The Work Of Wrestling

This week Tim Kail reviews WWE's premium live event, Backlash. Topics include fleshing out the Bron Breakkker character, Trick Williams being grown in a WWE Superstar lab, Sami Zayn's complex (and grim) status in WWE, Kit Wilson as a poor substitute for Tyler Breeze, Danhausen simply not being a character that appeals to Tim's tastes, why Asuka vs Iyo Sky felt like it was missing something, John Cena announcing a new event and a new championship, and Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu delivering a stellar main event. Follow on social media @WorkOfWrestling. Get a tee-shirt at www.prowrestlingtees.com/workofwrestling

In this special BONUS edition of The Work Of Wrestling podcast host Tim Kail explains why he has decided to purchase, watch, and review WWE's upcoming premium live event, Backlash. He goes into detail about his hypocrisy, the gradual realization of his values, and the moment of clarity he experienced when he watched Roman Reigns vs CM Punk after purchasing a $45/month bundle to ESPN, Disney, and Hulu. Follow on social media @WorkOfWrestling. Buy a tee-shirt at www.prowrestlingtees.com/workofwrestling  

In this special BONUS edition of The Work Of Wrestling podcast host Tim Kail once again shares what he liked about Monday Night Raw. He examines the Jacob Fatu/Roman Reigns rivalry and why it's emotionally impactful. He discusses some of the new scenes WWE is producing like the sit down exchange between Asuka and Iyo Sky. And then he contemplates buying Backlash (seeking insight from listeners on what it might mean to do so). Follow on social media @WorkOfWrestling. Buy tee-shirts at www.prowrestlingtees.com/workofwrestling  

This week Work Of Wrestling host Tim Kail examines the role of motivation in the artist's life. First, he argues why you should stop listening to motivational speakers, successul celebrities, and social media gurus about motivation. Next, he explains how he's baked his artistic practice into his daily life thus removing the need to stay constantly motivated. Then he argues the artist examine their relationship with competition, and find a more sustainable fuel for the creative engine. And, finally, he discusses the ultimate motivating force, how artists are like explorers attempting to better comprehend the splendor of the real world. Follow on social media @WorkOfWrestling. Give the podcast a five star rating and review in Apple Podcasts. Music provided by Premium Beat. 

For this special bonus episode of The Work Of Wrestling podcast Tim Kail dissects various scenes, matches, and moments from the latest Monday Night Raw that he genuinely enjoyed. Topics include Roman Reigns being a master of his character, WWE trying new things with "scenes" throughout Raw, the welcome simplicity of Jacob Fatu's motivations, why three-dimensional characters are more important than "defending champions", why WWE should present itself as a sports league where the absolute best athletes come to compete for fame and future, and the awesomeness of Oba Femi. Follow on social media @WorkOfWrestling. Music provided by Premium Beat.

This week Work of Wrestling host, Tim Kail, is joined by longtime listener and fellow podcaster Michael Cascio. This is a great conversation between two passionate wrestling fans about an assortment of wrestling-related issues. Topics include feeling obligated to watch WWE, protecting one's fandom of wrestling, not following wrestling journalists to dismantle the joy inherent in the medium, the three kinds of wrestling fans, striving to return to innocence, WWE's sense of entitlement and AEW's consistent striving for new fans, and the importance of having a conversation in our polarized world. Visit https://www.struttingfromgorilla.com to listen to Mike's podcast.

Warning: This episode contains descriptions of thoughts of suicide. Why is WrestleMania the perfect name for...well...WrestleMania? Work Of Wrestling host Tim Kail answers that question as only he can, with a moving story about his second manic-depressive episode in the Fall of 2020.  Tim's story reveals the unvarnished reality of clinical mania, how his enthusiasm for life felt like a psychedelic high, why he became obsessed with ancient religions, and what led to this shorter, milder experience of psychosis. If you are in need of emotional support call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Music provided by Premium Beat.  

