The Turnbuckle Tavern

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 of The Bad Chads, Snead, 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!

On Episode 129 of Wrestling Tonight, we examine a wrestling landscape defined by momentum, contradiction, and long-overdue reckonings. Gunther has once again ascended to the top of WWE's mountain, reclaiming the World Heavyweight Championship with a decisive victory over Jey Uso on Raw. After a legendary Intercontinental reign and a prior world title run, this latest chapter only reaffirms what many already knew—Gunther represents stability, precision, and quiet dominance in an era often ruled by noise. But if Gunther embodies discipline, CM Punk continues to wrestle with dualities—especially his own. Punk is now officially headed to Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia, where he'll face John Cena in a high-profile rematch years in the making. The match is compelling on paper, but the context is impossible to ignore. For much of his career, Punk positioned himself as a vocal critic of WWE's Saudi partnership. His participation now marks a sharp pivot—and raises fair questions about where principle ends and pragmatism begins. Across the globe, AEW prepares for a milestone event with Grand Slam: Mexico, a historic collaboration with CMLL at Arena México. The card brings together AEW's signature stars and Mexico's rich lucha tradition: MJF vs. Mistico, Mercedes Moné defending the CMLL Women's Championship, Ricochet returning to his roots in a four-way spectacle, and a lineup of elite trios competition featuring Okada, Ospreay, FTR, and more. It's not just a supercard—it's a cultural statement about what AEW wants to be. In Japan, NJPW's Dominion delivered a slate of meaningful outcomes and subtle shifts. Hirooki Goto retained the IWGP World Heavyweight Title after a grueling defense against Shingo Takagi, Konosuke Takeshita continues to cement his position ahead of the G1 despite his loss to Oleg Boltin, and EVIL's vicious dog collar match win over David Finlay paired with the Bullet Club's unraveling. With questions lingering around Hiroshi Tanahashi's G1 future, Dominion felt less like a culmination and more like a prologue to what's ahead. From Toronto to Tokyo, Mexico City to Riyadh, professional wrestling continues to evolve—sometimes with purpose, sometimes with contradiction, and always with stories that reflect more than what happens in the ring. Subscribe to Wrestling Tonight on Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, and follow @TurnbuckleTavern for weekly insight across WWE, AEW, NJPW, TNA, GCW, and beyond.

Our guests for this week are The Tavern's own, Ace and Colton! Join us as we ask was R-Truth's release a work or a shoot; what championship reign was more of a slap in the face: Kofi's or Jey Uso's; and are WWE fans accepting of AEW in-ring style when it is presented in a WWE ring? 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!

On Episode 128 of Wrestling Tonight, we're breaking down an absolutely jam-packed weekend across the wrestling landscape, featuring shocking returns, deathmatch glory, interpromotional clashes, and championship shakeups. WWE Money in the Bank 2025 saw Seth Rollins reemerge atop the men's division by capturing the briefcase in a wild ladder match, while Naomi completed her comeback story with a hard-fought win to secure the women's briefcase. John Cenahad the match under control but the real story came after, when a hooded attacker laid him out and unmasked as R-Truth, fresh off a reported release just days earlier. Triple H brushed it off post-show, saying only: “It's all part of the show.” Becky Lynch reclaimed the Women's IC Championship under dubious circumstances, and Dominik Mysterio narrowly retained the Intercontinental Title against AAA's Octagon Jr. TNA Against All Odds 2025 delivered major fallout from the Slammiversary build, with Nic Nemeth defending the TNA World Championship in a chaotic three-way, Ash By Elegance continuing her dominance, and Joe Hendry vowing revenge after dropping the Digital Media title. WWE x AAA: Worlds Collide brought dream matches to life in Los Angeles, headlined by El Hijo del Vikingo successfully defending the AAA Mega Championship against Chad Gable in a breathtaking main event. Ethan Page retained the North American Title in a frantic four-way, Legado del Fantasma topped Psycho Clown's trio, and Stephanie Vaquer & Lola Vice scored a big win over Dalys & Chik Tormenta. Dominik and Octagon Jr.'s post-match brawl set up their MITB showdown. GCW's Tournament of Survival X finally saw Matt Tremont capture the one prize that had eluded him, running the table in a brutal night of deathmatches and retaining the GCW Ultraviolent Title throughout. Tremont defeated Jimmy Lloyd and Shotzi Blackheart (who made her surprise indie return) in the opening round, Bobby Beverly in the semis, and Otis Cogar in the finals. Shotzi's deathmatch return turned heads and made a loud statement just weeks after her WWE contract expired. Also covered: Shotzi's indie schedule heats up with GCW Japan, MLW, PROGRESS, and Hoodslam WWE's evolving relationship with AAA and the future of cross-promotional events Fan backlash to the R-Truth “release” and whether WWE reversed course in response Subscribe to Wrestling Tonight on YouTube and all podcast platforms, and follow us @TurnbuckleTavern for all the latest headlines across WWE, AEW, NJPW, TNA, GCW, and beyond.  

