the Table23:10 Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill — I'll Eat the Crow36:06 Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi — Oba Needed This54:24 Sol Ruca vs. Becky Lynch — Becky Hogan Strikes Again01:06:52 Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu — WWE Chose the Safe Option01:11:51 Clash in Italy — Final Thoughts01:24:49 AAA Noche de los Grandes — Quick Results01:29:08 El Grande Americano vs. El Grande Americano — Match of the Year01:45:55 MVP of the Weekend — Undertaker01:55:46 Good Isn't the Same as Memorable

Clash in Italy is almost here, and WWE has some major decisions to make.This week on Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling, we break down the Go Home RAW before Clash in Italy, look ahead to SmackDown from Spain, run through the final card, and make our official Clash in Italy predictions.RAW delivered another strong night of wrestling with standout performances from Oba Femi, Montez Ford, Penta, Je'Von Evans, Seth Rollins, and more. We discuss why WWE seems to be getting back to focusing on the wrestling itself, why Austin Theory is suddenly becoming one of the most interesting characters on RAW, and whether WWE made the right call giving Rey Mysterio an Intercontinental Championship opportunity over Rusev.We also break down the latest developments between Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu ahead of their Tribal Combat showdown, the continued rise of Oba Femi heading into his rematch with Brock Lesnar, and what WWE still needs to accomplish before Sunday.Inside this episode:Roman Reigns vs Jacob FatuOba Femi vs Brock LesnarMontez Ford's breakout performance against Seth RollinsPenta vs Je'Von EvansAustin Theory and The VisionThe Intercontinental Championship pictureGo Home SmackDown previewUpdated Clash in Italy cardOfficial TTW Clash in Italy predictionsIf you're a wrestling fan who cares about storytelling, character direction, and wrestling philosophy, you're in the right place.Follow Alexander the Great: @Froe87Join the TTW Discord for live PLE watch-alongs, reactions, and wrestling discussions throughout the week.Sponsored by Zarc International.Check out the VEXOR Venom™ Gel Pocket Guard at www.zarc.comBe Prepared. Protect Yourself. Carry Vexor.

Brock Lesnar is back!And after RAW, the biggest debate coming out of WrestleMania suddenly feels completely reopened.Was Brock’s retirement real? Was it a work? Or did WWE slowly turn a real-life situation into a worked-shoot storyline after plans changed behind the scenes?This week on TTW, we break down Brock Lesnar’s shocking return, why the entire Oba Femi timeline feels strange, and how RAW accidentally turned Clash in Italy into a legitimately massive WWE event.We also discuss:Roman Reigns accepting Tribal Combat against Jacob FatuWhy Finn Bálor feels hotter than he has in yearsEthan Page continuing to rise on RAWBecky Lynch and Sol Ruca building momentumWhy Oba Femi may have been accidentally booked into a creative cornerAnd why Brock Lesnar returning may actually SAVE Oba creatively long termUpcoming WWE Events Discussed:Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIVClash in ItalyQuick shoutout to the family business — Zarc International.If you’re looking for serious everyday protection, check out the new VEXOR Venom Gel Pocket Guard — one of the strongest consumer pepper sprays on the market.Visit: www.zarc.comBe Prepared. Protect Yourself. Carry Vexor.TTW Available on: Spotify Apple Podcasts Amazon Music.Episodes every Monday and Friday!Follow Alexander the Great: X & TikTok — @Froe87Join the TTW Discord for:Live PLE watch-alongsReal-time reactionsWrestling debates during the showsAnd general wrestling nerd chaosChapters00:00 The Night Brock Broke The Timeline03:14 Roman Reigns, Jacob Fatu & Tribal Combat08:11 Finn Bálor vs JD McDonagh — This Feels Backwards10:31 Becky Lynch vs Sol Ruca — This Is How You Build A Star13:16 Ethan Page, LA Knight & RAW’s Direction Problem15:45 Women’s Tag Division — Is Anybody Actually Moving Forward?18:42 Brock Lesnar Returns And Destroys Oba Femi20:41 Seth Rollins vs Austin Theory — This Should Not Have Closed RAW25:08 Brock Lesnar / Oba Femi — THIS DOESN’T FEEL CLEAN49:38 Work vs Worked-Shoot — Was Brock’s Retirement Real?01:00:50 Why Brock Returning Might Actually SAVE Oba Femi01:07:20 WWE Under TKO Feels Different01:15:24 Clash In Italy Suddenly Feels Huge01:20:49 Final RAW Verdict + Upcoming WWE Shows

This week finally felt like SmackDown started showing signs of life again.Not perfect. Still inconsistent. Still too long at three hours.…but parts of this show finally felt IMPORTANT again.This episode breaks down Trick Williams’ hometown star presentation, why the U.S. title scene FINALLY feels like it can be connected, Melo/Ricky/Sami/Fenix building a real ecosystem, why Gunther instantly makes SmackDown feel bigger, Cody vs Gunther contract signing chaos, Royce Keys getting elevated in the main event, Saturday Night’s Main Event updates, RAW preview discussion, and the much bigger conversation about why WWE feels completely different in the TKO era.We also dive deep into WWE feeling more corporate and less alive, the shrinking feeling of weekly television, the five-match PLE structure problem, fans spending more money for less rewarding weekly content, why long-time fans feel disconnected from the modern product, and why RAW currently feels far more stable than SmackDown.⸻Follow: Alexander the Great — @Froe87⸻JOIN THE TTW DISCORDPLE watch-alongs. Live reactions. Real-time wrestling discussion during the shows.⸻Quick shoutout to the family business — Zarc International.If you’re looking for serious everyday protection…Check out the new VEXOR Venom™ Gel Pocket Guard — one of the strongest consumer pepper sprays on the market.You can find our products on Amazon and at www.zarc.comBe Prepared. Protect Yourself. Carry Vexor.⸻If we earned your listen… please leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music.That stuff genuinely helps more wrestling fans find the show.00:00 — SmackDown Needed Gunther03:03 — Trick Williams Homecoming / U.S. Title Scene Finally Feels Alive05:59 — The U.S. Title Ecosystem Is Starting To Work08:26 — Sami Zayn’s Character Spiral Continues11:08 — Women’s Tag Division Still Needs STORIES13:45 — Cody Rhodes / Gunther Contract Signing Chaos16:05 — Melo vs Ricky Saints — SmackDown Needed THIS Match18:36 — DANHAUSEN ❤️36:53 — WWE Finally Understanding Character Variety Again38:46 — Why Midcard & Comedy Wrestling Matter40:14 — Michael Cole Deserves More Respect42:39 — Why Comedy Wrestling Still Works44:23 — WWE’s Body Type Shift & Why It Matters46:08 — LA Knight Main Event Debate52:01 — Sami / Gargano / Candice — This Story Is Getting Weird57:58 — Jade Cargill / Charlotte / Alexa Bliss01:05:23 — Saturday Night’s Main Event Update01:07:40 — Gunther vs Royce Keys — REAL SmackDown Main Event Energy01:13:31 — Final Thoughts — SmackDown Finally Showing Signs Of Life01:17:08 — WWE FEELS UNRECOGNIZABLE POST-TKO01:27:46 — WWE Is Becoming Too Expensive To Follow01:38:10 — RAW Preview / Roman Reigns / Oba Femi

🎙️ Maintenance TelevisionRAW after Backlash gave us a weird episode.Not a BAD show.Actually… there was a lot of good wrestling on this show.The roster looked strong. The younger stars continue to feel more important. The IC Title division finally feels connected again.But outside of Jacob Fatu?A LOT of RAW felt like WWE was just maintaining stories instead of truly escalating them.And the second Jacob showed up……the entire energy of the show changed.⸻This week on TTW:Why Jacob Fatu currently feels like the hottest thing in WWEBron Breakker’s strange post-Backlash directionEthan Page continuing to prove he belongs in the main-event pictureSol Ruca impressing BIG against Iyo SkyThe growing concern around Oba Femi after Brock LesnarJudgment Day quietly planting long-term story seedsWhy the AAA / El Grande Americano story is becoming overbookedAsuka’s emotional backstage goodbye with Iyo SkyWhy RAW felt more like “maintenance television” than momentum television⸻PLUS:JDfromNY / Danhausen discourseWrestling-media echo chambersWWE’s 5-match PLE problem⸻🎧 Available on: Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon MusicX & TikTok: @Froe87 (fro like afro… add the E… 87)🔥 Join the TTW Discord for: PLE watch-alongs Live reactions Real wrestling discussion🛡️ Sponsored by Zarc InternationalBe Prepared. Protect Yourself. Carry Vexor.www.zarc.comPowered by Zarc InternationalCheck out the VEXOR Venom™ Gel Pocket Guard — The strongest consumer pepper sprays on the market.Be Prepared. Protect Yourself. Carry Vexor.www.zarc.com📲 FOLLOW / SUPPORT THE SHOWIf we earned it… leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it genuinely helps more wrestling nerds find the show.Available on: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🎧 Amazon MusicFollow Alexander the Great : 👉 X/Twitter & TikTok: @Froe87 (fro like afro… add the E… 87)🔥 JOIN THE TTW DISCORDPLE watch-alongs. Live reactions. Real wrestling conversations while the shows are actually happening.⸻00:00 — Intro / RAW After Backlash Overall Thoughts05:39 — The Vision / Bron Breakker Opening Segment (Logan Paul, Theory, Joe Hendry & why RAW immediately felt like maintenance television)15:45 — IC Title Division Feels Like An Actual Ecosystem (Penta, Ethan Page, Je’Von Evans, Rusev & why this division finally feels alive)34:46 — Asuka & Iyo Sky Backstage Goodbye (Why it didn’t fully feel real)42:30 — Iyo Sky vs Sol Ruca (Why WWE should feel GREAT about Sol’s future)48:02 — Oba Femi — WWE Has To Be Careful Now (Open challenge discussion, Brock Lesnar fallout & long-term concerns)01:04:04 — Judgment Day Quietly Planting Seeds (Roxanne Perez, Finn Bálor tension, Liv manipulation & long-term setup)01:13:24 — AAA / El Grande Americano Is Becoming Overbooked (Too many moving parts, interference & identity-story confusion)01:19:02 — JDfromNY / Danhausen / Wrestling-Media Echo Chambers (5-match PLE discourse, comedy wrestling, fake “open discussion” communities & super-chat validation culture)01:41:52 — Maxxine Dupri / Austin Theory Teases (The Vision background storytelling & Theory needing direction)01:52:58 — Roman Reigns / Jacob Fatu Closing Segment (Why Jacob completely changed the energy of RAW)02:03:00 — MVP Of The Night — Jacob Fatu02:08:30 — Final Thoughts On RAW (Maintenance television vs momentum television)02:14:00 — SmackDown Preview (Cody/Gunther, Jacob suspension fallout, Trick Williams Homecoming)