For the first time in eleven years Work Of Wrestling host Tim Kail will not be watching or reviewing WrestleMania. In this special bonus edition of the podcast he explaines why, in detail. He also examines the divisive nature of WWE's business practices, how the company has transformed into a boutique tourist trap, and the destructive role social media plays in nudging us toward political and philosophical polarization. Follow on social media @WorkOfWrestling. Music provided by Premium Beat.

Your ears do not deceive you - this is a special BONUS edition of The Work Of Wrestling podcast. In this episode host Tim Kail previews WrestleMania 42, going through every match and allowing each participant to inspire deeper thoughts. He discusses the evolution of Bayley (currently in her adolescence in Tim's head-canon), why "The Road To WrestleMania" simply doesn't matter anymore, why exactly Tim isn't going to watch WrestleMania even though he wants to, and the ways in which Cody Rhodes might improve in his performance. Support WOW by purchasing a tee-shirt at www.prowrestlingtees.com/workofwrestling Follow on social media @WorkOfWrestling. Music provided by Premium Beat.

This week Tim Kail announces a return of the music to the podcast! Why he's bringing it back and how he had help from a longtime listener. He's also reopened his Pro-Wrestling Tees store. Visit www.prowrestlingtees.com/workofwrestling to shop the collection and show your support for the podcast. Tim also discusses framing the term "Sports Entertainment" as a specific genre in professional wrestling, how the idea that professional wrestling is an art has become more commonplace over the past decade, why it's important to state "pro-wrestling is an art" without ego, and how the human soul wants to express itself in myriad ways. In the body of the episode Tim reads his latest article "Here's How To Fix WWE, But Also Why They Won't Do It". Visit https://workshootconfessional.com for Tom Dean's article on CM Punk's latest promo. Follow on social media @WorkOfWrestling. Music provided by Preimum Beat.

For this special bonus episode of The Work Of Wrestling podcast host Tim Kail examines CM Punk's promo from the April 6th, 2026 episode of Monday Night Raw. Is it a true "pipe bomb"? Did CM Punk "torch" TKO, The Rock, Roman Reigns, and Pat McAfee? Or is he merely a cog in a corporate machine, his subversion nothing more than the appearance of being anti-establishment? Tim asks and answers these questions! Follow on social media @WorkOfWrestling. Give the podcast a five star rating and review in Apple Podcasts. Thanks for listening!

This week host Tim Kail asks (and answers) "Where does inspiration come from?" Is it the result of committing to a daily creative habit like writing 500 words a day or is it something delivered from the muse, a divine spark that uses the artist as a medium to express itself. Is it both? Or is it something a little more particular than either dynamic. Tim describes how he stays inspired through a blend of constant preparation and deep immersion in his lived experience - a blend of staying in the moment and allowing the texture of one's particular sensory experience to inform their work.  Give the podcast a five star rating and review in Apple Podcasts. Follow on social media @WorkOfWrestling. Email Tim at [email protected]. May The Moment of Pop be with you.

This week Tim Kail discusses the complexities of modern social media, how it drives us toward discord and pollutes the way we discuss and analyze professional wrestling. Tim shares what he's learned from AI about how modern social media works, and describes how he'd fundamentally have to change aspects of his personality in order to see social media success. He also talks about the importance of withholding judgment on a work of art until one experiences it for themselves, and how he got an encouraging follow from wrestling analyst Jack The Jobber. Follow on social media @WorkOfWrestling. Give the podcast a five star rating and review in Apple Podcasts. Thank you for listening!

This week Tim Kail returns to the here and now with a blunt assessment of WWE's current road to WrestleMania. Tim analyzes the CM Punk/Roman Reigns drama - how it's straining for emotional complexity and is failing to generate interest in the process. Tim dissects Austin Theory & Logan Paul, one being an "angry child" while the other is an "immature teenager". He discusses the unintentionally funny nature of Seth Rollins' masked minions, and the ever-reliably committed Paul Heyman. He praises the Raw segment between Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar, explaining the unappreciated value of simplicity in storytelling. To engage with Tim on social media follow him @WorkOfWrestling and give the podcast a five star rating and review in Apple Podcasts. 

