The Turnbuckle Tavern

The week we are joined by Ella Jay! Join us as we ask is it good business to ask top talent to restructure their contracts, or is TKO destroying the locker room culture by doing this; where should Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston land following their WWE exits; and will bringing in Hunter Selby as director of shot production and design help or hurt the WWE product? It's going to be a fun week here at The Tavern, so to make sure you do not miss anything, go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL — the clean, zero-sugar, zero-crash energy formula that keeps you locked in for the main event. Whether it's a late-night pay-per-view, a marathon gaming session, or just getting through your day, G FUEL has you covered. Right now, you can save 20% instantly with code TAVERN at checkout at GFUEL.com. Fuel up, save big, and always… keep it Tavern. Turnbuckle Tavern is also proudly powered by the Official Dick Lazer — a wild, over-the-top gag gift that's guaranteed to get a reaction. With the flip of a switch, it projects five laser images, and it also features a red-dot laser with over 1,000 feet of range, plus a flashlight and blacklight, all packed into a sleek, USB-C rechargeable pen weighing just 1.4 ounces. It's perfect for pranking coworkers, lighting up parties, college dorm antics, or just being the funniest person in the room. So don't settle for boring — bring out the Dick Lazer and make every moment unforgettable. Head to DickLazers.com and use code TAVERN for 20% off your order today. Light up the room, get some laughs, and always… keep it Tavern. Episode 185 is a full WWE Backlash preview while also covering one of the most news-heavy weeks wrestling has seen all year. We break down WWE Backlash 2026 from every angle as the company heads into its first Backlash event of the ESPN era in the United States. Roman Reigns defends the World Heavyweight Championship against Jacob Fatu in the biggest match on the card, with the Bloodline story entering a completely new phase after reports surfaced that Reigns is currently not planned for Night of Champions or the June television leading into it. We discuss the family history behind the match, Jacob Fatu's rise from enforcer to true singles star, and why this feels like the biggest opportunity of his WWE career so far. Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker may be the most personal match on the show as the collapse of The Vision finally comes to a head. Seth Rollins opened up this week about creating the faction because of insecurity and distrust toward Roman Reigns and CM Punk, while Bron Breakker continues trying to prove he has completely outgrown his former mentor and is ready to become WWE's next centerpiece star. The WWE United States Championship feud between Trick Williams and Sami Zayn has become one of the strangest stories in wrestling all year. We discuss the reported backstage pushback toward the Gingerbread Man storyline, why several people in WWE reportedly viewed the angle as "hokey and archaic," and Sami Zayn's explanation that he intentionally wanted to experiment with a character shift designed to divide the audience rather than function as a traditional heel turn. We also preview IYO SKY vs. Asuka, Danhausen's mystery partner situation against The Miz and Kit Wilson, and the growing speculation that Jelly Roll could appear at Backlash despite CM Punk remaining the betting favorite internally and externally. John Cena also continues heavily teasing what he calls a "history-making" announcement at Backlash that will "shock the very foundation of WWE." Reports now point toward the possible launch of Club WWE tied to the company's growing ESPN integration, and we discuss why WWE is clearly positioning the announcement as one of the defining talking points of the entire event. Outside WWE, one of the biggest stories in wrestling involves Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods officially leaving WWE after reportedly rejecting TKO restructuring deals. We break down the end of The New Day as an active WWE act, why the situation feels different from a normal release, the AEW interest already surrounding both men, and what their departures say about WWE's changing business structure under TKO. AEW delivered an emotional tribute to Ted Turner following his passing at 87 years old. Sting made a surprise appearance alongside Tony Schiavone to honor the man responsible for keeping wrestling alive on TBS and TNT for decades. We reflect on Turner's impact on wrestling history, WCW surviving because of his commitment to the business, and why modern wrestling television likely looks completely different without him. We also discuss AEW Double or Nothing trending toward one of the company's strongest domestic crowds in years from Queens, New York, while Stadium Stampede officially returns for the first time since 2021. Chris Jericho, Ricochet, The Gates of Agony, and The Hurt Syndicate are all becoming part of one of AEW's signature match concepts once again as the company leans harder into faction warfare and spectacle. Plus, we cover Lei Ying Lee regaining the TNA Knockouts World Championship, Yota Tsuji earning an IWGP Heavyweight Championship rematch against Callum Newman for NJPW Dominion, MLW and CMLL's crossover event from Arena México, and the NWA celebrating the reported audience for Powerrr's return to broadcast television on Comet TV. Then we look ahead to Raw, NXT, AEW Dynamite, TNA Impact, SmackDown, AEW Collision, NWA Powerrr, WWE Saturday Night's Main Event, Double or Nothing, Dominion, and the rest of the upcoming wrestling calendar. Be sure to support the show and join our Patreon for just $2.99 a month at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for exclusive content. Follow us on social media @TurnbuckleTavern for all the latest updates. Until the following week, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed.

It's Thursday, and you know what that means! It is time to walk through those Tavern doors and order up a round of professional wrestling coverage from The Two Bad Chads! This week we talk AEW and all the happenings of the week! Make sure you go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

The RAWDOWN boys discuss all of the news coming out of RAW and Smackdown and get you caught up on all of the news happening inside and outside the ropes in WWE. Everything is on the table. This is just the tip of the iceberg with all of the stories and news going on in the WWE. Let's talk about it and everything else in the WWE Universe! WWE RAW, WWE Smackdown, NXT... It's all there! Come get your best weekly fix for all things WWE on The RAWDOWN, right here at The Turnbuckle Tavern! PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT, SHARE, & CLICK THE BELL! TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US! Go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern to join our Patreon for only $2.99/mo! 