🔥 Backlash Restored Confidence Heading Into A Summer Of ChaosAfter what felt like “CommercialMania” at WrestleMania 41…Backlash finally reminded us what WWE looks like when the wrestling actually gets time to breathe.This week on Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling, we break down why Backlash may have been WWE’s BEST overall Premium Live Event of the year — and why simply letting the matches COOK instantly made the product feel bigger again.🎙️ INSIDE THIS EPISODE: 👉 Bron Breakker vs Seth Rollins delivered a WrestleMania-level opener 👉 Trick Williams continues feeling like WWE’s next centerpiece star 👉 Danhausen chaos, AAA surprises & why the REAL issue is WWE’s 5-match cards 👉 Iyo Sky vs Asuka delivers one of the BEST women’s matches of the year 👉 Why the ending of Iyo vs Asuka felt emotional, heavy… and maybe even like goodbye 👉 John Cena’s “historic” announcement & why the voting concept feels suspicious 👉 Roman Reigns vs Jacob Fatu becomes the beginning of a BLOOD FEUD 👉 Why Jacob Fatu gave us major Umaga “Samoan Bulldozer” energy 👉 Why Backlash worked better than WrestleMania despite being the smaller show 👉 RAW preview: Roman’s acknowledgment ceremony, Oba Femi’s open challenge, Judgment Day chaos & moreThis wasn’t a gimmick-heavy show. This wasn’t a nostalgia show.This was WWE remembering: 👉 let wrestling breathe again.⸻📲 FOLLOW / SUPPORT TTWIf we earned it… leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music.Follow Alexander the Great: 👉 @Froe87 (fro like afro, add the E, 87)⸻🔥 JOIN THE TTW DISCORDPLE watch-alongs. Live reactions. Real wrestling nerd conversations during the shows.⸻🎙️ Sponsored by Zarc InternationalCheck out the VEXOR Venom™ Gel Pocket Guard: www.zarc.comBe Prepared. Protect Yourself. Carry Vexor.Chapters00:00Backlash Restores Confidence in WWE05:09Match Length Philosophy and Commercial Concerns10:49Bron Breaker vs. Seth Rollins: A Stellar Opening Match30:10Trick Williams vs. Sammy Zane: Building Momentum31:35Character Changes and Match Dynamics39:10The Chaos of Danhausen's Mystery Partner01:01:59The Impact of Comedy in Wrestling01:03:59The Impact of TKO on Wrestling Events01:06:44Analyzing the Asuka vs. Io Sky Match01:15:50Post-Match Reflections and Future Implications01:24:51John Cena's Historic Announcement and Its Controversies01:37:09The Anticipation of New Opportunities01:38:00Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu: The Main Event01:39:09The Dynamics of Fear and Power in Wrestling01:42:01Building Jacob Fatu as an Unstoppable Force01:45:04The Match Finish: Controversy and Expectations01:48:03Post-Match Chaos: Jacob Fatu's Unhinged Persona01:51:53Comparing Jacob Fatu to Wrestling Legends01:55:08Backlash Review: A Standout Event02:01:09Looking Ahead: Future Storylines and Matches

Backlash is one night away……but honestly?This card still feels like it could completely change after SmackDown.⸻In this episode of Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling:🔥 We break down the UPDATED Backlash card after RAW🔥 Talk about the possibility of Gunther vs Cody being added🔥 Give our official Backlash predictions🔥 Open The TTW Vault for: 👉 Top 5 “This Should Have Happened at WrestleMania” Matches 👉 Top 5 “The Story Didn’t End at WrestleMania” Feuds & Rematches⸻Because Backlash has always been about one thing:👉 unfinished business.And right now…some of these stories still don’t feel finished yet.⸻🎙️ Sponsored by the family business — Zarc International.If you’re looking for serious everyday protection…check out the new VEXOR Venom™ Gel Pocket Guard — one of the strongest consumer pepper sprays on the market.Be Prepared. Protect Yourself. Carry Vexor.⸻🎙️ TTW — A Podcast for Pro Wrestling Nerds.📲 Follow / Support the show on Apple, Spotify & Amazon Music📲 Follow Alexander the Great: X & TikTok: @Froe87🔥 Join the TTW Discord for: • Live PLE watch-alongs • Real-time reactions • Unfiltered wrestling debatesChapters00:00Backlash Anticipation03:37Top Matches That Should Have Happened11:22Fantasy Booking: Missed Opportunities17:45Crowd Dynamics and Fan Engagement24:34WrestleMania vs. Backlash: A Cultural Commentary29:31Wrestling Fan Experiences33:52Live Event Insights38:23Ticket Prices and Accessibility40:02WrestleMania and Backlash Dynamics43:39Iconic Rivalries in Wrestling49:35The Undertaker's Legacy54:20Batista's Evolution: From Wrestler to Hollywood Star55:26The Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar Saga58:22The Rock vs. Triple H: A 2000 Feud01:01:29Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels: The Betrayal01:04:15The Bloodline Story: A Modern Wrestling Epic01:22:51The Future of Seth Rollins and Braun Breaker01:24:07Mystery Partner Predictions for Dan Howzen01:26:07The Dynamics of Miz and Kit Wilson01:28:49Potential Surprises in the Tag Team Match01:34:08Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther: A Hypothetical Match01:38:34Main Event: Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu01:44:07Final Predictions and Backlash Expectations

🎙️ WWE is trying to establish the future right now……and the future is starting to push back.Bron Breakker looks like an absolute monster heading into Backlash.Oba Femi might already be TOO dominant for WWE’s own booking philosophy.The Intercontinental Championship division feels alive again.Roxanne Perez and Finn Bálor may finally be approaching the payoff WWE usually waits way too long to pull the trigger on.And somehow Logan Paul and Joe Hendry might become one of the most entertaining feuds in the company if WWE fully leans into the chaos.This week’s go-home RAW before Backlash felt focused, aggressive, and future-oriented……but it also exposed some of the creative problems WWE may have accidentally created for themselves moving forward.We break down:• Seth Rollins vs Bron Breakker • Roman Reigns vs Jacob Fatu • Oba Femi’s growing monster problem • The IC Title division becoming WWE’s best ecosystem • Roxanne Perez / Judgment Day tension • Logan Paul & Joe Hendry • WWE fumbling the AAA / Americano feud • Sol Ruca vs Becky Lynch potentially becoming the women’s feud of the summerPLUS:🔥 Updated Backlash card 🔥 Go-home SmackDown preview 🔥 Friday’s official Backlash predictions episode teaseThis isn’t a recap show.This is where we figure out what’s actually working… and what WWE may already be struggling to control.Chapters00:00Breaking News in Wrestling03:26Legal Issues and Controversies05:42Health Updates and Positive News08:24Go-Home Raw Review10:48Seth Rollins and Braun Breaker Dynamics14:42Roxanne Perez and Judgment Day Speculations18:14Intercontinental Title Division Insights26:14The Rise of Soul Ruka27:34Anticipating the SummerSlam Showdown28:56The Future of Women's Championships29:39Logan Paul's Evolution in WWE35:20Oba Femi's Booking Dilemma45:51The Impact of NXT on Main Roster Perception48:14Booking Strategies: The Role of HBK and Triple H51:17Fantasy Booking: Building Rivalries for Oba Femi54:23AAA vs WWE: The Confusion of Storylines58:37Contract Signings and Character Dynamics in WWE01:07:42Backlash Predictions and Upcoming Matches

🔥 TWO GOOD HOURS… ONE BIG PROBLEM: LOYALTYSometimes a show gives you just enough to care……and just enough to remind you why you’re frustrated in the first place.⸻This week, SmackDown actually worked—for about two hours.Things were moving. Stories had direction. It felt like the show finally understood what mattered.And then that third hour hit……and everything fell right back into the same problems.⸻Meanwhile, RAW continues to feel like the show that actually knows what it is.Which makes the gap between the two brands impossible to ignore.⸻And then there’s the bigger story.Because while SmackDown was trying to figure itself out…WWE was quietly showing you exactly what it is now.⸻👉 Departures vs “fired” — what people are getting wrong 👉 The New Day situation — and why it says everything about the current system 👉 Why loyalty in WWE doesn’t mean what it used to 👉 And what that means for the future of the roster⸻🎙️ PLUS:• Cody Rhodes vs Ricky Saints — debut done right • Gunther enters the main event scene (finally) • Jacy Jayne gets the rocket push • Tag division actually showing signs of life • Solo, Fatu & The Usos — a power struggle worth watching • Danhausen ❤️ (and why people complaining don’t get wrestling) • Sami Zayn vs Trick Williams — funny… but pushing the limit⸻And now?Backlash is this Saturday.No more building.No more setup.👉 It’s time to deliver.⸻🎙️ If you’re a real wrestling fan who cares about:👉 storytelling 👉 character direction 👉 and where WWE is actually going…you’re in the right place.⸻📲 FOLLOW / SUPPORT THE SHOWIf we earned it… leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon — it helps more than you think.Follow for weekly episodes covering RAW, SmackDown, and every PLE.⸻🔥 JOIN THE TTW DISCORDBe part of the TTW community:• Live PLE watch-alongs • Real-time reactions • Unfiltered wrestling debatesChapters00:00Tribute to the Gingerbread Man03:09Backlash Build-Up and SmackDown Review05:29Confusion in the Tag Team Division08:17Cody Rhodes and Ricky Starks' Debut10:57Jacey Jane's Rise and Women's Division Dynamics13:29Tag Team Championship Recognition16:17Mafia Dynamics in the Bloodline Storyline35:30Cody Rhodes vs. Ricky Starks: A Match of Expectations37:19Gunther's Impact on SmackDown: A New Era Begins40:56Danhausen's Comedy and the Miz: Keeping the Curse Alive45:16The Gingerbread Man: A Unique Storyline for Sami Zayn54:12Main Event Analysis: Usos vs. Solo and Tala Tonga01:06:30Reflections on SmackDown's Quality01:08:44Previewing Backlash Matches01:10:00Concerns Over Roman Reigns' Future01:14:42Impact of Recent Releases01:20:31The State of Tag Team Wrestling01:27:54The Future of WWE and AEW