Our guests for this week are J-Bone and Marco from The Rawdown! Join us as we ask is TKO going too far by allowing ads on weapons and are things like this abandoning lifelong fans; is the women's division bloated in WWE; and with Mariah May heading to WWE, has the recent wave of AEW wrestlers signing with WWE been a success? 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!

Welcome to Episode 127 of Wrestling Tonight! This week, we've got a loaded rundown of the wrestling landscape—everything from WWE's stacked Money in the Bank lineup to AEW's shifting roster and the high-stakes finals of NJPW's Best of the Super Juniors. Plus, we dig into WWE's continued schedule posturing, the latest on SmackDown's expanded format, and the bittersweet farewell to a hardcore legend. Money in the Bank Preview – Seth Rollins, Solo Sikoa, LA Knight, and others climb toward championship destiny in the Men's MITB – Rhea Ripley, Giulia, Naomi, and more headline the Women's MITB – Cena & Logan Paul vs. Cody & Jey, and Becky Lynch challenges Lyra Valkyria for the Intercontinental Women's Title We break down the card, matchups, and who's poised for a breakout summer. SmackDown's Third Hour Stays—for Now Despite repeated promises from Triple H that the third hour of SmackDown was “temporary,” WWE and USA Network are moving forward with the three-hour format indefinitely. The change, initially framed as an “experiment,” now looks like a ratings-driven decision, with no clear end date in sight. While a rollback to two hours is still technically on the table for the fall, fans are once again seeing the gap between creative promises and corporate outcomes.

Our guests for this week are Seth and Jordan from The Goal Line Podcast! Join us as we ask is moving All Out out of Chicago on Labor Day weekend ruining tradition or smart business; from a fan perspective, give a letter grade to the TKO era of WWE thus far, and should Mercedes Mone be the one facing Toni Storm at All In? 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!

Welcome to Episode 126 of Wrestling Tonight. This week, we break down a full slate of major events across AEW, WWE, TNA, and NJPW. AEW's Double or Nothing featured strong in-ring performances and key storyline developments. Hangman Page defeated Will Ospreay in a clean main event to win the Owen Hart Cup and earn a shot at Jon Moxley at All In: Texas. Anarchy in the Arena brought its usual level of spectacle, with Team Swerve overcoming The Death Riders and The Young Bucks. Mercedes Moné, Ricochet, Toni Storm, and FTR also notched meaningful wins. Tony Khan closed the weekend with updates on AEW's creative direction, backstage culture, and the announcement of All Out heading to Toronto. Over at NXT Battleground, Trick Williams pinned Joe Hendry to become the new TNA World Champion, marking the first time that title has changed hands at a WWE event. Stephanie Vaquer retained against Jordynne Grace in a hard-fought match, while Oba Femi and Sol Ruca continued their respective title reigns. On Saturday Night's Main Event, Cody Rhodes returned to confront John Cena and Logan Paul, setting up a major tag match for Money in the Bank. Damian Priest defeated Drew McIntyre in a steel cage match, and Bronson Reed aligned with Seth Rollins to form a new trio with Bron Breakker. We also look at TNA's Under Siege, where Masha Slamovich retained the Knockouts Title, Spitfire disbanded, and Mustafa Ali's faction showed signs of tension. Plus: WrestleMania 42 officially moves from New Orleans to Las Vegas, and we examine WWE's continued pattern of counter-programming AEW's major events. Also in this episode: Best of the Super Juniors tournament standings, Darby Allin's Mount Everest summit, and what AEW's expanding international calendar means going forward.