The week we are joined by The MVP Marco and The Ace Of The Tavern, Acefield Retro! Join us as we ask what specific changes must AEW make to restore the 'must-see' feel of Forbidden Door; which of the WWE releases, if any, are a "must sign" for AEW; and which of the new WWE call-ups will be the first to win a championship? It's going to be a fun week here at The Tavern, so to make sure you do not miss anything, go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL, the clean zero-sugar, zero-crash energy formula that keeps you locked in for the main event. Save 20% with code TAVERN at GFUEL.com. Fuel up and keep it Tavern. Turnbuckle Tavern is also powered by the Official Dick Lazer, the ultimate gag gift with laser projections, flashlight, blacklight, and more. Head to DickLazers.com and use code TAVERN for 20% off. Keep it Tavern. Episode 184 covers a packed week across wrestling, led by WWE reshaping NXT's future. NXT Premium Live Events are moving to The CW in the U.S., with weekly episodes and PLEs also headed to ESPN Unlimited, while next-day episodes will arrive on The Roku Channel this fall. WWE is clearly trying to make NXT more accessible, more sports-adjacent, and easier to find across multiple platforms. We also break down Stephanie Vaquer's legitimate second-degree AC sprain after the Raw angle with Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez. Vaquer is expected to be out for the foreseeable future, with hope but no guarantee that she could return by SummerSlam. Talla Tonga is also sidelined with an undisclosed injury but has not been released and is expected back fairly soon. The WWE AI conversation heated up after backlash to an NXT video package for Sol Ruca and Zaria, coming just after Mark Shapiro confirmed WWE has been using AI in connection with storylines, audience data, creative direction, touring, and revenue strategy. The concern is simple: fans do not want wrestling to feel generated, synthetic, or stripped of its human emotion. Outside WWE, Carlos Silva addressed TNA pulling talent from approved indie matches involving AEW stars, including Nic Nemeth vs. MJF and Leon Slater vs. Ricochet. Silva framed the move as protecting TNA's business, while Matt Hardy said the talent were compensated and MJF publicly accused Silva of lying. We also cover SmackDown's yearly format change, with three-hour shows running from January through June before returning to two hours from July through December. AJ Lee's current WWE run appears to be finished for now after WrestleMania 42, though a future return remains possible. AEW may be adding a new July pay-per-view called Redemption, with Montreal reportedly the favorite host city. If finalized, it would bring AEW to ten yearly pay-per-views for the first time. New Japan also heads into Wrestling Dontaku 2026 with major AEW involvement, including Will Ospreay in six-man action, Andrade El Idolo challenging Yota Tsuji, and Konosuke Takeshita defending the NJPW World TV Championship. We also discuss Janel Grant launching an Instagram account tied to the broader conversation around workplace NDAs and Connecticut Raised Bill S.B. 355, ahead of a key June 10 ruling in her case. And we close the news section with a heartfelt acknowledgment of Rebel, Tanea Brooks, who revealed she has been diagnosed with terminal ALS after a long medical journey. Then we look ahead to Raw, NXT, AEW Dynamite, TNA Impact, SmackDown, AEW Collision, AAA on Fox, NWA Powerrr, and the upcoming 2026 PPV and PLE calendar. Episode 184 is about access, control, uncertainty, and change across the wrestling industry. WWE is expanding NXT's reach while facing injury and AI questions. TNA and AEW tensions are spilling into public view. AEW continues to scale. NJPW leans into crossover appeal. And the week reminds us that behind every headline are real people navigating real consequences. Be sure to support the show and join our Patreon for just $2.99 a month at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for exclusive content. Follow us on social media @TurnbuckleTavern for all the latest updates. Until the following week, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed.  

It's Thursday, and you know what that means! It is time to walk through those Tavern doors and order up a round of professional wrestling coverage from The Two Bad Chads! This week we talk AEW and all the happenings of the week! Make sure you go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

The RAWDOWN boys discuss all of the news coming out of RAW and Smackdown and get you caught up on all of the news happening inside and outside the ropes in WWE. Everything is on the table. This is just the tip of the iceberg with all of the stories and news going on in the WWE. Let's talk about it and everything else in the WWE Universe! WWE RAW, WWE Smackdown, NXT... It's all there! Come get your best weekly fix for all things WWE on The RAWDOWN, right here at The Turnbuckle Tavern! PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT, SHARE, & CLICK THE BELL! TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US! Go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern to join our Patreon for only $2.99/mo! 

The week we are joined by The RAWDOWN Boys: MVP Marco and JBugZ! Join us as we ask did this year's WrestleMania lack authenticity, or are fans just nostalgic; should another company challenge WrestleMania weekend with a competing show; and was TKO right to say they have control creative—or should that stay behind the scenes ? It's going to be a fun week here at The Tavern, so to make sure you do not miss anything, go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL, the clean zero sugar zero crash energy formula that keeps you locked in for the main event. Save 20% with code TAVERN at GFUEL.com. Fuel up and keep it Tavern. Turnbuckle Tavern is also powered by the Official Dick Lazer, the ultimate gag gift with laser projections, flashlight, blacklight, and more. Head to DickLazers.com and use code TAVERN for 20% off. Keep it Tavern. Episode 183 breaks down a week where WWE's future started changing fast. The post WrestleMania 42 roster cuts hit every level of the company, with Kairi Sane, Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Zoey Stark, Alba Fyre, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, Bo Dallas, Dexter Lumis, Erik Rowan, Apollo Crews, Santos Escobar, the Motor City Machine Guns, Tyra Mae Steele, and several NXT prospects all gone. Kairi Sane's release is the hardest one to explain. She was active on television, coming off a singles win over IYO SKY on the April 13 Raw, and appeared to be headed toward a bigger story with Asuka. IYO SKY called the timing unexpected, Bayley said she was struggling to process it, and Kairi thanked fans while saying she would "set sail… in my own time." Aleister Black's exit raises similar questions after wins over Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, and Matt Cardona. These did not feel like talents being phased out creatively. They felt like cuts made while stories were still moving. The Wyatt Sicks were also wiped out, with Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Erik Rowan, and Bo Dallas all released. Nikki Cross later called her time as Abby the Witch "the honour of a lifetime," tying the group back to Bray Wyatt, Brodie Lee, the Windham family, the Huber family, and the Fireflies who kept that world alive. The locker room reaction showed how heavy the day was. Alexa Bliss honored Nikki Cross and the Wyatt Sicks. Rhea Ripley called it a sad day. Chelsea Green and Piper Niven praised Alba Fyre. Asuka, Bayley, and IYO SKY supported Kairi Sane. Nathan Frazer gave a heartfelt tribute to Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, crediting the Motor City Machine Guns for helping him during his first year on the main roster. At the same time, WWE is pushing new names forward. Ricky Saints is set for his SmackDown debut next week in Tulsa after one final NXT match against Shiloh Hill. Ethan Page and Sol Ruca already arrived on Raw, while Joe Hendry is set for his official Raw debut with a concert. SmackDown also got a jolt from Fatal Attraction, as Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Lainey Reid attacked Paige, Brie Bella, Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and Rhea Ripley. Blake Monroe is also headed to the blue brand after a vignette for "The Glamour," bringing her résumé as Mariah May, Owen Hart Cup winner, former AEW Women's World Champion, and former NXT Women's North American Champion with her. Cody Rhodes used SmackDown to send a pointed message beyond Randy Orton. Still showing the effects of Orton's punt, Cody called out the "outside forces" affecting his WrestleMania path, saying they are "0-3" and telling them to send their best or stay out of his business. The line appears aimed at TKO influence and connects to past WrestleMania shifts involving Roman Reigns, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and John Cena. Tiffany Stratton also turned a missed WrestleMania into momentum, defeating Giulia to win the WWE Women's United States Championship. The win ended Giulia's 112 day reign and gave Stratton her third singles title in WWE. In her interview with Joey Karni, Stratton said missing WrestleMania gave her a chip on her shoulder, and she is determined to make sure it never happens again. Outside WWE, Lucha Underground suddenly resurfaced after years of silence with a "¿Más?" teaser and the caption "soon." Taya Valkyrie, Willie Mack, Ivelisse, Vinnie Massaro, The Butcher, AJ Francis, Shelly Martinez, Chelsea Green, and Brian Cage all reacted, with speculation already pointing to anything from a YouTube library rollout to something bigger. AAA is also teasing a shift of its own. Marisela Peña Roldán confirmed that a new general manager will be revealed on May 23 in Mexico City after Dorian Roldán asked for the role. She made it clear that nothing in AAA will remain the same once the new GM is announced. Episode 183 is about transition everywhere. WWE is cutting major names while elevating new ones. Cody Rhodes is calling out the power above the ring. Tiffany Stratton is forcing her way back into focus. Lucha Underground is stirring again. AAA is preparing a reset. The whole landscape feels like it is moving at once. Be sure to support the show and follow us @TurnbuckleTavern. Until next week, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed.

Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL, the clean zero sugar zero crash energy formula that keeps you locked in for the main event. Save 20% with code TAVERN at GFUEL.com. Fuel up and keep it Tavern. Turnbuckle Tavern is also powered by the Official Dick Lazer, the ultimate gag gift with laser projections, flashlight, and more. Head to DickLazers.com and use code TAVERN for 20% off. Keep it Tavern. Episode 182 centers on a wrestling landscape that feels like it's shifting in real time, where creative direction, corporate influence, and long dormant brands are all colliding at once. Lucha Underground is suddenly back in the conversation after years of silence, posting a "soon" teaser that follows trademark filings and a reactivated website. This does not feel random. The timing suggests something more deliberate is being built, potentially opening the door for a return of one of the most distinct cinematic wrestling products the industry has seen. At the same time, the fallout from WrestleMania 42 continues to reveal how close WWE came to telling a very different story at the top of the card. CM Punk defeating Roman Reigns was a scenario that was seriously discussed internally, with a follow up title change planned shortly after to keep both protected. Instead, WWE chose a decisive finish, with Reigns winning clean in a match now being viewed as one of the best in WrestleMania history, signaling a preference for finality over extended balance. That decision did not happen in isolation. Backstage, WrestleMania weekend was described as chaotic, with tension tied to celebrity involvement and shifting creative priorities. The presence of TKO Group Holdings loomed large, as executives with final say over creative reportedly stepped in at a critical moment. It is a rare occurrence, but one that highlighted the growing reality that WWE's biggest decisions are now influenced at the corporate level, not just within the wrestling side. Outside the ring, WWE continues to blur the line between performance and reality. Seth Rollins' walk off from Good Morning Football turned out to be a staged angle, executed well enough that even high level figures believed it was real. It is another example of how WWE talent are extending character work beyond traditional programming and into mainstream media. Taken together, this week is not defined by one headline. It is defined by movement. A dormant brand possibly returning. A WrestleMania main event that nearly took a different shape. And a power structure that is becoming more visible and more influential than ever before. Be sure to support the show and follow us @TurnbuckleTavern. Until next week, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed.  

It's Thursday, and you know what that means! It is time to walk through those Tavern doors and order up a round of professional wrestling coverage from One Bad Chad and Ol Reliable, Hoch! This week we talk AEW and all the happenings of the week! Make sure you go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

The RAWDOWN boys discuss all of the news coming out of RAW and Smackdown and get you caught up on all of the news happening inside and outside the ropes in WWE. Everything is on the table. This is just the tip of the iceberg with all of the stories and news going on in the WWE. Let's talk about it and everything else in the WWE Universe! WWE RAW, WWE Smackdown, NXT... It's all there! Come get your best weekly fix for all things WWE on The RAWDOWN, right here at The Turnbuckle Tavern! PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT, SHARE, & CLICK THE BELL! TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US! Go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern to join our Patreon for only $2.99/mo! 

Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL — the clean, zero-sugar, zero-crash energy formula that keeps you locked in for the main event. Save 20% with code TAVERN at GFUEL.com. Fuel up and keep it Tavern. Turnbuckle Tavern is also powered by the Official Dick Lazer — the ultimate gag gift with laser projections, flashlight, and more. Head to DickLazers.com and use code TAVERN for 20% off. Keep it Tavern. Episode 181 focuses on the Raw after WrestleMania fallout and what it tells us about where WWE is heading. Mark Shapiro made it clear that TKO Group Holdings has full control over WWE, leaning into celebrity crossover and bigger media reach while admitting not every fan will be on board with the direction. On Raw, Cody Rhodes and CM Punk teased a future match with the "just say when" moment, while Roman Reigns pushed back on part-timer talk and said he'll be around all summer. Jacob Fatu stepped up and challenged Roman Reigns for Backlash, while Brock Lesnar's status remains unclear after his WrestleMania loss, with no real confirmation on whether he's done. Outside the ring, Booker T called out major security issues during WrestleMania weekend. Elsewhere, Darby Allin wins the AEW World Title, Shotzi Blackheart takes the GCW Clusterf—, Josh Barnett ends Bloodsport, and Callum Newman confirms his NJPW future. Be sure to support the show and follow us @TurnbuckleTavern. Until next week, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed.  

The week we are joined by Tanner from Kicking Out Pod and Seth from The Chick Foley Show! Join us as we ask is Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll the worst celebrity involvement in wrestling history; should Darby Allin win the world title on the AEW Dynamite after Dynasty; and should Kevin Knight have won the TNT Championship? It's going to be a fun week here at The Tavern, so to make sure you do not miss anything, go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL, the clean, zero-sugar, zero-crash energy formula that keeps you locked in for the main event. Whether you're watching late-night pay-per-views or grinding through your day, G FUEL has you covered. Save 20% with code TAVERN at GFUEL.com. Fuel up and keep it Tavern. Turnbuckle Tavern is also powered by the Official Dick Lazer, the ultimate gag gift that guarantees a reaction. With laser projections, a red-dot laser, flashlight, and more, it's built to stand out. Head to DickLazers.com and use code TAVERN for 20% off. Keep it Tavern. Episode 180 dives into the fallout from WrestleMania 42 across both nights, as Matt from the Extra Cooler Show and JBugz from the Rawdown join Acefield Retro to break it all down. Night 1 saw The Usos and LA Knight pick up the win over Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and IShowSpeed in a six-man tag opener. Jacob Fatu defeated Drew McIntyre in an unsanctioned match, while Brie Bella and Paige captured the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships with Nikki Bella at ringside. Becky Lynch defeated AJ Lee to become Women's Intercontinental Champion, Gunther forced Seth Rollins to submit, and Liv Morgan defeated Stephanie Vaquer to win the Women's World Championship. In the main event, Cody Rhodes retained the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton. Night 2 kicked off with Oba Femi defeating Brock Lesnar. Penta retained the Intercontinental Championship in a six-pack ladder match against Je'Von Evans, Dragon Lee, JD McDonagh, Rusev, and Rey Mysterio. Trick Williams defeated Sami Zayn to win the United States Championship, and "The Demon" Finn Bálor defeated Dominik Mysterio in a street fight. Rhea Ripley defeated Jade Cargill to win the WWE Women's Championship, while John Cena appeared alongside Danhausen to announce the attendance. The weekend closed with Roman Reigns defeating CM Punk to win the World Heavyweight Championship. Be sure to support the show and join our Patreon for exclusive content. Follow us @TurnbuckleTavern for all the latest updates. Until next week, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed.

It's Thursday, and you know what that means! It is time to walk through those Tavern doors and order up a round of professional wrestling coverage from The Two Bad Chads! This week we talk AEW and all the happenings of the week! Make sure you go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

The RAWDOWN boys discuss all of the news coming out of RAW and Smackdown and get you caught up on all of the news happening inside and outside the ropes in WWE. Everything is on the table. This is just the tip of the iceberg with all of the stories and news going on in the WWE. Let's talk about it and everything else in the WWE Universe! WWE RAW, WWE Smackdown, NXT... It's all there! Come get your best weekly fix for all things WWE on The RAWDOWN, right here at The Turnbuckle Tavern! PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT, SHARE, & CLICK THE BELL! TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US! Go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern to join our Patreon for only $2.99/mo! 

Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL, the clean zero sugar energy formula that keeps you locked in for the main event. Save 20% with code TAVERN at GFUEL.com. Fuel up and keep it Tavern. Turnbuckle Tavern is also powered by the Official Dick Lazer, the ultimate gag gift with a red dot laser, flashlight, blacklight and more. Head to DickLazers.com and use code TAVERN for 20% off. Keep it Tavern. Episode 179 centers on AEW Dynasty fallout and a packed week across the wrestling landscape. MJF retains over Kenny Omega in a main event built on frustration and control, closing the show firmly on top while Darby Allin immediately steps in as the next challenger. Jon Moxley vs Will Ospreay delivers the strongest story of the night, centered on obsession, while Thekla continues to define the women's division even as her finishes become a talking point. FTR's win over Cope and Cage feels decisive, Kevin Knight breaks out with the TNT Title win, and Kamille's return instantly reshapes the TBS picture with Willow Nightingale. We move straight into Dynamite Spring BreakThru with MJF vs Darby Allin, Kevin Knight vs Claudio Castagnoli, and Willow vs Kamille, all with real stakes coming out of Dynasty. Across the week, Raw brings CM Punk and Roman Reigns under the same roof with Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi appearing. NXT is headlined by Tony D'Angelo vs Ethan Page, plus Lola Vice vs Jacy Jayne and Joe Hendry in concert. SmackDown features the Andre the Giant Battle Royal and a loaded roster presence. Be sure to support the show and join our Patreon for exclusive content. Follow us on social media @TurnbuckleTavern for all the latest updates. Until the following week, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed.  

The week we are joined by The Ace Of The Tavern, Acefield Retro and Colton! Join us as we ask is this new media trained or the old rebellious Tony Khan better for AEW; WWE making ticket price a story: good or bad; and is Pat McAfee the right choice to pair with Randy Orton? Who would you pick? It's going to be a fun week here at The Tavern, so to make sure you do not miss anything, go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL, the clean, zero sugar energy formula that keeps you locked in for the main event. Save 20% with code TAVERN at GFUEL.com. Fuel up and keep it Tavern. Turnbuckle Tavern is also powered by the Official Dick Lazer, the ultimate gag gift with a red dot laser, flashlight, blacklight and more. Head to DickLazers.com and use code TAVERN for 20% off. Keep it Tavern. Episode 178 is a full-scale SUPERSIZED preview of WrestleMania 42 and a Las Vegas week that has taken over the wrestling world. JBugz from the Rawdown fills in for Chad as we break down the entire WrestleMania card, led by CM Punk vs Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton. Both matchups feel bigger than championships, centered around control, legacy, and the direction WWE is heading. We also dive into AJ Lee vs Becky Lynch, Jade Cargill vs Rhea Ripley, the instability surrounding the women's tag division, and how matches like McIntyre vs Fatu and the Logan Paul six-man tag reflect a company leaning into unpredictability and outside influence. Be sure to support the show and join our Patreon for exclusive content. Follow us on social media @TurnbuckleTavern for all the latest updates. Until the following week, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed.

It's Thursday, and you know what that means! It is time to walk through those Tavern doors and order up a round of professional wrestling coverage from The Two Bad Chads! This week we talk AEW and all the happenings of the week! Make sure you go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

The RAWDOWN boys discuss all of the news coming out of RAW and Smackdown and get you caught up on all of the news happening inside and outside the ropes in WWE. Everything is on the table. This is just the tip of the iceberg with all of the stories and news going on in the WWE. Let's talk about it and everything else in the WWE Universe! WWE RAW, WWE Smackdown, NXT... It's all there! Come get your best weekly fix for all things WWE on The RAWDOWN, right here at The Turnbuckle Tavern! PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT, SHARE, & CLICK THE BELL! TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US! Go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern to join our Patreon for only $2.99/mo! 

Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL — the clean, zero-sugar, zero-crash energy formula that keeps you locked in for the main event. Save 20% with code TAVERN at GFUEL.com. Fuel up and keep it Tavern. Turnbuckle Tavern is also powered by the Official Dick Lazer — the ultimate gag gift with a red-dot laser, flashlight, blacklight, and more. Head to DickLazers.com and use code TAVERN for 20% off. Keep it Tavern. Episode 177 centers on a week where creative direction and real-world influence collided. We start with WWE SmackDown, where Pat McAfee's heel turn reshapes the entire WrestleMania build, shifting the focus from a personal rivalry into something much bigger — and far more controversial. From there, we preview AEW Dynasty 2026 in Vancouver, headlined by MJF vs. Kenny Omega, alongside a loaded championship card and strong late ticket movement heading into the final stretch. We also give you everything you need to know about TNA Rebellion 2026 in Cleveland main evented by Mike Santana vs. Eddie Edwards. We also break down NXT Stand & Deliver fallout, as Lola Vice and Tony D'Angelo emerge as new champions, signaling a clear shift in the brand's direction moving forward. Be sure to support the show and join our Patreon for exclusive content. Follow us on social media @TurnbuckleTavern for all the latest updates. Until the following week, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens — stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed.

The week we are joined by Travis from Wicked Bitter! Join us as we ask is it too early to bring back John Cena to host WrestleMania; would The Bloodline be better, worse, or the same if they reunite; and has WWE leaned too heavy on Shield call backs since they debuted making them not as impactful? It's going to be a fun week here at The Tavern, so to make sure you do not miss anything, go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

It's Thursday, and you know what that means! It is time to walk through those Tavern doors and order up a round of professional wrestling coverage from The Two Bad Chads! This week we talk AEW and all the happenings of the week! Make sure you go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

The RAWDOWN boys discuss all of the news coming out of RAW and Smackdown and get you caught up on all of the news happening inside and outside the ropes in WWE. Everything is on the table. This is just the tip of the iceberg with all of the stories and news going on in the WWE. Let's talk about it and everything else in the WWE Universe! WWE RAW, WWE Smackdown, NXT... It's all there! Come get your best weekly fix for all things WWE on The RAWDOWN, right here at The Turnbuckle Tavern! PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT, SHARE, & CLICK THE BELL! TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US! Go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern to join our Patreon for only $2.99/mo! 

Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL—the zero-sugar, zero-crash energy formula built for late nights, gaming, and your daily grind. Save 20% with code TAVERN at GFUEL.com. Fuel up and keep it Tavern. We're also powered by the Official Dick Lazer—a USB-C rechargeable multi-function pen with a red-dot laser, flashlight, blacklight, and a signature gag feature. Perfect for pranks and parties. Head to DickLazers.com, use code TAVERN for 20% off, and keep it Tavern. Episode 176 centers on a week where real-life disruption and storyline momentum collided across the wrestling landscape. We start with TNA Sacrifice 2026, where the main event between Mike Santana and Steve Maclin was stopped early due to a legitimate injury, immediately destabilizing the world title picture heading into Rebellion. Eddie Edwards' involvement shifted the finish into an angle, but the bigger story is the uncertainty now at the top of the card. Elsewhere on the show, Leon Slater retained the X-Division Championship in a decisive performance, while Mustafa Ali and Tasha Steelz vs. Trey Miguel and Jada Stone stood out despite interference shaping the result. Across the board, strong in-ring work was consistently influenced by outside factors rather than clean resolution. TNA also introduced 21-year-old Ricky Sosa, a high-upside international prospect, in a segment grounded by Chris Bey's real-life recovery story. We then shift to Global Wars, where ROH and Maple Leaf Pro delivered meaningful crossover momentum. The Good Brothers became inaugural MLP Tag Team Champions, followed by Bishop Dyer turning on Kaito Kiyomiya, while the promotion also announced a new weekly TV deal launching in July. That momentum takes a hit with Josh Alexander confirming a severe knee injury and upcoming surgery, leaving no timetable for return and forcing adjustments across AEW, TNA, and MLP. We also break down Kyle Fletcher's comments about AEW All In stirring internal reaction, highlighting the balance between personal frustration and locker room perspective when injuries impact major moments. On the business side, ESPN has moved to intervene in the WWE PLE lawsuit, aiming to push the case into arbitration, while WrestleMania 42 ticket sales show a more aggressive discount-driven approach despite strong projected attendance. Plus, Sami Zayn forces his way onto the WrestleMania card by winning the United States Championship and setting up a defense against Trick Williams, Chris Jericho files a new "Cornerstone" trademark, Toni Storm's absence shifts into a mystery angle, and NJPW begins rolling out the Best of the Super Juniors field. Be sure to support the show and join our Patreon for just $2.99 a month for exclusive content at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern. Follow us on social media @TurnbuckleTavern for all the latest updates. Until the following week, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens—stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed.

The week we are joined by Stew and Becs from Stew World Order! Join us as we ask will Oba Femi lose any steam if Brock Lesnar wins; who should have turned heel: Cody or Randy; and is Jey Uso going to have the final say on who wins between Punk and Roman? It's going to be a fun week here at The Tavern, so to make sure you do not miss anything, go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

It's Thursday, and you know what that means! It is time to walk through those Tavern doors and order up a round of professional wrestling coverage from One Bad Chad and Ol Reliable, Hoch! This week we talk AEW and all the happenings of the week! Make sure you go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

The RAWDOWN boys discuss all of the news coming out of RAW and Smackdown and get you caught up on all of the news happening inside and outside the ropes in WWE. Everything is on the table. This is just the tip of the iceberg with all of the stories and news going on in the WWE. Let's talk about it and everything else in the WWE Universe! WWE RAW, WWE Smackdown, NXT... It's all there! Come get your best weekly fix for all things WWE on The RAWDOWN, right here at The Turnbuckle Tavern! PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT, SHARE, & CLICK THE BELL! TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US! Go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern to join our Patreon for only $2.99/mo! 

Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL, the zero-sugar, zero-crash energy formula built to keep you going through late-night shows, gaming sessions, or your daily grind—save 20% now with code TAVERN at GFUEL.com. We're also proudly powered by the Official Dick Lazer, a USB-C rechargeable multi-function pen with a red-dot laser, flashlight, blacklight, and a signature gag feature that makes it the ultimate conversation starter. Head to DickLazers.com, use code TAVERN for 20% off, and fuel up, save big, and always… keep it Tavern. Episode 175 covers one of the most news-heavy weeks across the wrestling landscape. We break down the revelation that Tony Khan submitted a $6.9 billion bid to purchase WWE during the 2023 sale process, what it means for AEW's long-term vision, and how close it actually was to changing the industry. We also dive into the Ricochet controversy that crossed into mainstream coverage, the fallout from his comments, and what it means for his standing moving forward. Plus, Hechicero captures the CMLL World Heavyweight Championship from Claudio Castagnoli, continuing the growing crossover between AEW and CMLL. We also discuss the passing of Dennis Condrey, Mercedes Moné's ongoing title losses, Callum Newman's New Japan Cup win, Jade Cargill's new alliance before WrestleMania, Gunther vs. Rey Mysterio plans in doubt, Ted DiBiase Jr.'s legal verdict, Dennis Rodman's WWE Hall of Fame induction, Ronda Rousey's AEW status, and the latest from AAA Rey de Reyes. Be sure to support the show and join our Patreon for just $2.99 a month for exclusive content at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern. Follow us on social media @TurnbuckleTavern for all the latest updates. Until the following week, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens — stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed.

The week we are joined by Tanner from Kicking Out Pod! Join us as we ask is the juice worth the squeeze with Ronda Rousey; is it the right move to immediately put Ospreay with Mox; and who does that leave for MJF next; and should AEW stick to the Hangman stipulation? If not, how do they get out of it without contradicting their booking philosophy? It's going to be a fun week here at The Tavern, so to make sure you do not miss anything, go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

It's Thursday, and you know what that means! It is time to walk through those Tavern doors and order up a round of professional wrestling coverage from The Two Bad Chads! This week we talk AEW and all the happenings of the week! Make sure you go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

The RAWDOWN boys discuss all of the news coming out of RAW and Smackdown and get you caught up on all of the news happening inside and outside the ropes in WWE. Everything is on the table. This is just the tip of the iceberg with all of the stories and news going on in the WWE. Let's talk about it and everything else in the WWE Universe! WWE RAW, WWE Smackdown, NXT... It's all there! Come get your best weekly fix for all things WWE on The RAWDOWN, right here at The Turnbuckle Tavern! PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT, SHARE, & CLICK THE BELL! TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US! Go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern to join our Patreon for only $2.99/mo! 