WWE feels like two completely different companies right now.RAW is building momentum, creating direction, and setting the stage for Backlash…while SmackDown feels disconnected, directionless, and completely out of sync.On top of that?WWE just made a wave of talent releases that raise even bigger questions about what this company actually is right now.This episode breaks down:• Why RAW feels like it’s moving forward • Why SmackDown feels completely lost • What the recent WWE releases actually mean • And why this company feels split in half heading into BacklashThis is where we figure out what’s actually working… and what’s completely broken.00:00Introduction and Overview of SmackDown After Mania03:10The Disconnect Between Raw and SmackDown05:25Debuts and Expectations07:35The Quality of SmackDown10:18NXT Call-Ups and Title Changes13:01Releases and Their Impact15:46The Future of SmackDown18:23Analyzing Recent Releases20:36Triple H's Role and Future23:30Monday Night Raw Review26:08Roman Reigns and the Usos28:43Seth Rollins and Braun Breaker39:24Promo Exchanges and Character Development42:32Backlash Match Predictions44:13Intercontinental Championship Dynamics51:28Becky Lynch's Title Reign and Open Challenge55:14Asuka vs. Io Sky Feud58:38Women's Division Challenges and Opportunities01:03:00LA Knight and Bloodline Dynamics01:04:42Joe Hendry's Concert and Logan Paul's Response01:06:27Logan Paul's Chaos and the Street Profits' Intervention01:08:42The Future of Hendry and the SmackDown vs. Raw Debate01:11:22Rey Mysterio vs. El Grande Americano: A Lucha Libre Showcase01:15:27Oba Femi's Open Challenge: A Double-Edged Sword01:32:00Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu: A Tense Confrontation01:37:34The Aftermath: Setting the Stage for Backlash01:39:48Character Dynamics in Wrestling01:41:22Future Feuds and Storylines01:43:55The State of SmackDown01:49:13MVPs and Highlights of Recent Shows01:55:46The Impact of the Bloodline Storyline

RAW AFTER WRESTLEMANIA didn’t give us the big surprise returns……but it gave us something way more important.👉 direction.⸻Oba Femi didn’t celebrate… he arrived.CM Punk delivered one of the most real promos we’ve seen in a long time… and Cody Rhodes stepped into it with a completely different energy.The Intercontinental scene didn’t reset — it continued, and that matters.Sol Ruca didn’t feel like a call-up… she felt like she belongs.Brock Lesnar?That didn’t feel like a send-off.That felt like the end.⸻And by the end of the night…you could actually see the board being set.Rollins vs Breakker. Roman vs Jacob. The Vision vs The Street Profits.⸻👉 Backlash is already starting to take shape……and it might be a banger show.⸻🎧 Follow the show on Apple, Spotify & Amazon Music ⭐ If we earned it… leave us a 5-star rating⸻👉 Follow me — Alexander the Great — @Froe87 on X & TikTok🔥 Join the TTW Discord• Live PLE watch-alongs • Real-time reactions • Unfiltered wrestling debatesChapters00:00Welcome to Season Three of TTW01:56OBA's Impact and the Raw After Mania04:21Women's Tag Team Action: Rhea Ripley and Io Sky07:39Backstage Segments and Future Directions09:23Ethan Page's Debut and IC Title Scene13:18CM Punk and Cody Rhodes: A Contrasting Promo22:56Ego vs. Javon Evans: Building on WrestleMania Feuds24:49Danhausen's Hilarious Merchandise Segment27:04WWE Hall of Fame and Character Dynamics28:19Liv Morgan's Title Celebration and Sol Ruka's Debut31:54Brock Lesnar: The End of an Era35:12Brock Lesnar's Retirement Controversy44:13Paul Heyman and the Future of Gunther45:34Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breaker: Setting the Stage50:57Finn Balor vs. JD McDonough: A Personal Rivalry52:14WrestleMania Aftermath: Match Reflections53:20Gunther's Direction: A Lack of Clarity55:48Raw After Mania: A Purposeful Reset59:47The Bloodline Saga: New Dynamics and Challenges01:02:29Roster Changes: New Faces and Future Directions01:15:06Looking Ahead: Backlash and Future Storylines

🚨 COMMERCIALMANIA. 🚨That’s what WrestleMania 42 felt like.Not because the matches were bad…but because WWE forgot what WrestleMania is supposed to BE.Night 1?👉 Rushed 👉 Cut short 👉 Completely stripped of that WrestleMania feelNight 2?👉 Better 👉 More complete 👉 Still dealing with the SAME problemsWe’re breaking down:👉 Why the matches felt rushed 👉 How the commercials KILLED the flow of the show 👉 Why the biggest feuds didn’t get the time they deserved 👉 And what this version of WrestleMania says about where WWE is goingWe’re talking:👉 Brock Lesnar vs Oba Femi — and a SUPERSTAR being MADE 👉 The ladder match that blew Night 1 out of the water 👉 Sami vs Trick and how they wasted a perfect opportunity 👉 Demon Balor vs Dom — and why it felt pointless 👉 Jade vs Rhea — the ONE match that got the length right 👉 Cody vs Orton — and the confusing double-turn energy 👉 Punk vs Roman — a real WrestleMania main eventAnd the bigger question:👉 Has WWE lost the feel of WrestleMania?Chapters00:00Introduction to WrestleMania 4208:17Match Breakdown: Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu14:11Women's Tag Team Championship Match Analysis20:16AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch: A Missed Opportunity27:09Seth Rollins vs. Gunther: A Highlight of the Night35:48Intense Showdown: Rollins vs. Gunther47:14Commercial Mania: The Impact of Advertisements on Matches52:56Bianca Belair's Return and Future Prospects01:00:35Main Event Analysis: Orton vs. Rhodes01:10:57Cody's Injury and Its Impact01:20:39Brock Lesnar's Emotional Retirement01:28:31IC Title Ladder Match Highlights01:35:00Sammy vs. Trick Williams: Missed Opportunities01:43:17WrestleMania Night 1 vs Night 2 Comparison01:54:17Rhea Ripley vs Jade Cargill: Women's Championship Match02:04:46Danhausen's WrestleMania Moment02:09:51Main Event: CM Punk vs Roman Reigns02:15:29The Match of a Lifetime: Analyzing the Main Event02:30:09WrestleMania 42: A Mixed Bag of Emotions

WrestleMania weekend is here.And before the lights hit… before the entrances… before the first bell rings…this is the moment where everything still feels possible.⸻In this episode, we’re keeping it simple.We crack open The TTW Vault and run through: 👉 the greatest in-ring WrestleMania matches ever 👉 the most iconic WrestleMania main events 👉 the moments that made this weekend feel bigger than wrestling…and then we lock in our official WrestleMania 42 predictions.⸻Who’s walking out a champion? Who’s getting their moment? And who is WWE actually ready to go all in on?⸻📲 FOLLOW / SUPPORT THE SHOWIf we earned it… leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon.Follow for weekly episodes covering RAW, SmackDown, and every PLE.⸻📲 FOLLOW — ALEXANDER THE GREAT X & TikTok: @Froe87🔥 JOIN THE TTW DISCORD • Live PLE watch-alongs • Real-time reactions • Unfiltered wrestling debates.The Discord Link is on our podcast homepage and on all of Alexander the Great's socials!Chapters00:00WrestleMania Weekend Excitement02:04Nostalgia: Top WrestleMania Matches04:43In-Ring Match Highlights12:07Iconic WrestleMania Moments20:11The Greatest WrestleMania Main Events30:39The Count Controversy31:36Iron Man Match Breakdown33:09Shawn Michaels: The Showstopper34:33The Evolution of Shawn Michaels36:33The Hogan-Michaels Feud37:54Historic Women's Main Event39:40Daniel Bryan's Triumph at WrestleMania 3041:03Crowd Dynamics in Wrestling42:30WrestleMania 17: Austin vs. The Rock44:42The Impact of Austin's Heel Turn48:42WrestleMania 20: A Triple Threat Masterpiece51:32Benoit and Eddie: A Legacy Remembered54:36The Hall of Fame Debate59:29Cody vs. Roman: The Story Concludes01:00:53WrestleMania Nostalgia and Iconic Matches01:02:23Predictions for WrestleMania Night One01:06:47Analyzing Unsanctioned Matches and Their Stakes01:10:24Women's Tag Team Championship Dynamics01:17:09Intercontinental Championship Predictions01:22:02Main Event Speculations and Stakes01:23:38Night Two Predictions and Key Matches01:29:59CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns: The Final Showdown

WrestleMania is right here.And when we actually look at the full board…we don’t know if everything connects the way it should.🎙️ The WrestleMania Board CheckThis isn’t a recap.This is us stepping back and looking at the full picture—SmackDown, the go-home RAW, and what still needs to happen before WrestleMania.SmackDown had a chance to build momentum.It didn’t.The go-home RAW?It was fine.Not bad.Not great.Just fine.And “fine”…this close to WrestleMania…isn’t good enough.So now it all comes down to one thing—what still needs to happen before WrestleMania.We get into:👉 SmackDown — what it already did (and didn’t do) 👉 The go-home RAW — what it gave us and what it didn’t 👉 CM Punk vs Roman Reigns — the final face-to-face 👉 Iyo, Liv, and the women’s division — where things stand 👉 What the FINAL SmackDown needs to do 👉 The full WrestleMania board — what works and what still doesn’tWhat actually matters right now?What feels important?And what still needs to hit before WrestleMania?Chapters00:00WrestleMania Build-Up and Expectations06:27Feuds and Missed Opportunities12:28Ticket Sales and Audience Reception39:14The Impact of Ticket Sales on Wrestling Events47:23Analyzing the 25% Ticket Discount Announcement52:24Expectations for WrestleMania and Potential Shenanigans01:06:09Balancing Sponsorships and Wrestling Integrity01:11:50Go Home Raw Review01:18:28Eoskai vs. Kyrie Zane Match Analysis01:28:48Usos and MFTs Match Review01:38:26Building Dominance: Gunther's Future Feuds01:43:17Oba's Contract Signing: A Defining Moment01:49:38The Ladder Match Chaos: A Mixed Bag01:54:35Finn Balor vs. Dom Mysterio: Missed Opportunities02:00:31Final Thoughts: WrestleMania Build-Up and Expectations02:05:59The Irony of Wrestling Promos02:12:51Respect and Rivalry: Punk vs. Reigns02:31:15Anticipation and Concerns for WrestleMania02:43:08Closing Thoughts and Future Predictions