Our guest this week is Nick from Ring Fanatics Pod! Join us as we ask was it a smart move for AEW to not stream Double or Nothing on TrillerTV; is Gabe Kidd's alignment with the Death Riders a downgrade; and after reach the summit of Mount Everest, should Darby Allin be the person to dethrone Mox? It's going to be a fun week here at The Tavern, so make sure you don't miss anything and 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!

Welcome to Episode 125 of Wrestling Tonight! This week, we're diving into a massive weekend for pro wrestling with a double-header of marquee events: AEW's Double or Nothing and WWE's NXT Battleground. We've got full previews, card breakdowns, and story-driven analysis for both shows—plus a look ahead to Saturday Night's Main Event and the continuing fallout from Backlash.

Our guests this week are Tanner from Kicking Out Podcast and Travis from Wicked Bitter! Join us as we ask if CM Punk wrestles in Saudi Arabia, does he lose any credibility; should the Women's World Title match main event AEW All In; and should John Cena retire with the title or who should he lose it to before retiring? It's going to be a fun week here at The Tavern, so make sure you don't miss anything and 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!

Welcome to Wrestling Tonight, your weekly dive into the biggest stories across the wrestling world! This week, we recap WWE Backlash 2025, where Jeff Cobb made a surprise debut to assist Jacob Fatu in retaining the U.S. Title, Gunther overwhelmed Pat McAfee, and Lyra Valkyria edged out Becky Lynch in a standout Women's Intercontinental Title match. While the show had its moments, repeated interference and uneven pacing left some fans split. We also spotlight Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling's Northern Rising event from Toronto—an impressive showcase that saw Josh Alexander win the Canadian Championship and Gisele Shaw become the inaugural MLP Canadian Women's Champion. With Mauro Ranallo and Don Callis on commentary, MLP made a strong statement about its place on the North American scene. Over in California, NJPW Resurgence delivered a loaded card. AZM stunned Mercedes Moné and Mina Shirakawa to win the STRONG Women's Championship, while the IWGP World Title match between Hirooki Goto and Zack Sabre Jr. ended in a controversial double pin. United Empire claimed STRONG tag gold, and the generational BULLET CLUB rift deepened. Quick hitters include WWE's Night of Champions announcement for Saudi Arabia, AEW confirming Dynamite 300 for July 2 in Ontario, California, and the launch of AEW's “Grand Slam Mexico” week. Plus: Becky Lynch talks acting, MJF, and her current goals, while Shelton Benjamin publicly responds to Hulk Hogan's latest name flub. Support Wrestling Tonight by joining our Patreon for just $2.99/month at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern and follow us @turnbuckletavern for all the latest. Until next week, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans—God luck and good speed.

Our guest this week is wrestling media personality, Ella Jay! Join us as we ask which recent release will be have biggest blow/impact on WWE's future; Dakota Kai: where should she end up following her WWE release? AEW, TNA, STARDOM, other; and who should take the title off of Moxley: Hangman or Ospreay? It's going to be a fun week here at The Tavern, so make sure you don't miss anything and 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!

Welcome to Episode 123 of Wrestling Tonight! This week's focus is WWE Backlash, featuring John Cena defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against longtime rival Randy Orton. Other matches include Lyra Valkyria defending the Women's Intercontinental title against Becky Lynch, Pat McAfee's in-ring return against Gunther, Jey Uso facing Logan Paul for the World Heavyweight Championship, and Jacob Fatu defending the United States Championship in a four-way match with Drew McIntyre, LA Knight, and Damian Priest. Elsewhere, Hulk Hogan introduces Real American Freestyle (RAF), a new promotion debuting on August 30, emphasizing unscripted, athletic-based storytelling. WWE faces escalating legal matters, as additional plaintiffs join the ongoing ring boy lawsuit against the company, and Dr. Carlon Colker files a defamation lawsuit tied to the Janel Grant case. AEW's Darby Allin completed a record-setting kickflip at Mount Everest. Buddy Matthews is nearing his AEW return following injury, while wrestling legend Meiko Satomura officially retires after a 30-year career. We'll also cover news and updates from NJPW, TNA, and more. Follow the show on Patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern and on social media @turnbuckletavern for the latest updates. God luck and good speed!  