Episode 174 breaks down the fallout from AEW Revolution 2026, a chaotic and violent night that reshaped several divisions across the company. In the main event, MJF defeated Hangman Adam Page in a brutal Texas Death Match to retain the AEW World Championship. The match pushed the limits of violence with glass, barbed wire, light tubes, chains, and some of the most disturbing spots AEW has ever presented. In the end, MJF knocked Hangman out with the Dynamite Diamond Ring and hung him with a chain, leaving him unconscious and unable to answer the ten count. With the stipulation attached to the match, Hangman Adam Page can no longer challenge for the AEW World Championship. Elsewhere on the show, Jon Moxley defeated Konosuke Takeshita in a brutal war to retain the Continental Championship before the shocking return of Will Ospreay, who stormed the ring and attacked the Death Riders after months away recovering from a neck injury. FTR retained the AEW World Tag Team Championships against The Young Bucks in another instant classic between the two teams. The celebration didn't last long, however, as the lights went out and the chaos escalated with the surprise arrivals of Adam Copeland and Christian Cage, creating a tense standoff that immediately reshapes the tag team title picture. The AEW Trios Championships changed hands as Mistico and JetSpeed defeated the Don Callis Family, followed by the announcement that Mistico is officially All Elite. Other major results included Swerve Strickland defeating Brody King before Kenny Omega returned to stop a post-match assault, Andrade El Idolo defeating Bandido in a standout lucha showcase, and Thekla retaining the AEW Women's Championship over Kris Statlander in a controversial two-falls-to-one match. In the women's division, Timeless Toni Storm defeated Marina Shafir, but the bigger moment came afterward when Ronda Rousey appeared and confronted Storm, creating a tense face-to-face moment that could set up a massive future clash. Plus we run down the full Zero Hour results, preview the week ahead across RAW, NXT, Dynamite, SmackDown, TNA Impact, AEW Collision, and AAA on Fox, and look ahead to the major events shaping the wrestling calendar including TNA Sacrifice, NXT Road Block, NXT Stand & Deliver, WrestleMania weekend, AEW Dynasty, and more. Be sure to support the show and join our Patreon for just $2.99 a month for exclusive content at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern. Follow us on social media @TurnbuckleTavern for all the latest updates. Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL — the clean, zero-sugar, zero-crash energy formula that keeps you locked in for the main event. Whether it's a late-night pay-per-view, marathon gaming session, or just powering through your day, G FUEL's got your back. And right now, you can save 20% instantly with code TAVERN at checkout at GFUEL.com. Fuel up, save big, and always… keep it Tavern. Turnbuckle Tavern is proudly powered by the one-of-a-kind Official Dick Lazer which is the ultimate gag gift. There's a red-dot laser with over 1,000 ft range, plus a flashlight and blacklight all wrapped into a sleek, USB-C rechargeable pen that's just 1.4 oz. Perfect for pranking coworkers, lighting up bachelorette parties, college dorm antics, or just being the funniest person in the room. So don't settle for boring: bring out the Dick Lazer and shine bright, outrageous, and unforgettable. Head to DickLazers.com and use code TAVERN for 20% off your order today. Light up the room. Get some laughs. And always… keep it Tavern.  

The week we are joined by The Ace Of The Tavern, Acefield Retro and Rawdown's JBugZ! Join us as we ask outside of talent being groomed to be future top talent, who are the most untapped mid-card talent in WWE and AEW; does AEW launching an international streaming service mean they're preparing for life beyond their current deal, or just global expansion; and with the median age of this years WrestleMania main event performers being 43 years old, is the top of WWE's card too old, or is 43 the new 33? It's going to be a fun week here at The Tavern, so to make sure you do not miss anything, go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

It's Thursday, and you know what that means! It is time to walk through those Tavern doors and order up a round of professional wrestling coverage from The Two Bad Chads! This week we talk AEW and all the happenings of the week! Make sure you go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL — the clean, zero-sugar, zero-crash energy formula that keeps you locked in for the main event. Whether it's a late-night pay-per-view, marathon gaming session, or just powering through your day, G FUEL's got your back. Save 20% with code TAVERN at GFUEL.com. Fuel up, save big, and always… keep it Tavern. Turnbuckle Tavern is also proudly powered by the Official Dick Lazer — the one-of-a-kind gag gift that projects five penises with the flip of a switch. Featuring a red-dot laser with over 1,000 feet of range, plus a flashlight and blacklight, all packed into a sleek USB-C rechargeable pen. Head to DickLazers.com and use code TAVERN for 20% off. Light up the room, get some laughs, and always… keep it Tavern. Episode 173 dives into a packed week across WWE, AEW, NJPW, and the global wrestling scene as WrestleMania season continues to take shape. We break down the latest WrestleMania 42 plans, including Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton for the WWE Championship — and the original pitch that would have seen Rhodes face Drew McIntyre inside Hell in a Cell before WWE scrapped the idea. With McIntyre now expected to face Jacob Fatu, we look at what changed and why. The women's division picture is also coming into focus, with Rhea Ripley set to challenge Jade Cargill for the WWE Women's Championship, Tiffany Stratton reportedly heading toward a match with Giulia for the Women's United States Championship, and internal discussions around IYO SKY vs. Asuka — possibly with Kairi Sane added to the mix. Meanwhile, one of the biggest mysteries heading into WrestleMania is Gunther, who currently holds the World Heavyweight Championship but reportedly does not have a locked-in WrestleMania program yet. We also discuss the growing WWE–ESPN controversy after reports surfaced that ESPN removed letter grades from WWE PLE reviews following objections from the company. Over in NXT, the road to Stand & Deliver is heating up with a tag team number one contender's tournament announced for the NXT Tag Team Championships. We also look at the surprising distribution change as Stand & Deliver will stream globally on YouTube on April 4 following NXT's exit from Peacock. On the AEW side, we examine the launch of the company's new MyAEW streaming platform, which introduces AEW's first FAST channel and a new international subscription model — a move that could reshape how fans watch AEW content worldwide. We also cover Will Ospreay's progress toward an in-ring return, with reports suggesting a possible spring comeback and hopes that he'll be ready for AEW All In at Wembley Stadium. Across the wider wrestling world, we look at Alex Windsor winning the NJPW Strong Women's Championship, Konosuke Takeshita returning to NJPW for the New Japan Cup Finals, and the latest developments in the New Japan Cup tournament with Yuya Uemura, Shingo Takagi, Ren Narita, and Oleg Boltin advancing. We also preview major WrestleMania week events, including Josh Barnett's Bloodsport XV featuring Yuji Nagata, Timothy Thatcher, Shayna Baszler, and Pete Dunne, Bandido vs. Amazing Red at HOG Culture Clash, and Mark Davis vs. Masato Tanaka at the WrestleCon SuperShow. Plus: AJ Styles' new backstage WWE role, Pat McAfee addressing a potential WWE return, Maple Leaf Pro's Multiverse event lineup, and the reported release of Niño Hamburguesa from AAA following an incident with a fan. WrestleMania season is heating up, streaming platforms are evolving, and major stories are unfolding across the wrestling world. Listen now. Be sure to support the show and join our Patreon at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for just $2.99 a month for exclusive content. Follow us on social media @TurnbuckleTavern for the latest updates.

The RAWDOWN boys discuss all of the news coming out of RAW and Smackdown and get you caught up on all of the news happening inside and outside the ropes in WWE. Everything is on the table. This is just the tip of the iceberg with all of the stories and news going on in the WWE. Let's talk about it and everything else in the WWE Universe! WWE RAW, WWE Smackdown, NXT... It's all there! Come get your best weekly fix for all things WWE on The RAWDOWN, right here at The Turnbuckle Tavern! PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT, SHARE, & CLICK THE BELL! TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US! Go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern to join our Patreon for only $2.99/mo! 

Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL — the clean, zero-sugar, zero-crash energy formula that keeps you locked in for the main event. Whether you're watching a late-night pay-per-view, grinding through a gaming marathon, or powering through your day, G FUEL has you covered. Save 20% with code TAVERN at GFUEL.com. Fuel up, save big, and always… keep it Tavern. The Tavern is also proudly powered by the Official Dick Lazer — the one-of-a-kind gag gift that projects five images at the flip of a switch. Featuring a red-dot laser with over 1,000 feet of range, plus a flashlight and blacklight, all built into a sleek USB-C rechargeable pen. Head to DickLazers.com and use code TAVERN for 20% off. Light up the room, get some laughs, and always… keep it Tavern. AEW Revolution headlines Episode 172 as AEW returns to Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on March 15. The show is anchored by a Last Chance Texas Death Match for the AEW World Championship, with MJF defending against "Hangman" Adam Page, who puts his future title opportunities on the line. Also set for Revolution: • Jon Moxley vs. Konosuke Takeshita for the Continental Championship (no time limit) • FTR vs. The Young Bucks for the AEW World Tag Team Championships • Thekla vs. Kris Statlander for the AEW Women's World Championship in a two-out-of-three falls match • Kazuchika Okada, Kyle Fletcher, and Mark Davis defending the AEW World Trios Titles Plus on Zero Hour, Ricochet defends the AEW National Championship in a 21-man Blackjack Battle Royal. In WWE, the road to WrestleMania 42 shifted when Cody Rhodes defeated Drew McIntyre on SmackDown to win the WWE Championship for the third time, officially setting up Rhodes vs. Randy Orton in Las Vegas. Another title change saw Penta defeat Dominik Mysterio on Raw to capture the Intercontinental Championship, capitalizing on tension within The Judgment Day. We also break down the fallout from NXT Vengeance Day, where Joe Hendry retained the NXT Championship against Ricky Saints, Tatum Paxley captured the NXT Women's North American Championship, and new storylines began forming on the road to Stand & Deliver. Plus, we examine reports of a potential Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger, which could combine HBO Max and Paramount+ and potentially reshape the streaming landscape — including what it could mean for AEW's future distribution. AEW's biggest spring pay-per-view approaches, the WrestleMania main event picture takes shape, championships change hands, and the wrestling industry continues to evolve. Listen now. Support the show and join our Patreon at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for just $2.99 a month for exclusive content. Follow us on social media @TurnbuckleTavern for the latest updates.

The week we are joined by The Ace Of The Tavern, Acefield Retro and our very own Colton! Join us as we ask will Danhausen be a hit in WWE; did the Hangman VS MJF match need a stipulation to make it matter; and Is the creation of Android Inoki ethical, and is this a sign of things to come? It's going to be a fun week here at The Tavern, so to make sure you do not miss anything, go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

It's Thursday, and you know what that means! It is time to walk through those Tavern doors and order up a round of professional wrestling coverage from One Bad Chad and Ol Reliable, Hoch! This week we talk AEW and all the happenings of the week! Make sure you go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

The RAWDOWN boys discuss all of the news coming out of RAW and Smackdown and get you caught up on all of the news happening inside and outside the ropes in WWE. Everything is on the table. This is just the tip of the iceberg with all of the stories and news going on in the WWE. Let's talk about it and everything else in the WWE Universe! WWE RAW, WWE Smackdown, NXT... It's all there! Come get your best weekly fix for all things WWE on The RAWDOWN, right here at The Turnbuckle Tavern! PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT, SHARE, & CLICK THE BELL! TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US! Go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern to join our Patreon for only $2.99/mo! 

Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL, the clean, zero sugar, zero crash energy formula that keeps you locked in for the main event. Save 20 percent with code TAVERN at GFUEL.com. We are also proudly powered by the Official Dick Lazer. Head to DickLazers.com and use code TAVERN for 20 percent off. Fuel up, light it up, and always keep it Tavern. Episode 171 centers on Elimination Chamber fallout and the way one night in Chicago shifted the structure of WrestleMania 42. Randy Orton outlasted Cody Rhodes, Logan Paul, Trick Williams, LA Knight, and Je'Von Evans to secure a WWE Championship match on the biggest stage, but the path there was defined by interference rather than endurance. Logan Paul eliminated three competitors before Seth Rollins returned through an open Chamber door and attacked him, immediately destabilizing the match. That same opening allowed Drew McIntyre to enter and strike Rhodes with the WWE Championship. Orton dropped McIntyre with an RKO, Rhodes answered with Cross Rhodes, and as Rhodes stood, Orton delivered a second RKO to win. In the aftermath, Nick Aldis announced McIntyre will defend the WWE Championship against Rhodes on SmackDown, leaving Orton locked in for WrestleMania while Rhodes remains in pursuit and Rollins reenters the equation. The women's Chamber provided clearer direction. Rhea Ripley defeated Tiffany Stratton, Raquel Rodriguez, Asuka, Kiana James, and Alexa Bliss to earn her WrestleMania match against Jade Cargill. Rodriguez created chaos with a double elimination, Asuka misted Bliss before being eliminated, and Ripley closed with the Riptide to formalize a high level collision at WrestleMania. AJ Lee added another headline by submitting Becky Lynch to win the Women's Intercontinental Championship, her first singles title victory in over a decade, while CM Punk retained the World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Bálor after surviving sustained rib targeting and finishing with the GTS in his hometown. The long teased mystery crate revealed Danhausen, drawing a mixed reaction and existing more as spectacle than structural shift on the road to WrestleMania. Outside the Chamber, AJ Styles formally confirmed his in ring retirement. He will remain with WWE in a non wrestling capacity and enter the 2026 Hall of Fame, closing the door on speculation about a final run elsewhere. We also examine the newly announced Android Inoki project targeting 2027, which begins with an AI model trained on Antonio Inoki's speech patterns and philosophy before integration into a humanoid form. Positioned as legacy preservation, it raises broader questions about likeness rights, commercialization, and how wrestling history will intersect with artificial intelligence moving forward. From a business standpoint, TKO disclosed that WWE generated 1.709 billion dollars in revenue for 2025. The 2026 Royal Rumble in Riyadh produced 55 million dollars, and WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia is projected to exceed 100 million. WrestleMania 42 will follow a hybrid distribution model, beginning on ESPN and ESPN2 before shifting to ESPN Unlimited domestically and Netflix internationally, reflecting WWE's continued evolution in broadcast and streaming strategy. Across weekly programming, championships changed hands on SmackDown and NXT, Bronson Reed suffered a distal biceps tear that forces creative adjustments, and AEW builds toward Revolution under schedule compression with MJF set to defend the AEW World Championship against Hangman Page in a Texas Death Match with permanent stakes language attached. Internationally, NJPW crowned new STRONG and Television champions, CMLL delivered a high stakes hair match at Arena México, and Mauro Ranallo joins commentary for Global Wars Canada. Episode 171 connects creative fallout, retirement finality, AI experimentation, revenue transparency, and shifting broadcast strategy as WrestleMania season accelerates. Listen now.      