🔥 YOU FELT THAT TOO… RIGHT?Sometimes… something shifts.Not in the story.Not in the matches.In the feeling of the show.This week on RAW… something pushed back.CM Punk didn’t just cut a promo—👉 he said things you’re not supposed to say 👉 he went after the system 👉 and for the first time in a long time… WWE reactedBecause this episode isn’t about results.It’s about:👉 why that Punk segment felt different 👉 what it exposed about WWE & TKO 👉 why Cody vs Orton is already being changed 👉 and why WrestleMania suddenly feels like a test🎙️ ON THIS EPISODE:• CM Punk’s pipebomb — what he really said (and why it mattered) • WWE reacting in real time — and what that tells us • LA Knight / The Vision — why this HAS to end at WrestleMania • Dominik vs Finn — finally getting real • AJ Lee vs Becky Lynch — simple, effective, personal • Bayley segment — overbooking is starting to hurt • Rhea / Jade — why this feud still isn’t hitting • Penta / Ladder match — insane, but missing one key piece • Vaquer vs Liv — this turned into a REAL fight • Oba Femi vs Brock Lesnar — how you make a star • WrestleMania board — what WWE is actually trying to doChapters00:00Podcast Format Changes08:34WWE's Creative Response24:31LA Knight and the Usos Feud36:35Finn Balor vs. JD McDonough41:47AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch: A Clash of Generations51:26The Evolution of Women's Championships01:03:15Danhausen's Unique Segment and Its Reception01:09:26Navigating the Gunther vs. Rollins Dilemma01:14:46Jade Cargill's Impact on Rhea Ripley01:24:55Rey Mysterio's Return and Its Implications01:31:45Judgment Day's Feud with Liv Morgan and Roxanne01:38:27The Feud: Liv vs. Stephanie01:49:01Predictions and Stakes for WrestleMania01:52:41Brock Lesnar vs. Oba: The Build-Up02:05:15Creative Direction and WrestleMania Expectations02:10:19The Legacy of Brock Lesnar02:16:02Building Oba's Character and Future02:22:00The Importance of Storytelling in Wrestling02:30:03Celebrity Involvement in Wrestling Events02:40:10The Future of Wrestling Promotion

Sometimes the things you love stop loving you back,For us, its our first love that stopped loving us back.This isn't the WWE that I fell in love with.This isn’t WWE anymore ...And that’s not just a hot take… it’s starting to feel real.This week on Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling, we break down a SmackDown that should have been building one of the most personal WrestleMania main events in years……and somehow turned into something completely different.Randy Orton vs Cody Rhodes should feel like history. Legacy. Violence built on 15–20 years of storytelling.Instead?We get outside noise. We get distractions. We get decisions that don’t feel like they came from the people who understand wrestling.And that’s where the real conversation starts.Because this episode isn’t just about Orton turning heel… it’s about what that moment means in the bigger picture.Is WWE telling the story?Or is something else pulling the strings?We break down:🐍 Randy Orton’s heel turn — and why it still works despite everything around it 🩸 Cody Rhodes saying what everyone is thinking — and then walking it back 🎤 The Pat McAfee reveal — and why it made a massive story feel smaller 🧠 The growing concern around TKO influence and WrestleMania direction 🔥 Why this build feels overbooked… when it should feel personalBecause this is the tension right now:WWE is hotter than ever. Business is booming. WrestleMania keeps breaking records.…but the soul of the product?That’s the question.This isn’t a recap.This is about storytelling, creative direction, and whether WWE is still WWE — or something else entirely.NERDS OF THE TTW CLAN… this one might piss you off.🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Amazon Music ⭐ If we earned your listen… leave us 5 starsChapters00:00The Disappointment of SmackDown03:34The Pat McAfee Reveal: A Missed Opportunity06:45Cody Rhodes' Response and Legacy Discussion09:38The Role of Celebrities in Wrestling12:26Creative Control and Corporate Interference15:33The Future of Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes18:30The Impact of TKO on WrestleMania21:29The Fallout of WrestleMania 4024:35The State of WWE and Triple H's Leadership38:04The Impact of Promos and Creative Decisions39:10Vince McMahon's Billion-Dollar Legacy42:35The Future of WWE and Triple H's Role45:04Wrestling's First Love: A Heartfelt Reflection50:14The Dilemma of Loyalty in Wrestling52:22The Celebrity Influence on Wrestling59:51The Business of Wrestling: A New Era01:07:12The Future of WWE: Speculations and Concerns01:07:37Vince's Legacy and Future01:10:49Rhea Ripley vs. Meachin: A Hidden Gem01:15:25Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre: Building Tension01:18:27Danhausen's Comedy Relief in Tag Team Action01:29:39Reflections on SmackDown's Quality01:40:35Looking Ahead to Raw and WrestleMania

The Illusion of Progress in WWE’s Biggest SeasonWrestleMania is almost here……but something still feels off.Because this week exposed a gap in WWE’s biggest season:👉 RAW feels like it’s tightening everything 👉 SmackDown still feels like it’s trying to catch upAnd that difference?It matters more than people think.On this episode of Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling:• Randy Orton’s story continues to be the most complete thing on SmackDown • Cody Rhodes might be the biggest question mark heading into WrestleMania • Why Brock Lesnar vs Oba Femi feels like the REAL main event • Seth Rollins vs Gunther — and why Seth might not even be the story • The IC Title ladder match problem nobody is talking about • Punk vs Roman finally gets physical — and why it needed toThis isn’t a recap show.This is about:👉 what’s actually working 👉 what’s not 👉 and whether WWE is building momentum…or just creating the illusion of it.🎧 Available on Apple, Spotify & Amazon Music ⭐ If we earned it — leave us a 5-star rating🔥 Join the TTW Discord for PLE watch-alongs, real-time reactions & unfiltered debates 👉 Link in descriptionChapters00:00WrestleMania Build-Up: SmackDown vs. Raw03:44Character Development and Storytelling06:36Randy Orton's Storyline and The Mystery Phone09:42Cody Rhodes' Return and Feud Dynamics12:43Pull-Apart Brawls: Necessity vs. Overuse15:38Cody Rhodes: The Inevitable Heel Turn18:42The Future of WWE: Heels and Babyfaces21:50Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill: Title Implications32:26Rhea Ripley's Title Feud and Performance33:53Cody Rhodes and Stephanie McMahon's Tension41:06Danhausen's Curse and Tag Team Chaos49:59Liv Morgan's Feud and Roxanne's Return58:37Women's Tag Team Match Build-Up59:59Brock Lesnar and Omos' Intense Standoff01:01:55Building Tension: The Brock and Oba Feud01:10:48Missed Opportunities: Balor vs. Dominic01:18:26Ladder Match Build-Up: Penta's Challenge01:28:52WrestleMania Build-Up and Audibles01:31:50Gunther's Return and Fan Reactions01:34:41The Role of Paul Heyman and Future Storylines01:37:42Seth Rollins vs. Gunther: The Bigger Picture01:40:50Potential Outcomes and Future Feuds01:43:38Women's Division: EO and Raquel's Match01:46:32Main Event Dynamics: Roman and Punk's Feud01:55:47WrestleMania Build-Up and Expectations02:03:42Analyzing the WrestleMania Card02:11:39Disappointment with Pat McAfee's Involvement02:16:34Final Thoughts and Future Prospects02:17:25Introduction to TTW and Community Engagement02:17:26The Importance of Discord in Wrestling Discussions

WWE CHOSE VIOLENCE - And now we’re seeing who actually matters. This week wasn’t about recaps - It was about momentum. It was about control. And it was about who’s actually ready for WrestleMania ... Because when you look at RAW (3/16), SmackDown (3/20), and RAW (3/23) together… this isn’t three shows. this is one continuous WrestleMania build ... and things are starting to shift. ⸻ On this episode: • Oba Femi vs Brock Lesnar — WWE just created a star in real time • CM Punk vs Roman Reigns — the match is set… but the story might not be what you think • Jey Uso Theory — is this REALLY Roman vs Punk… or is Jey the one unraveling? • Randy Orton snaps — the voices are back, and Cody Rhodes is in danger • Drew McIntyre vs Jacob Fatu — this isn’t a match anymore… it’s a fight • Gunther frustration — how do you NOT have a plan for your most dominant champion? • Judgment Day fracture — Balor is back and Dom is in trouble • Women’s division — what’s working, what’s not, and what NEEDS to change before Mania WE REPEAT ⸻ This is NOT a recap show. This is a 'why it’s working / why it’s failing show..' We’re breaking down what actually matters… what’s clicking… and what still needs to prove it belongs on the WrestleMania card. ⸻ If you’re a real wrestling fan who cares about: storytelling, character direction and where WWE is actually going… you’re in the right place! ⸻ FOLLOW / SUPPORT THE SHOW If we earned it… leave us a rating on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon — it helps more than you think. Follow for weekly episodes covering RAW, SmackDown, and every PLE. ⸻ JOIN THE TTW DISCORD and become part of the TTW community! • Live PLE watch-alongs • Real-time reactions • Unfiltered wrestling debates ⸻ TTW — A Podcast for Pro Wrestling NerdsChapters00:00Intro and Raw's WrestleMania Energy03:43Raw Opening: Seth Rollins and Brock Lesnar06:43Oba Femi's Big Moment and Brock's Respect09:29Raw's Build and Seth's Tactical Play13:20Gable vs. Kaiser and the Americanos Saga17:04Danhausen's Comedy and Backstage Moments20:39Liv Morgan's Heel Motivations23:00AJ vs. Bailey and the AJ-Becky Match24:56Intercontinental Title and Penta's Feud28:20Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu: SmackDown's Opening45:06Drew's Unhinged Promo and Fight46:47First Blood Match Ideas for Drew vs. Fatu48:06R-Truth, Damien Priest, and the Tag Division48:40Randy Orton's Heel Turn and Mystery53:05Cody Rhodes and the Heel Turn Speculation54:00Randy's Heel Turn and WrestleMania Outlook58:27Randy Orton's Psychopath Turn and Fan Reaction59:02Conclusion and Final Thoughts on WWE Storytelling01:50Analysis of WWE's WrestleMania build and story layers08:39Deep dive into Roman Reigns vs CM Punk storyline possibilities17:24Jey Uso's actions and potential heel turn implications25:51Gunther's absence and the booking crisis for top stars34:29Speculation on future matches and storyline twists42:57Final thoughts on WWE's booking and WrestleMania expectations