Tim Kail has an update about his book The Work Of Wrestling: A Book About Art. He shares details about the submission process, crafting a proposal, and writing a cover letter. He just received his first response from a publisher and he reads the email for the listener. Listen to find out whether it's an acceptance or rejection letter! Follow on social media @WorkOfWrestling. Give the podcast a five star rating and review in Apple Podcasts. Thanks for listening!

This week we're joined by writer Tom Dean, who hails from Northern England, to discuss his PHD project, which is partially inspired by the kayfabe breaking drama between Matt Hardy, Lita, and Edge. Tim and Tom discuss the fundamental difference between AEW and WWE, finding escapism in characters who are one's polar opposite, working as a freelancer, teaching literature courses, and what new kinds of stories they'd like to see from pro-wrestling. You can read the first page of Tom's project by clicking here.  

This week, host Tim Kail opens up about his seven year long journey with therapy. He offers what he's learned from being in analysis with therapists and psychiatrists, his go to suite of "moves", "signatures", and "finishers" for coping with the slippery beast that is our minds. He offers this because he believes it's useful information that should be freely offered to all rather than a select, wealthy few. He describes the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), meditation, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Watch ACT creator Steve C. Hayes' Ted Talk by clicking here. Buy Steven C. Hayes' book A Liberated Mind on Amazon. Click here for a list of cognitive distortions. Go to www.psychologytoday.com to find a therapist. Email [email protected] with any thoughts, questions, or responses. Take care, and may the moment of pop be with you. Music by Ben Holland.

For this special bonus episode host Tim Kail reads his latest article titled On Timeless Toni Storm, Orange Cassidy, and Reclaiming My Imagination.

This week, Work Of Wrestling host Tim Kail doesn't review Elimination Chamber. Instead, he reacts to the comments on his Facebook post about skipping this year's Chamber. Tim discusses the blandness of modern WWE, the consistency of AEW Dynamite, why he's becoming more choosey with how he spends his time and money, and why the consolidation of money and power in the world makes him uneasy about the future. He recommends the classic film Network. You can rent it on Amazon Prime Video. Follow Tim on social media @WorkOfWrestling. Submit stories to [email protected].  

For this short, bonus Friday episode of The Work Of Wrestling progress host Tim Kail gives an update on the status of his forthcoming book The Work Of Wrestling: A Book About Art. He reads a bit from his book proposal and explains why the book has been great for his mental health. Give the podcast a five star rating and review in Apple Podcasts! Follow on social media @WorkOfWrestling. Keep an ear out for Monday's new episode!

This week host Tim Kail explains why professional wrestling is the least pretentious art. He discusses working in various mediums, telling stories with wrestling video games, and dealing with pretentious writers and filmmakers. You can read the blog that inspired this episode on www.workofwrestling.com. Music by Ben Holland.

Tim Kail explains why he's taken down The Work Of Wrestling's library of episodes. Follow on social media @WorkOfWrestling. May The Moment of Pop be with you!

This week host Tim Kail provides a real-time commentary for the triple threat match from NXT Stand and Deliver featuring NXT Champion Oba Femi and challengers Trick Williams and Je'Von Evans. Here is the link to the match on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMOaSqIMV5c Enjoy and thanks for listening! Music by Ben Holland.

Tim Kail has an announcement...he's writing a book! Inspired by J.J. McGee's Fight Forever: A Ballad of Kevin and Sami, Tim is endeavoring to distill his decade's long analysis of pro-wrestling into a single project. This book, The Work Of Wrestling: A Book About Art, will be a combination of his best writing with all new writing on the subject of wrestling being an art. Follow on the social media gimmicks @WorkOfWrestling to stay tuned on his progress. Give the podcast a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Email questions, thoughts, or suggestions to [email protected].