Our guest this week is Independent wrestling legend Chance Prophet! Join us as we ask has WWE reached the point to where they will never have another legitimate competitor in the pro-wrestling genre; with the growing ticket prices for a WWE event, will other companies see incremental growth; with the WWE acquisition of AAA, is it a positive or negative for pro-wrestling at large? 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!

Welcome back to Wrestling Tonight for Episode 122. Every week we're here breaking down everything happening across WWE, AEW, NJPW, TNA, and the rest of the wrestling world — the real stories, the real moves, and why they matter. This week, we start with The Rock, who has been making serious noise behind the scenes after WrestleMania 41. After stepping away from the Cody Rhodes and John Cena storyline at the last minute, The Rock is back in the spotlight — not just for creative decisions, but for a public clash with Busted Open's Dave LaGreca. We'll dig into what's really going on, how much influence The Rock actually has right now, and whether we're seeing the start of a bigger shift inside WWE. The returns didn't stop there either. Aleister Black made his long-awaited comeback on SmackDown, bringing back that dark, dangerous edge. Meanwhile over on Raw, Rusev returned in a big way. We'll break down what both of these returns could mean for WWE's summer plans, and where they might slot into the bigger picture. It wasn't all celebration though. Charlotte Flair had some strong words after the WrestleMania Roast crossed a few lines, and you can feel the real tension just under the surface. We'll talk about why this isn't just about bad jokes — it's about respect, the locker room atmosphere, and how things backstage might be a little more unsettled than they seem. In NXT, Noam Dar continues building a quietly historic resume. He's now the only four-time Heritage Cup Champion, and at a time when consistency is rare, Dar's steady presence is starting to stand out even more. We'll take a look at why this win matters, and why it might be signaling bigger things for NXT moving forward. Meanwhile, TNA Rebellion is shaping up to be one of the biggest cards of their modern era. Joe Hendry defends the World Title against Ethan Page and Frankie Kazarian. Masha Slamovich puts the Knockouts Championship on the line against a returning Tessa Blanchard. Ultimate X is back for the X-Division Title. The Hardys defend the Tag Titles against the Nemeth brothers. And Mustafa Ali vs Mike Santana in a Falls Count Anywhere match could end up stealing the show. We'll go match-by-match and get you ready for a night that could reshape the TNA landscape. And across the border, the battle for Mexico's wrestling future is heating up. AEW made the first move, announcing their upcoming Arena México show with CMLL — a historic partnership that immediately turned heads. Now WWE is responding in a big way, fast-tracking their plans following the acquisition of AAA and setting up their own events to plant a flag in the region. This isn't just about who can sell tickets — it's about who controls the narrative and future of lucha libre going forward. Finally, we'll close tonight by paying tribute to the late Steve "Mongo" McMichael. Mongo was one of a kind — NFL champion, Horseman, commentator, and larger-than-life personality inside and outside the ring. We'll share a few stories and a few laughs, and raise a glass to a guy who always gave the fans everything he had. Stick around — big moves, real emotion, and a lot to get into tonight on Wrestling Tonight. Grab a drink, pull up a chair — let's talk some wrestling.

Our guests for this week are Seth and Jordan from The Goal Line Podcast! Join us as we ask who is more responsible for WWE's current boom: Roman Reigns or Cody Rhodes; is the honeymoon over for HHH's booking in WWE; and was TNA's champion getting squashed on WrestleMania a bad look for TNA? 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!