The road to WrestleMania just got violent.We dropped an episode before the 3/13 SmackDown airs, saying the fuse was lit… and within hours, Randy Orton lit the match.On this episode of Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling, we break down a week where pressure didn’t just build — it started breaking people.Cody Rhodes is bleeding. Friendships are cracking. And WWE might’ve just stumbled into its most dangerous WrestleMania story.But Orton isn’t the only one unraveling.Drew McIntyre is spiraling. The roster feels like it’s on edge. And for the first time in a while… this build feels unpredictable.This isn’t a recap.This is about momentum, character, and whether WWE is finally leaning into chaos the right way heading into WrestleMania.NERDS OF THE TTW CLAN… this one matters.🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Amazon Music ⭐ If we earned your listen… leave us 5 starsChapters00:00Randy Orton's Shocking Heel Turn05:24The Build-Up to WrestleMania: Chaos and Betrayal08:35Drew McIntyre's Frustration and Character Development13:26The Wyatt 6 vs. MFTs: A Confusing Feud28:41The Need for Gimmicks in Wrestling29:04The Build-Up to WrestleMania30:45Jade Cargill's Struggles and Rhea Ripley's Rise41:47Women's Tag Team Championship Chaos52:01Sammy Zane's Character Development and Doubts56:23The Rise of Sammy Zane58:25Tag Team Dynamics and Surprising Matches01:01:37Danhausen's Humor and MizTV01:04:29Women's Championship and Future Directions01:10:45The Importance of Every Championship at WrestleMania01:18:34Pressure and Storytelling in WWE01:19:31Closing Thoughts and Future Expectations

Apologies for any audio issues. I recorded this on a new set up!NOTE: We literally published this episode minutes before SmackDown aired… and Randy Orton just turned heel. We talked in this episode about how a Cody vs Orton story could turn in that direction closer to WrestleMania. Apparently WWE decided: “Nah. Tonight.” Full breakdown coming in the next episode!This week the road to WrestleMania finally got personal.CM Punk just poured gasoline on the Roman Reigns story, Judgment Day is finally imploding in front of our eyes, and the Intercontinental Championship picture has completely changed now that Penta holds the title.And somehow… Danhausen might already be cursed into the entire IC title storyline.On this episode of Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling, we break down everything from RAW as the WrestleMania board slowly starts revealing itself:• CM Punk vs The Usos and the Roman Reigns situation exploding • Seth Rollins, The Vision, and the masked men chaos • The Women’s IC Championship gauntlet and Bayley earning a shot at AJ Lee • Danhausen cursing people backstage and somehow becoming part of the IC title lore • Penta defending the Intercontinental Championship • Judgment Day finally fracturing between Dominik, Finn Balor, and JD McDonagh • Oba Femi vs Rusev and the looming Brock Lesnar teasePlus we zoom out and look at where the WrestleMania board currently stands:Punk vs Roman Cody vs Orton for the WWE Championship Drew McIntyre vs Jacob Fatu The Judgment Day implosion Rhea Ripley vs Jade CargillThe pieces are finally moving.Now the question is whether WWE can keep the momentum going as WrestleMania approaches.00:00The Road to WrestleMania: Setting the Stage06:33The Usos and the Bloodline Dynamics12:43Commentary Controversies: The Case for Corey Graves18:40Potential WrestleMania Matches: Speculations and Predictions24:28Conclusion: Anticipating WrestleMania 3936:47The Build-Up to WrestleMania: Lesnar vs Rollins44:15Raquel Rodriguez: The Missed Opportunity?49:30Danhausen's Impact: A New Character in WWE59:14Penta's Championship Win: A Moment of Triumph01:00:48The Duality of Penta: Babyface and Heel Dynamics01:08:07Building Tension: The Road to WrestleMania01:17:30Oba Femi vs. Rusev: Missed Opportunities in Booking01:23:22Carmelo Hayes: Rising Star in the Midst of WrestleMania Build-Up01:33:22Promo Battles: The Art of Mic Skills01:43:48The Personal Stakes: Punk vs. Roman01:53:11Women's Titles: The Struggle for Relevance02:07:10Locker Room Tensions and Ego Issues02:24:51Cody Rhodes' Championship Journey and WrestleMania Build-Up

Elimination Chamber Review + RAW After Preview (WrestleMania 42 Build Ignites)Elimination Chamber 2026 finally did what it was supposed to do: it lit the road to WrestleMania on fire.We break down the entire PLE match-by-match — Rhea Ripley punching her ticket to WrestleMania and what that means for Jade Cargill, AJ Lee winning the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, CM Punk surviving Finn Bálor in a slow-burn Chicago banger, and the Mystery Crate payoff with Danhausen making his WWE debut.Then we get into the chaos: Randy Orton stealing the Men’s Chamber, Seth Rollins returning, Logan Paul’s role in the match, the masked-man fakeout angle, and why the finish screams “WrestleMania options galore” even if it was messy.And we close with tonight’s RAW preview — Punk and Roman face-to-face is nuclear, Pearce addresses the Vision/Rollins situation, GUNTHER vs Dragon Lee, new champ AJ Lee, and Dom vs Penta for the IC Title — plus what WWE needs to do next to keep this momentum rolling into WrestleMania 42.00:00Welcome and Show Updates17:18AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch: A Surprising Match28:06The Mystery Box Reveal: Danhausen's Debut36:53Danhausen's Potential and Fan Reactions45:09Cody Rhodes and the Elimination Chamber Chaos59:29Randy Orton's Surprising Victory01:06:54The Dynamics of Heel Turns01:12:21Elimination Chamber Review01:21:31Building Tension for WrestleMania01:29:06Tonight's Raw Preview

WWE Elimination Chamber 2026 Predictions, Go-Home RAW Fallout & WrestleMania 42 Pressure TestNOTE: *We recorded this episode before the go home SmackDown.-The Irresistible Forces dethrone RhIyo and become the NEW women's tag team champions.*Jey Uso has since now been attacked and it will be Jacob Fatu vs. Logan Paul for the final Elimination Chamber spot.-Drew screws Jacob and Logan advances to the Elimination Chamber tomorrow.Our picks stay the same! (Except Aiden Haystacks dark horse 😂WWE Elimination Chamber 2026 is a day away — and WrestleMania 42 needs a spark.On this episode of Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling, we break down the chaotic Go-Home RAW (2/23), what SmackDown MUST deliver before Chicago, and our full Elimination Chamber predictions — recorded pre–Go Home SmackDown.We cover:• CM Punk vs Finn Bálor for the World Heavyweight Championship — and the Judgment Day fracture • Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, LA Knight, Jey Uso, Je’Von Evans & Trick Williams inside the Men’s Elimination Chamber • Rhea Ripley, Tiffany Stratton, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Kiana James & Raquel Rodriguez in the Women’s Elimination Chamber • Becky Lynch vs AJ Lee for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship • The Mystery Crate (Danhausen? Chris Jericho?) • The masked man angle and the collapse of The Vision after Bronson Reed’s injuryWe also open The TTW Vault for our Top 5 Elimination Chamber matches and Top 5 Elimination Chamber PLEs of all time — full card breakdowns, winners, lore, and WrestleMania ripple effects included.Is WWE building momentum toward WrestleMania XLII… or is Mania season coasting?This isn’t just predictions.This is a structural integrity test for the Road to WrestleMania.Follow Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music — and join our Discord for live WWE PLE watch-alongs, real-time debates, and weekly fan shout-outs.Nerds of the TTW Clan ... let's talk! 🎙️00:00Welcome Back to Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling01:36The Elimination Chamber Build-Up03:22The Mystery Crate and Its Implications09:35Punk vs. Balor: The Judgment Day Fracture15:27Go Home Raw: A Disappointing Build21:36Injuries and the Future of The Vision27:24Elimination Chamber Participants and Predictions34:25AJ Styles: Hall of Fame Announcement41:36Women's Division: Rhea vs. EO and Future Feuds48:32Brock Lesnar's Return and Future Plans55:37Final Thoughts and Predictions for SmackDown01:14:58The Anticipation of Elimination Chamber Matches01:18:55Top Five Elimination Chamber Matches of All Time01:31:53Top Five Elimination Chamber PLEs of All Time01:59:06Predictions for the Upcoming Elimination Chamber02:22:51Final Thoughts and Speculations

*Apologies for the Audio in certain spots, we had some technical issues during recording. Just know we had a mystery box Danhausen prediction and a Punk v Balor segment. We had to cut it out due to the audio issues. We'll catch back up with these Friday when we drop our predictions episode!*WWE is officially on the Road to WrestleMania 42 — but does it actually feel like it?On this episode of Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling, we break down everything from RAW (2/16) and SmackDown (2/20) as Elimination Chamber 2026 approaches in Chicago.Gunther was cost his Chamber qualifying match by Dragon Lee — and that might be the exact trigger he needed to return to his ruthless, legend-killing form. Is WWE building toward Gunther retiring Rey Mysterio at WrestleMania? And what would a true “myth-building” run look like before Oba Femi eventually dethrones him?We also dive into:• The masked man attacking Logan Paul and the mystery crate set to open at Elimination Chamber — Ricky Starks? Ethan Page? A Chicago countdown twist?• Stephanie Vaquer vs. Liv Morgan reaching a new level after Steph’s all-Spanish promo shook the feud• AJ Lee and Becky Lynch setting the tone for a heated IC Title showdown• The latest Men’s and Women’s Elimination Chamber qualifiers• Why SmackDown felt safe during the most important stretch of WWE’s calendar• The TKO blackout controversy impacting Chicago watch parties• And whether WWE is doing enough creatively heading into WrestleMania season.The current product isn’t bad. But during WrestleMania season, “fine” isn’t good enough. Let’s talk about it.00:00The Masked Mystery and Fan Predictions15:45Building Feuds: Women's Elimination Chamber Insights19:59The Power of Language in Wrestling Promos24:25AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch: Anticipation and Expectations29:10The Confusion Surrounding Jey Uso's Role36:46The Future of Tag Team Wrestling38:34Unpredictability in Wrestling Storylines39:47Gunther's Qualifier and Future Implications41:34WrestleMania Predictions and Retirement Matches44:42Brock Lesnar's Potential Retirement46:08AJ Styles and Future Storylines47:41LA Knight's Controversial Position55:12Creative Decisions and Predictability in Matches58:53Charlotte Flair's Role in the Elimination Chamber01:03:05Alistair Black's Gimmick and Comparisons to Karrion Kross01:05:48Ticket Pricing and TKO's Business Strategies01:08:18Pay-Per-View Access and Customer Rights01:11:09Ticket Prices and Fan Frustration01:14:46Character Development in Wrestling01:23:21The Role of Promo Development01:34:16WWE's Current State and Future Directions