This week host Tim Kail is joined by renowned author J.J. McGee (MithGifs) to discuss their book Fight Forever: The Ballad of Kevin and Sami, a detailed history of two of pro-wrestling's greatest...ahem...the two greatest wrestlers of all time. Tim and J.J. discuss how this project came to be, J.J.'s writing practice, the most surprising piece of research they found, interviewing Kevin and Sami for the book, chronicling the history of these two modernday folk heroes, Kevin and Sami's legendary obsession with detail, their ability to weave macro and micro narratives into their matches, how the Montreal Screwjob is like their comic book characters' childhood trauma, and their small acts of kindness, revealing two genuinely good people. You can buy Fight Forever: The Ballad of Kevin and Sami on Amazon by clicking here. Follow J.J. McGee on Social Media @MithGifs. Music by Ben Holland. Thank you for listening! 

This week Tim Kail opens up about his increased passion for professional wrestling and what that means for his mental state. He discusses Fight Forever: The Ballad of Kevin and Sami by JJ McGee and how it uncorked his imagination as he spent three days cat sitting in an apartment overlooking The Hudson River. Music By Ben Holland.  

Work Of Wrestling host Tim Kail has had an idea for an episode of the pod for the past ten years, but he could never figure out a way to bring it to life. Well he's finally done it! In this episode he explores the connection between pro-wrestling and sex, how they follow parallel narrative paths. His goal is to help listeners better appreciate good wrestling (and good sex). This episode was originally a blog on the alternative social media site Lavish Made, https://lavishmade.com. Follow Tim on social media @WorkOfWrestling and give the podcast a five star rating and review.

Today's episode is a story submitted by Liam Lambert, @crowtagonist on Instagram. Liam shares a coming of age tale about creating his own backyard wrestling federation in the suburbs of Lincolnshire. It's a heartwarming story about pro-wrestling's ability to forge strong bonds among people, even as they grow up and move apart. To submit your story go to The Work Of Wrestling's Facebook page and click on the pinned post. That will take you to a Google form you can fill out. Thank you for your listenership in 2025. 

Tim Kail reacts to Mick Foley severing ties with WWE in the wake of President Trump's disparaging remarks on Rob Reiner. Tim reads Mick's original social media post on the matter, offers up some thoughts of his own, and then shares a pivotal decision he's made about what he's willing to cover in pro-wrestling in 2026. 

Host Tim Kail is joined by longtime friend and fan-favorite guest Alexander Monelli to discuss John Cena's last match at Saturday Night's Main Event. First, Tim & Al unload on annoying pro-wrestling fans for inserting themselves into Cena's final moments. Then they discuss Cena's greatest promos and matches. Finally, they examine what John Cena and the other greatest of all-time have in common. Follow Al on social media @monellifilms and subscribe to his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@monellifilms

Trigger Warning - this episode contains discussion of thoughts of suicide, depression, and mental illness. Tim Kail shares a story he's been holding onto for years.  What happened to Tim when he stumbled upon a podcast that "lambasted" him for an article he'd written? How did he process it and attempt to maintain control of the situation (and his emotions). Listen to this frank, personal story to find out.

This week Tim Kail is joined by his mom, Granny Franny, to review Dwayne Johnson's latest film, The Smashing Machine. Tim and Franny discuss the film's unique perspective on sports-psychology, the turbulent relationship between Mark and Dawn, and Dwayne Johnson's Oscar-worthy, sensitive performance. Let us know what you think on The Work Of Wrestling Facebook page. Thank you for listening. May the moment of pop be with you.

In the 11th hour Tim Kail puts together an episode about coming down off the WrestleMania high, his plans for the podcast, going on hiatus, his short film, and his dog. Music by Ben Holland.

Tim Kail announces he's going back on hiatus. He's working on promoting one short film as he starts work on a feature and needs to clear up his headspace. That said, he's pleased with the handful of episodes his done this mini-season.  In this episode topics include: AEW being in a good place. Not being a fan of Seth Rollins. Roman Reigns being a captivating motherf&*#@$ And more! Email Tim at [email protected] for inquiries and feedback. And follow on Social Media @WorkOfWrestling on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Music by Ben Holland. Thanks for listening!