The week Snead and Ace go two-wide for a great debate! Join us as we ask would WWE be in a better or worse spot if Vince never sold; if Hangman Page loses and is permanently barred from challenging for the AEW World Championship, does that truly close the door on him as a top babyface protagonist — or would the only viable path back to the title require a heel turn that justifies going back on the stipulation; and does WWE's decision to place DUDE Wipes branding directly onto Dominik Mysterio's ring gear represent a natural evolution of modern sponsorship integration under TKO, or does blending corporate partnerships with character presentation introduce new challenges for maintaining performer identity and audience immersion? It's going to be a fun week here at The Tavern, so to make sure you do not miss anything, go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

Shot of Nostalgia: Shuffle continues with your host Acefield Retro, and this week we revisit April 4, 1993, WrestleMania IX from Caesars Palace in Paradise, Nevada. The first fully outdoor WrestleMania. The World's Largest Toga Party. A Roman coliseum theme complete with live animals, trumpeters, and commentators fully committed to the presentation. But beyond the spectacle, this event represents a pivot. This episode traces the road into WrestleMania IX through the March and April 1993 Wrestling Observer Newsletter coverage, capturing a company navigating lawsuits, scrutiny, roster instability, and mounting pressure. Bret Hart entered as WWF Champion. Yokozuna had been elevated as the dominant Royal Rumble winner. Hulk Hogan had returned, but his long term direction was fluid rather than locked in. The structure of the card reflects that instability. Shawn Michaels versus Tatanka opens with an Intercontinental Championship match that creates movement without definitive closure, immediately signaling protection over payoff. The Steiner Brothers versus the Headshrinkers provide one of the night's most cohesive in ring performances, reinforcing how effective the tag division could be when execution was clean. Doink versus Crush leans heavily into character psychology and spectacle, highlighted by the double Doink finish. We examine the originally planned mechanical stunt that was scrapped and what that decision says about the era's emphasis on visual moments. Razor Ramon secures a direct win over Bob Backlund, continuing his steady rise. The Tag Team Championship match between Money Inc. and the Mega Maniacs unfolds through referee bumps, disqualification tension, and spectacle driven pacing. We revisit the reported late reshuffling that removed the originally planned tag title blow off and centered Hogan more prominently on the card. Lex Luger's WrestleMania debut against Mr. Perfect introduces rope leverage controversy and is layered with behind the scenes anecdotes that contribute to the uneven rhythm of the night. The Undertaker versus Giant Gonzalez becomes one of the most criticized finishes in WrestleMania history, prioritizing theatricality over decisive resolution. The championship picture ultimately defines the event. Bret Hart versus Yokozuna is framed as a generational collision until Mr. Fuji's salt interference shifts the WWF Championship. Moments later, Hulk Hogan enters, accepts an impromptu challenge, and captures the title in approximately twenty seconds. With three decades of hindsight, this episode examines whether that closing decision reflects creative confusion or calculated business pragmatism. The Observer context suggests urgency. The optics suggest an audible. The result reshaped Bret Hart's reign, altered Yokozuna's trajectory, and placed Hogan back on top during a volatile moment for the company. WrestleMania IX is remembered for its ending. It deserves to be studied for what it reveals about transition, pressure, and how quickly direction can change when stability becomes the priority. Shot of Nostalgia: Shuffle premieres Saturday wherever you listen. Like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the continued growth of the series. Visit TurnbuckleTavern.com for merchandise, archives, and the full network schedule. Support the project at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for exclusive content and extended deep dives. Powered by G FUEL and Dick Lazers. Use code TAVERN at checkout to save twenty percent on your entire order.  

It's Thursday, and you know what that means! It is time to walk through those Tavern doors and order up a round of professional wrestling coverage from One Bad Chad and Ol Reliable, Hoch! This week we talk AEW and all the happenings of the week! Make sure you go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

The RAWDOWN boys discuss all of the news coming out of RAW and Smackdown and get you caught up on all of the news happening inside and outside the ropes in WWE. Everything is on the table. This is just the tip of the iceberg with all of the stories and news going on in the WWE. Let's talk about it and everything else in the WWE Universe! WWE RAW, WWE Smackdown, NXT... It's all there! Come get your best weekly fix for all things WWE on The RAWDOWN, right here at The Turnbuckle Tavern! PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT, SHARE, & CLICK THE BELL! TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US! Go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern to join our Patreon for only $2.99/mo! 

Welcome to Episode 170 of Wrestling Tonight, powered by G FUEL and Dick Lazers. Use code TAVERN to save 20 percent at GFUEL.com and DickLazers.com. Acefield Retro and Chad return this week with a focused, comprehensive look at WWE Elimination Chamber: Chicago, and the broader business and legal context surrounding the event as WrestleMania 42 approaches. Elimination Chamber is not simply a February premium live event. The 2026 edition marks WWE's first televised event at the United Center since SummerSlam 1994, the first U.S.-based Elimination Chamber since 2021, and the final structural checkpoint before WrestleMania 42. With title implications and WrestleMania main event positioning attached to multiple matches, this show operates as a pivot point in WWE's calendar. We break down the full card in detail. The World Heavyweight Championship headlines in Chicago as CM Punk defends against Finn Bálor in Punk's hometown. What began as professional respect shifted into hostility after Bálor was excluded from the Royal Rumble match and responded with a direct assault on the champion. Despite reported hesitation from management within storyline, Bálor forced the issue and secured the title match. A Bálor victory would immediately reshape the WrestleMania 42 main event picture. The Women's Intercontinental Championship match between Becky Lynch and AJ Lee is built on competitive imbalance. Since returning, AJ has submitted Becky twice in non-title settings, creating a dynamic where the champion is defending not just a title but her standing within the division. This is less about opportunity and more about restoring hierarchy before WrestleMania season locks into place. Both Elimination Chamber matches will determine WrestleMania challengers. On the men's side, the field includes Drew McIntyre, LA Knight, Sami Zayn, Bron Breakker, and Damian Priest, with one final qualifying spot to be decided on the go-home edition of Raw. Historically, the Chamber has either elevated a rising star or reinforced an established main event presence. With a mix of veteran credibility and emerging power, WWE appears to be actively testing which direction serves WrestleMania best. The women's Chamber features Bayley, Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan, Jade Cargill, and Shayna Baszler, with one final entrant pending. Complicating the stakes is Rhea Ripley's pending WrestleMania decision as Royal Rumble winner. The eventual Chamber victor will not know their WrestleMania opponent until Ripley makes her choice, adding strategic uncertainty to the structure. Beyond the in-ring narrative, we examine WWE's reported restriction of public Elimination Chamber watch parties within the Chicago market. Multiple local venues were allegedly informed they could not host public viewing events. With ticket distribution reportedly below configuration and entry prices exceeding $260, the move appears connected to protecting live gate revenue. We discuss the business rationale, the optics in a historically strong WWE city, and the long-term implications for fan goodwill. We also address the week's most significant off-screen development. Janel Grant appeared publicly at a Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence briefing, where she discussed the impact of non-disclosure agreements in workplace misconduct cases and referenced the NDA central to her lawsuit against WWE and Vince McMahon. Grant spoke about the mental health toll of being publicly identified, her SEC whistleblower status, and directed remarks toward TKO leadership. As WrestleMania season accelerates, we analyze the corporate, legal, and reputational implications for WWE and its parent company. Additionally, reports indicate uncertainty regarding Chris Jericho's AEW contract status, with speculation that his deal may be paused or frozen during his television absence. While AEW has not confirmed details, the timing raises legitimate questions about contract structure, injury clauses, and potential movement in 2026. Inside the Chamber, WrestleMania challengers will be determined. Outside the ring, issues of access, optics, and corporate accountability continue to shape the broader conversation. Episode 170 examines both dimensions with clarity and depth as WrestleMania season moves into its decisive phase. Listen now.      

The week we are joined by Tanner from Kicking Out Pod! Join us as we ask should AEW run house shows in the US; outside of the Trios Championships, what is the biggest weak spot in AEW's current creative; and you can choose 4 talent (male or female) currently on the AEW roster to carry AEW in the 2030's, who are you choosing? It's going to be a fun week here at The Tavern, so to make sure you do not miss anything, go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!