RAW moved. SmackDown played it safe. And we’re tired of safe.This week on Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling, we break down the real issue heading into Elimination Chamber — momentum.Why did RAW feel like it understood WrestleMania season… while SmackDown felt like it was protecting the board?We dig into:The Cody vs Jacob qualifier finish — and why it may have flattened the Chamber’s unpredictability.Whether Drew’s interference helped anyone… or made him look ineffective.Why Lash Legend’s Rumble momentum might already be leaking.The Women’s Chamber field — and who’s noticeably missing.Jade Cargill: Champion… or protected project?Rey Fenix feeling undefined during the most important stretch of the year.And the real story behind Finn vs Punk — because the result isn’t the suspense… Dom is.Plus, we preview RAW 2/16 and break down the Gunther qualifier with one big question:If Cody feels inevitable… what is the Chamber actually allowed to change?WrestleMania season should feel dangerous.Right now?It feels safe.And we’re not letting that slide.🎙️ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Amazon Music 📲 Follow & debate with Alexande the Great on X and TikTok: @Froe87 💬 Join the Discord for live PLE watch-alongs and weekly chaos!TTW Discord 🤓discord.gg/6aueu3fdju00:00Welcome to Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling01:37WrestleMania Season Insights03:35The Dangers of Playing It Safe04:37Bitching About Wrestling05:36Becky vs AJ: A New Dynamic07:29Liv Morgan and Stephanie: Building Tension09:41Finn Balor vs CM Punk: The Stakes11:31Javon Evans: The Future Star13:36LA Knight and the Elimination Chamber15:30Jade Cargill: Champion or Protected Project52:43Surgery Surprises and WrestleMania Matchups55:47The Dilemma of Rey Fenix's Role59:38The Feud of OG Americano and El Grande Americano01:03:42Elimination Chamber Qualifiers and Predictability01:09:29Dave Metzler's Overrated List and Its Implications01:24:34Raw Preview: CM Punk and Women's Qualifiers01:36:27Gunther's Future and Booking Decisions

The Royal Rumble is over, and WrestleMania season is officially underway.On this episode of Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling, we break down the immediate fallout from the Royal Rumble and the first week of television that followed. Rather than recapping results, this episode focuses on direction — who feels elevated, where momentum continued, and where WWE may already be hesitating as the road to WrestleMania takes shape.We look at how RAW and SmackDown handled the post-Rumble reset, what decisions felt intentional, and which storylines still feel unfinished heading into Elimination Chamber. From title pictures to rising stars, this is a big-picture conversation about belief, consistency, and follow-through.Because WrestleMania season isn’t about reactions — it’s about what WWE chooses to build once the moment passes.🎙️ Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.Join our Discord!discord.gg/6aueu3fdjuAlexander the Great X & TikTok @froe8700:00Braun Breaker's Injury: Fact or Fiction?07:47WWE's Direction Post-Rumble17:00Oba Femi's Debut and Future35:08Gunther's Vicious Return38:10The Rise of the Career Killer39:34Building Up the Monster Heels44:40The Art of Selling a Match51:39SmackDown's Missed Opportunities01:01:34The Future of Women's Championships01:08:33The Importance of Character Development

The Royal Rumble is over — and the fallout is already reshaping WrestleMania season.On this episode of Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling, we break down everything that actually mattered coming out of the 2026 Royal Rumble. From a Women’s Rumble that struggled early but delivered big in the final stretch, to Liv Morgan punching her ticket to WrestleMania, to AJ Styles wrestling his final WWE match, this episode focuses on direction, momentum, and long-term consequences.We also dive deep into the Men’s Royal Rumble — what worked, what raised eyebrows, and why one decision may end up defining the entire road to WrestleMania. Roman Reigns wins the Rumble, but the bigger conversation centers around Gunther: his dominant run, the legends he’s retired, and why this might have been the perfect moment to fully commit to him as WWE’s next unstoppable monster.This isn’t a recap show. It’s a fallout episode.Because when the Royal Rumble ends, the noise disappears — and the real stories begin.🎙️ Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.Chapters00:00 Royal Rumble Recap and Fallout07:52 Women's Rumble Highlights and Controversies14:49 AJ Styles vs. Gunther: A Retirement Match29:06 Men's Rumble: Surprises and Eliminations49:27 Gunther's Missed Opportunity01:12:56 Final Thoughts on the Rumble and WrestleMania Season

This is the final episode before the Royal Rumble.On this episode of TTW, we break down everything that actually matters heading into WWE’s most important match of the year. From the fallout of Saturday Night’s Main Event to the go-home RAW, this is a full momentum check on who WWE clearly believes in — and who still feels unresolved as WrestleMania season begins.Before predictions, we also run through a fun Royal Rumble Top 5, covering Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble matches, debuts and returns, and Royal Rumble winners. No stakes, no forecasting — just Rumble vibes.We close the show with full Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble predictions, framed around belief, direction, and momentum rather than fantasy booking.Because when the Rumble ends, the noise disappears — and everything changes.🎙️ Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.(00:00) Final thoughts on the Rumble build and Raw’s influence(02:06) Review of Saturday Night's Main Event – Cody Rhodes vs Jacob Fatu(03:56) Drew McIntyre’s powerbomb and the chaos at Saturday Night’s Main Event(06:19) Shinsuke Nakamura’s departure rumors and potential retirement plans(11:30) Sami Zayn’s storyline trajectory and potential title implications(15:28) Impact of the Royal Rumble on WrestleMania avenues(22:33) The Paul Heyman phone call mystery – Brock Lesnar's role(26:18) Obafemi and Brock Lesnar storylines brewing for WrestleMania(39:46) Top five men's Royal Rumble matches in history(56:45) Top women's Royal Rumble matches and notable debuts(63:45) Top men's Royal Rumble winners including Stone Cold’s legendary wins(66:45) Women's winners like Rhea Ripley's historic victory and other key moments(74:35) Debut and return highlights, including AJ Styles, Edge, and Ric Flair(83:28) Predictions for this year's Royal Rumble winners, surprises, and dark horses(114:46) Final predictions, bets, and upcoming episodes

Royal Rumble: The Difference Between Momentum and NoiseWith the Royal Rumble just weeks away, the gap between momentum and noise in WWE has never been clearer.On this episode of Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling, co-hosts Alexander the Great and Aiden Haystack break down why SmackDown feels confident and intentional heading into the Rumble — while RAW continues to feel hesitant, unfocused, and unsure of itself.This isn’t a results show.It’s a philosophy-driven deep dive into:Why RAW keeps creating moments without commitmentHow SmackDown uses clarity, stakes, and character to build real momentumThe Gunther problem — monster heel vs creative contradictionThe Vision as a symptom of RAW’s larger identity crisisWhy the Royal Rumble exposes belief more than any match all yearAs WrestleMania season approaches, one brand feels ready to pull the trigger — and the other still sounds like it’s waiting for permission.Because when the Rumble hits, noise disappears… and only momentum survives.🎙️ Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.00:00Welcome to Turnbuckle Talk Wrestling02:25Rebranding and Presentation in Wrestling05:42WWE's Current State: Raw vs. SmackDown08:10Gunther vs. AJ Styles: A Heated Feud13:40The Vision: WWE's Identity Crisis23:31Building Towards the Royal Rumble35:01SmackDown's Purpose vs. Raw's Confusion49:42Upcoming UFC and Wrestling Events51:55Fatal Four Way Predictions54:06Women's Tag Team Championship and Rumble Dynamics57:52Royal Rumble Excitement and Storylines01:00:03Momentum and Build-Up for the Rumble01:02:58Women's Championship and Title Defenses01:08:01Jade Cargill's Title Reign and Performance01:24:00Royal Rumble Readiness

In this episode, Alexander the Great and Aiden Haystack discuss the recent events in professional wrestling, focusing on John Cena's final match against Gunther, the implications of Austin Theory's reveal as the masked man, and the fallout from the Pro Wrestling Awards.They analyze match outcomes, character developments, and fan reactions, particularly regarding Cena's retirement and Gunther's rise as a top heel.00:00John Cena's Final Match Recap02:49Austin Theory and the Masked Man Reveal06:11Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov Spoilers09:01Pro Wrestling Awards Discussion11:48Dominic Mysterio's Injury Update15:02Cody Rhodes vs. Oba Match Analysis18:12Sol Ruca vs. Bayley Breakdown21:08Gunther vs. John Cena: The Retirement Match23:58Fan Reactions and Gunther's Heat26:55Future of Gunther and Potential Feuds45:06AJ Styles and Gunther: Anticipating Future Matches49:00Bronn Breaker and CM Punk: Rising Stars and Promos52:11Title Contention: Breaker vs Punk and Future Predictions56:03Austin Theory's Reveal: Potential and Expectations01:01:15Pro Wrestling Awards: WWE's Performance and AEW's Dominance01:09:12Wrestler of the Year: Controversies and Discussions01:12:29TKO's Impact: Future of WWE and Fan Expectations

In this episode, the hosts recap the recent Survivor Series event, expressing their disappointment with the overall product and the WarGames match. They discuss the implications of John Cena's last match against Gunther, predictions for Saturday Night's Main Event, and the future of various wrestlers, including Maxine and Gunther. The conversation also touches on the current state of WWE, long-term storytelling, and the potential for surprises at Cena's final match. They also discuss the emotional farewell of John Cena, his potential last match, and the legends of wrestling. They share their predictions for Cena's final performance, reflect on his greatest rivals, and rank his most memorable matches. The discussion is filled with nostalgia, excitement, and a touch of sadness as they prepare for a significant moment in wrestling history.00:00Welcome Back and Survivor Series Recap06:27AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch: A Closer Look12:35John Cena's Last Match: A Controversial Ending18:27Nikki Bella vs. Stephanie Vaquer: A Disappointing Match36:21Masked Intruders and Predictions42:55Predictions for Saturday Night's Main Event48:37Match Predictions and Potential Outcomes58:29The State of WWE and Long-Term Storytelling01:08:23Punk's Influence and Edge's Potential Appearance01:16:25LA Knight's Mid-Card Status and Fan Reactions01:23:15Mount Rushmore of John Cena's Rivals01:31:17John Cena's Greatest Matches01:38:07The Brutality of Wrestling Matches01:44:39The Rise of Daniel Bryan01:50:38Cena's Legacy and Retirement Matches