This week Tim Kail joins the wrestling universe in London, England to watch AEW All In play out at Wembley Stadium. Topics include: the perfection of Jack Perry vs Hook. how giving CM Punk is in his matches. hitting the reset button on Saraya. The Stadium Stampede not living up to expectations. Why Tim doesn't care for FTR and The Young Bucks. Chris Jericho vs Will Ospreay not quite clicking. The complexity of Adam Cole vs MJF. And much more! Email Tim at [email protected] for inquiries and feedback. Music by Ben Holland. And follow on Social Media @WorkOfWrestling on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Thanks for listening!

Work Of Wrestling host Tim Kail gets existential in the latest episode, inspired by an interaction he had with a fellow AEW fan. Topics indlude: Is the universe just having a long conversation with itself? What can we learn about our universe by imagining a lifeless one? What positives can be gained by interpretting the universe as organism that desires understanding? Until August 22nd, buy WOW-themed tee-shirts at www.prowrestlingtees.com/workofwrestling Email Tim at [email protected] for inquiries and feedback. And follow on Social Media @WorkOfWrestling on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Thanks for listening! Music by Ben Holland.

Tim Kail returns to talk about the things he hates about professional wrestling. It's not as harsh as it sounds! It's actually quite constructive. Topics include: Why he's closing his tee-shirt store and switching off his Patreon. Long pauses to allow fans to chant. Impromptu matches. Modern promos. Until August 22nd, buy WOW-themed tee-shirts at www.prowrestlingtees.com/workofwrestling Email Tim at [email protected] for inquiries and feedback. And follow on Social Media @WorkOfWrestling on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Thanks for listening! Music by Ben Holland.

Tim Kail returns once again to review WWE's latest PLE, Summer Slam. Tim goes over each match from Logan Paul vs Ricochet to Roman Reigns vs Jey Uso. The standouts for him were Brock Lesnar vs Cody Rhodes and Asuka vs Bianca Belair vs Charlotte. Watch Tim's wrestling videos on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkOfWrestling Buy WOW-themed tee-shirts at www.prowrestlingtees.com/workofwrestling Email Tim at [email protected] for inquiries and feedback. Music by Ben Holland. And follow on Social Media @WorkOfWrestling on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Thanks for listening! Music by Ben Holland.

Work Of Wrestling podcast host Tim Kail makes a surprise return for this special episode where he discusses excitement for Summer Slam, life away from pro-wrestling, working on short films, ghosting and hurting friends, the excellence of the Bloodline story, Tim's issue with the basic structures of pro-wrestling storytelling, and much more! Watch Tim's wrestling videos on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkOfWrestling Buy WOW-themed tee-shirts at www.prowrestlingtees.com/workofwrestling And follow on Social Media @WorkOfWrestling on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Music by Ben Holland. Thanks for listening!

Pro-wrestling poetry, Monday Night Raw as "entertainment-mush", The Reality Era, and much more this week on The Work of Wrestling podcast! In Part 1 "The Lockup" host Tim Kail reacts to Triple H's interview with Stone Cold Steve Austin, dissecting the significance of the final ten minutes of their conversation where Triple H acknolwedged a three-hour Monday Night Raw is far too long. In Part 2 "The High Spot" Tim answers a question Triple H could not: "What does the Reality Era mean?". And then in "The Finish" Tim reads an email submitted by listener Andrew about how Triple H vs The Undertaker at WrestleMania X-7 left a lasting impression on his appreciation for professional wrestling.

This is the very first episode of The Work of Wrestling podcast! In part one, "The Lockup", host Tim Kail reviews the latest episode of NXT, discussing how a Blue Pants roll-up victory and a good Charlotte promo made him pop and why. In Part Two "The High Spot", the most basic truth of professional wrestling storytelling is examined - the importance of distinguishing between "pro-wrestling" terminology and "sports entertainment" terminology explained. And lastly, in Part Three "The Finish", Tim's old college buddy and fellow wrestling fanatic shares a touching story about how pro-wrestling "shaped his life". Thank you for listening. If you would like to submit your story visit www.facebook.com/workofwrestling and click on the pinned post or email [email protected].