In this episode, Alexander the Great and Aiden Haystack discuss the upcoming SummerSlam event. They delve into predictions for the matches, the 'Evolution' of women's wrestling, and the impact of celebrity appearances in WWE.The conversation also touches on Seth Rollins' 'injury'(?) status, the dynamics between Cody Rhodes and John Cena - potentially leading to a RARE double turn and the overall quality of WWE's product as they close out the Summer.The conversation also touches on the Mount Rushmore of SummerSlam, highlighting memorable matches and PPV events from the past.It's the biggest party of the summer!00:00Personal Reflections and Loss06:23SummerSlam Preview and Predictions12:31WWE's Current Product and Advertising Concerns18:29Charlotte Flair's Evolution in the Ring24:26Final Thoughts on SummerSlam Predictions35:37The Struggles of Women's Promos44:42Seth Rollins: Injury or Work?51:37The Anticipation of a Double Turn01:01:50Celebrity Involvement in Wrestling01:06:59Travis Scott's Wrestling Journey01:14:02Predictions for Upcoming Matches01:24:09Women's Championship Dynamics01:30:59The Evolution of WWE Pay-Per-Views01:34:28Women's Championship Predictions01:39:32Dominik Mysterio vs AJ Styles01:46:30Solo Sikoa vs Jacob Fatu01:54:25Main Event: Cena vs Cody02:00:17Betting on Predictions: Stakes and Outcomes02:14:41Best SummerSlam Events: Ranking the Classics

In this episode of StS, hosts Alexander the Great and Aiden Haystack discuss the recent shocking releases in WWE and the implications for the wrestling industry..The conversation shifts to Will Ospreay's perspective on the rivalry between WWE and AEW, and the importance of finding a balance of both in-ring skills and storytelling in wrestling versus only choosing to do one or the other,The episode shifts to it's Backlash theme - with a discussion on the host's Mount Rushmore of Backlash pay-per-views and matches, highlighting the best moments in both Backlash and wrestling history.They reflect on the significance of certain matches, the impact of crowds, and the nostalgia associated with past events.The discussion wraps up when the hosts give their in depth predictions for Backlash 2025 - Gunther and Pat McAfee, and the potential implications of their match on future storylines.They discuss the dynamics of the Women's Intercontinental Championship, focusing on Becky Lynch's role in elevating Lyra Valkyria's character and the women's Intercontinental Championship.The conversation turns to Dominik Mysterio's match against Penta, the Fatal Four-Way for the United States Championship, and the main event featuring John Cena and Randy Orton with discussions on Cena's character evolution and the implications of his potential retirement with the title - and going over the actual lineage of the WWE Championship.Final Predictions and bets are made, and the hosts express their hopes for exciting matches while acknowledging the complexities of wrestling storylines.00:00Wrestling World Updates and Shocking Releases22:26Will Ospreay's Perspective on WWE vs AEW36:41Comparing In-Ring Skills: Ospreay, Rollins, and Gunther43:19Wrestling Roster Dynamics49:10Wrestling Loyalty and Career Decisions55:01Comparing Wrestling Greats01:12:41Exploring Backlash 2016 Matches01:18:51Backlash 2023 Highlights01:24:38Backlash 2002: A Nostalgic Card01:32:59Mount Rushmore of Backlash Matches01:44:39Cody Rhodes vs AJ Styles: A Clash of Titans01:52:58The Evolution of Women's Wrestling01:58:52Nostalgia and the Attitude Era02:13:57Commentary and Personalities in Wrestling02:20:17Women's Intercontinental Championship Dynamics02:26:23Lyra Valkyria's Rise and Character Development02:31:53Becky Lynch's Gimmick and Future Directions02:44:29The Fatal Four Way for the US Championship02:53:34Expectations vs. Reality in Wrestling03:00:52The Legacy of Championship Titles03:10:51Final Predictions and Wrap-Up

The conversation delves into the aftermath of WrestleMania, analyzing match outcomes, performances, and future storylines. The hosts discuss the contrasting energies of the two nights, highlight key matches, and express concerns about the women's division and tag team dynamics. They also speculate on potential future feuds and the direction of various wrestlers in the coming months.Overall, the discussion highlights the evolving landscape of wrestling and the need for fresh storylines and character arcs. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the intricacies of WWE's storytelling, particularly focusing on WrestleMania's outcomes and the implications of John Cena's championship victory. The hosts discuss the mismanagement of storylines, the controversial involvement of The Rock, and the overall impact on future WWE narratives. The conversation also touches on the state of the tag team division, fan reactions to returns, and predictions for upcoming events in WWE.00:00WrestleMania Fallout and Initial Reactions06:38Tag Team Dynamics: New Day and War Raiders12:46Mid-Card Spotlight: Jacob vs. LA Knight25:41Main Event Breakdown: Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and CM Punk41:05The Anticipation of Night 247:22Roman's Future and Storyline Direction53:28Potential Winners for Money in the Bank01:02:24Future Directions for Io and Women's Division01:10:02WrestleMania Match Analysis01:20:01Dominik Mysterio's Rise and Title Win01:25:12Joe Hendry's Surprise Appearance01:40:38Logan Paul vs AJ Styles Breakdown01:45:53The Blurred Lines of Wrestling Promos01:52:24Becky Lynch's Return and Title Dynamics02:01:40The Controversial Main Event: Cena vs. Cody02:11:11The Rock's Involvement and Its Impact02:23:44Reflections on WrestleMania and Future Directions02:31:34Crowd Reactions and Match Dynamics02:40:45Alistair Black's Return and Crowd Reception02:52:48Tag Team Division and Championship Elevation02:58:54Predictions for Upcoming RAW

TTW Hosts Alexander the Great and Aiden Haystack dive deep into their predictions for WrestleMania, discussing each match on the card for both nights.They give an in depth analysis of the potential outcomes, the implications of each wrestler's performance, the storytelling involved, and the implications of each match, while also engaging in friendly bets and speculating on character developments, particularly regarding the potential of: Jey Uso, Seth Rollins and Bianca Belair's potential heel turns.The conversation is filled with excitement and unpredictability surrounding the event, with a mix of humor and critical insights into the wrestling world with a shared passion for professional wrestling.WrestleMania is our SUPER BOWL!00:00WrestleMania Predictions Overview03:33Night One Match Card Breakdown06:25World Heavyweight Championship Match Analysis09:44Tag Team Championship Match Speculations12:44Jade Cargill vs. Naomi: A Feud in the Making15:27Rey Mysterio vs. El Grande Americano: A Luchador's Journey39:52Fantasy Booking and WrestleMania Predictions40:38The Role of Rey Mysterio in WrestleMania42:37El Grande Americana's Potential43:36Jacob Fatu vs. LA Knight: Title Match Dynamics51:34Women's Championship: Tiffany Stratton vs. Charlotte Flair57:37Main Event Predictions: Triple Threat Match Analysis01:15:21Bianca Belair's Gimmick Change01:18:18Predictions for the Intercontinental Championship01:26:08Excitement for WrestleMania Matches01:34:57Drew McIntyre vs. Damien Priest01:42:02Women's Tag Team Championship Match01:42:54Randy Orton's Mystery Opponent01:44:30Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena Main Event01:50:15Theories and Speculations on WrestleMania01:53:23Cody Rhodes and John Cena's Potential Outcomes01:58:09Unpredictability in WrestleMania Matches02:01:37The Role of Jey Uso and Other Potential Allies02:05:47Cena's Heel Turn and Its Implications02:10:12The Future of John Cena's Character02:14:49Final Predictions and Bets for WrestleMania

In this episode of Wednesday Night Marks, hosts Alexander the Great and Aiden Haystack discuss the upcoming WrestleMania 41, including match predictions, the recent 'Go Home' Monday Night Raw, and the overall state of wrestling storylines. They express their frustrations with the current build-up to WrestleMania, the treatment of mid-card talent, and the women's division in WWE. The discussion also briefly touches on Josh Alexander's debut in AEW and the implications for wrestling narratives moving forward. In this segment of the conversation, the hosts delve into various aspects of wrestling, including the complexities of storyline favors, the impressive mic skills of Seth Rollins, and the anticipation surrounding WrestleMania. They also list ten Hall of Fame Snubs - that includes some CONTROVERSIAL wrestlers - such as focusing on figures like Chris Benoit, Chyna, and Vince McMahon - mainly reflecting on the significant impact he had on the wrestling industry. The hosts also delve into the significance of wrestling themes, the legacy of figures like Jim Johnston and DDP, and the emotional connections fans have with wrestlers. They discuss the Hall of Fame's recognition criteria, the evolution of wrestlers over time, and rank their top 10 WrestleMania pay-per-views, highlighting iconic moments and matches that shaped wrestling history. Finally, they dive deep into the excitement and analysis of various WrestleMania events, discussing memorable matches, the evolution of wrestling storytelling, and the impact of specific wrestlers. They explore the significance of opening matches, the highs and lows of WrestleMania history, and the future of women's wrestling. The discussion also touches on the business side of wrestling, including contracts and the dynamics between WWE and AEW, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for wrestlers in today's landscape.00:00WrestleMania 41 Overview06:32Building Anticipation for WrestleMania12:39Predictions and Match Card Discussion18:38Reflections on WrestleMania Builds35:54The Return of Nick Aldis41:39Randy Orton's WrestleMania Build-Up47:28The State of Mid-Card Wrestling52:30Women's Division and Title Opportunities57:50Reflections on Storylines and Character Development01:03:37The Favor Dilemma in Wrestling Storylines01:09:45Anticipating WrestleMania: Predictions and Expectations01:20:37Hall of Fame Snubs: Controversial Figures in Wrestling History01:35:36The Legacy of Pete Rose01:42:27The Art of Catchphrases in Wrestling01:59:20Women in Wrestling: The Rise of Victoria02:05:29Reflections on the Ultimate Warrior's Legacy02:12:19The Emotional Toll of Wrestling Losses02:19:20WrestleMania 1: The Beginning of an Era02:28:19WrestleMania 39: The Latest Chapter02:35:41The Evolution of WrestleMania: From 20 to 2102:41:21The Impact of Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit02:46:59WrestleMania 30: The Night of Shocking Moments02:52:52Reflections on WrestleMania's Best and Worst Matches03:00:48WrestleMania 19 Breakdown03:07:18WrestleMania 40 Anticipation03:20:01WrestleMania 40 Recap and Highlights03:26:34Epic WrestleMania Moments03:32:49Wrestling Contracts and Career Decisions03:49:41The Future of Women's Wrestling03:54:57AEW vs WWE: The Talent Dilemma

In this episode, Alexander the Great and Aiden Haystack discuss the current state of WWE as they approach WrestleMania, including the card overview, the impact of the European tour on storylines, and the heated exchanges between John Cena and Cody Rhodes.They also delve into Jade Cargill and her feud with Naomi, Rey Phoenix's debut, and the lackluster feud between Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton.The conversation highlights the ups and downs of the wrestling world, with a focus on character development and audience reception.The hosts discuss the recent injury announcement of Kevin Owens, the implications for Randy Orton at WrestleMania, and various fantasy booking scenarios for the event.They also analyze the build-up to Jacob Fatu's match against LA Knight and the reveal of CM Punk's favor involving Paul Heyman.The hosts give their predictions for the upcoming Slammy Awards, highlighting the nominees and potential winners.The conversation concludes with the hosts ranking the best 'in ring' matches from WrestleMania and they share their predictions for upcoming events, highlighting the storytelling and technical prowess that define the sport.The dialogue is filled with insights, humor, and a shared passion for wrestling, making it a must-listen for fans.00:00WrestleMania Build-Up and Card Overview06:22Cena vs. Cody: The War of Words Begins12:25Cody's Rise and Cena's Legacy54:48The Role of Blood in Wrestling Storytelling01:02:43AEW's Recent Events and Star Appearances01:12:34Rey Fenix's Debut and Future Prospects01:26:12Jade Cargill's Journey and Development in WWE01:32:08Charlotte's Struggles: The Impact of the Chicago Crowd01:34:01Kevin Owens' Injury Announcement01:39:20Randy Orton's WrestleMania Dilemma01:44:42Fantasy Booking: Orton's Betrayal at WrestleMania01:57:16Jacob Fatu vs. Braun Strowman: Building Momentum for WrestleMania02:03:25New Chapter02:04:21Building Tension: Jacob vs. LA Knight02:09:57The Stakes of WrestleMania: Title Implications02:22:35CM Punk's Favor: A Twist in the Tale02:32:26Full Circle: The Emotional Connection02:40:30The Evolution of Roman Reigns02:46:24Female Superstar of the Year02:52:33Most Memorable Entrance02:58:38Faction of the Year03:05:29Rivalry of the Year03:14:47Hell in a Cell: The Ultimate Showdown03:24:38Breakout Superstars: The Future of Wrestling03:29:16Top In-Ring WrestleMania Matches03:35:58The Impact of Pandemic Wrestling Matches03:39:35The Future of Jey Uso and Championship Aspirations03:44:00Top WrestleMania Matches: A Countdown03:53:42The Greatest WrestleMania Matches of All Time03:59:08Looking Ahead: Future Wrestling Themes and Discussions

In this inaugural segment of StS, co-hosts conversation, Alexander the Great and Aiden Haystack discuss the current build-up to WrestleMania, focusing on John Cena's first heel promo, the impact of European tours on WWE storylines, and the dynamics between Cena and Cody Rhodes. They analyze the role of legends like Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock in the current wrestling landscape, as well as fan expectations and reactions leading up to WrestleMania 41. The conversation delves into the current state of WWE leading up to WrestleMania, discussing the anticipation for the event, the disappointing booking of champions, and the lack of compelling storylines. The hosts express frustration with the three-hour format of SmackDown, the treatment of wrestlers like Gunther and the dynamics within the women's division, particularly focusing on Jade, Naomi, and Tiffany. They also analyze the recent face-off between CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns, highlighting concerns about the overall build to WrestleMania and the potential for exciting matches amidst a lackluster narrative.The hosts discuss their anticipation for WrestleMania, expressing excitement for certain matches while critiquing the overall build-up and booking decisions in WWE by delving into specific feuds, including Gunther vs. Jey Uso.The conversation also touches on the unpredictability of title changes in wrestling and the dynamics of tag teams. The speakers express their excitement and concerns about the current state of the U.S. title picture and character developments leading up to WrestleMania. They also reflect on past WrestleMania moments and the significance of heel turns in wrestling history. They explore the impact of these turns on the wrestling industry and fan reactions, while also highlighting Cody Rhodes' contributions to storytelling in wrestling. The discussion takes a turn towards the absurdity of wrestling storylines, including the controversial appearance of Travis Scott and the infamous Katie Vick storyline. They reflect on the evolution of wrestling fandom and the stigma surrounding it.Overall, the conversation is a humorous and insightful look into the complexities of wrestling culture as we look ahead to the road to WrestleMania!00:00Introduction to the Conversation13:02Cody Rhodes' Response and Future Implications23:23Breaking Down Cena's Promo and Its Impact34:46Final Thoughts on Cena's Character Evolution42:09Promo Battles: The Art of Mic Skills47:18Behind the Scenes: The Reality of Wrestling54:57The Role of Legends: Rock and Austin's Impact01:01:47Cody and Cena: The Main Event Dynamics01:06:57SmackDown's Struggles: A Critical Review01:12:49Gunther's Booking and Title Match Concerns01:29:36Triple Threat Build-Up: Roman, Seth, and Punk01:37:33Concerns About WrestleMania Build-Up01:48:34Women's Division: Jade, Naomi, and Future Matches02:03:50WrestleMania Match Predictions and Storylines02:11:42Title Picture and Match Dynamics02:20:56Women's Division and Title Opportunities02:34:22Greatest WrestleMania Moments and Heel Turns02:54:23Top Five Heel Turns in Wrestling History03:05:32The Evolution of Wrestling Characters03:11:17Memorable Moments and Controversies in Wrestling03:18:25Looking Ahead: Future of Wrestling and Upcoming Events

In the fourth installment of Wednesday Night Marks, co-hosts Alexander the Great and Aiden Haystack discuss the recent shocking heel turn of John Cena, the implications for WrestleMania, and the impact of CM Punk's next 'Pipe Bomb' promo. They analyze the role of Travis Scott in the wrestling narrative and the unexpected victory of Iyo Sky for the Women's World Heavyweight Championship. The conversation also touches on the future of Gunther and Jey Uso, exploring the dynamics of their feuds and potential storylines leading up to WrestleMania. In this conversation, the hosts delve into various aspects of professional wrestling, focusing on The Rock's return, the confusion surrounding storylines, the authentic heat generated by Logan Paul, and the under utilized, untapped potential of Dominik Mysterio. They also explore fantasy booking scenarios, particularly regarding John Cena's heel run and Mick Foley's iconic moments in wrestling history. WnM delves into some of the most shocking moments in wrestling history, including Hulk Hogan's infamous heel turn and the end of The Undertaker's streak at WrestleMania 30. They discuss the implications of these moments, what could have been if Sting had turned heel instead, and the impact of Brian Pillman's gun incident. The conversation also touches on the evolution of women's wrestling and the potential future of the industry, as well as dream matches and WrestleMania moments that have left a lasting impression on fans.They end WnM by discussing the posibility of moving over to YouTube and turning WnM into an interactive experience to maximize fan engagement -just talk pro wrestling!00:00Welcome Back to the TTW Clan11:07The Road to WrestleMania: Predictions and Speculations23:27CM Punk's Fiery Promo and Its Implications31:46The Future of CM Punk and WrestleMania Matchups38:31Main Event Dynamics in Wrestling45:34Recent Title Changes and Their Impact51:21WrestleMania Predictions and Matchups56:57Current Feuds and Their Relevance01:03:32Future Title Changes and Character Developments01:09:34Travis Scott's Controversial Involvement01:15:49Breaking Kayfabe: The Rock's Missteps01:21:20Logan Paul's Authentic Heat in Wrestling01:29:49Dominic Mysterio's Potential and Future01:42:00Fantasy Booking: Lucha Libre Showdown01:47:21The State of SmackDown01:53:29Fantasy Booking Cena's Heel Run02:05:14The Future of Bron Breaker02:11:37WrestleMania Speculations and Feuds02:22:50Iconic Matches and Moments in Wrestling History02:29:31The Impact of Hulk Hogan's Heel Turn02:36:06Memorable Segments and Shocking Storylines02:43:28Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker02:50:32Shocking Moments in Wrestling History02:57:34Future Plans for YouTube Content03:05:43WrestleMania Memories and Storylines03:11:06WrestleMania Highlights and Historical Context03:22:43Future of Women's Wrestling and Charlotte Flair03:28:11Transitioning to Interactive Content

In this conversation, hosts Alexander the Great and Aiden Haystack discuss the recent shocking heel turn of John Cena, analyzing its implications for his character and the wrestling landscape. They compare it to past iconic heel turns, particularly Hulk Hogan's, and speculate on the future of Cena's character leading into WrestleMania. The discussion then shifts to the Elimination Chamber event, highlighting key matches and performances, especially focusing on the women's elimination chamber match and Liv Morgan's standout performance. The hosts express their excitement for upcoming storylines and potential feuds, particularly involving Jade Cargill and Cody Rhodes. The conversation delves into the highlights of recent wrestling events, focusing on standout performances, match dynamics, and the impact of significant moments and they go over both The Women and Men's Elimination Chamber matches. The discussion emphasizes the importance of storytelling, character development, and the physicality of matches, showcasing the evolution of wrestlers like Roxanne Perez and the enduring rivalry between Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. The conversation culminates in a reflection on the overall quality of the matches and the excitement leading into WrestleMania.00:00The Shocking John Cena Heel Turn03:19Comparing Heel Turns: Cena vs. Hogan06:23The Impact of Cena's Turn on WrestleMania09:32Cody Rhodes: The Unlikely Babyface12:32The Role of the Rock in Cena's Story15:21WrestleMania 17: Parallels and Predictions18:42The Elimination Chamber Review21:28Women's Elimination Chamber Dynamics31:25The Build-Up to the Elimination Chamber48:28Match Analysis and Highlights56:19Post-Match Reactions and MVP Discussion59:32The Unsanctioned Match Dynamics01:03:41Intense Rivalry: Zane vs. Owens01:12:49The Aftermath: Randy Orton's Return01:23:29 Men's Elimination Chamber Showdown01:34:43Cena's Soul: The Shocking Heel Turn

Rest in Peace Churchill Froelich. April 6, 1993 - February 17, 2025.In this episode, hosts Alexander the Great and Aiden Haystack discuss the upcoming Elimination Chamber event and give their predictions for the matches and the potential outcomes they could have for WrestleMania 41.They delve into the dynamics between Cody Rhodes and The Rock, analyze the women's and men's elimination chamber matches, and speculate on potential outcomes and storylines leading to WrestleMania. The conversation highlights the unpredictability of wrestling narratives for WrestleMania 41 and the excitement surrounding the event.00:00Introduction and Personal Reflection03:25Elimination Chamber Predictions06:39Cody Rhodes and The Rock's Dynamic09:38Women's Elimination Chamber Match Analysis12:23Potential Outcomes and Storylines15:36Men's Elimination Chamber Match Discussion18:36Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens Preview21:21SmackDown's Recent Performance24:31Tag Team Match Preview27:38Thoughts and Predictions38:35Randy Orton's Potential Return44:42Predictions for the Men's Elimination Chamber53:13The Stakes of Selling Out01:00:30Final Predictions and Speculations