On this week's Wrestling Tonight, we're diving into all the drama, surprises, and seismic moments from an unforgettable WrestleMania 41 weekend in Las Vegas. John Cena etched his name in the history books by defeating Cody Rhodes to become a 17-time world champion—surpassing Ric Flair's storied record. While undeniably historic, the match left fans divided: a legacy-defining moment for Cena, yet a puzzling conclusion to Rhodes' reign. And the WrestleMania headlines didn't stop in the ring. WWE officially announced its acquisition of Lucha Libre AAA, setting the stage for a “Worlds Collide” event with NXT this June. Triple H described it as a chance to elevate lucha libre on a global scale, though many are waiting to see how this merger will affect AAA's creative identity and independence. While WWE was making headlines, AEW delivered one of its strongest weeks of the year. Jon Moxley laid down a challenge to Samoa Joe, Nick Wayne captured the ROH TV Title, Josh Alexander made his surprise debut by joining the Don Callis Family, and Forbidden Door was announced for London's iconic O2 Arena. Back at WrestleMania, Jey Uso shocked the world by forcing Gunther to tap out in the opening match, and in the Night One main event, Paul Heyman dramatically aligned with Seth Rollins, who pinned Roman Reigns in a chaotic triple threat. Standout performances came from IYO SKY, Dominik Mysterio, and Drew McIntyre, while Night Two delivered a mix of highs and lows—an ongoing conversation on this week's show. Beyond the matches, the week was filled with headline-making moments. WWE President Nick Khan defended the company's “underdog” mentality. John Cena reflected on his relationship with Vince McMahon. CM Punk discussed WWE's push for a new five-year contract. And Roman Reigns opened up about his future in the ring. We also cover Sabu's emotional and brutal retirement match at Spring Break, Brodie Lee Jr.'s in-ring debut, and key developments from the WWE ID and NXT tournaments. With major movement across WWE, AEW, TNA, and NJPW, there's no shortage of stories to unpack. It's been a week of milestones, power moves, and turning points—and Wrestling Tonight is here to guide you through it all. Follow us on social @turnbuckletavern, support the show on Patreon for just $2.99/month, and until next week—stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. God luck and good speed.

Our guests this week are Scott from Going Ringside and Austin from Pro Wrestling Central! Join us as we ask is WrestleMania more about the spectacle than the actual product; did Vader make a mistake going to work for Vince McMahon; and what is the strongest booked mid-card championship in professional wrestling? 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!

Welcome to Wrestling Tonight, your go-to source for smart, thoughtful coverage of the entire wrestling landscape — from the bright lights of WWE and AEW to NJPW, TNA, and the vibrant indie scene. This is Episode 120, and it's our WrestleMania Week Megapreview — the most stacked episode of the year for the most stacked week of the year. We kick things off in Las Vegas with WrestleMania 41, and we've got your full match-by-match breakdown across both nights at Allegiant Stadium. From the decade-in-the-making Triple Threat between Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins, to Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena, Gunther vs. Jey Uso, and Tiffany Stratton vs. Charlotte Flair, this Mania card might be one of the most balanced and compelling we've seen in years. But Mania is just the start. We also spotlight the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025, with Triple H, Lex Luger, and Michelle McCool getting their flowers — and a special nod to the legendary Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin submission match from WrestleMania 13, now enshrined as the first-ever “Immortal Moment.” Then it's over to NXT Stand & Deliver, where the next generation looks to steal the weekend. We've got Oba Femi defending the NXT Title, a chaotic ladder match to crown the first Women's North American Champion, and crossover talent from TNA and NJPW thrown into the mix. From there, we pivot to the AEW side of things — and it's anything but quiet. PAC's latest injury has reshuffled the deck, and now Jon Moxley finds himself pulling double duty, defending both the AEW World Title and the Trios Championships. The Owen Hart Foundation Tournament is heating up too, with semifinal showdowns set: Will Ospreay vs. Konosuke Takeshita, Mercedes Moné vs. Athena, and more. Plus, The Hurt Syndicate (Lashley & Benjamin) are rolling, while Chris Jericho steps away from AEW — for now. We'll also take you through the key fallout from NJPW Windy City Riot, where Hiroshi Tanahashi wrestled his final U.S. match in an emotional clash with Konosuke Takeshita. Plus, Tomohiro Ishii claims gold in a brutal Iron Man Match, and Hirooki Goto continues his reign atop NJPW. And don't worry — we're not skipping the indies. Vegas is a wrestling playground this week. From the no-ropes chaos of Bloodsport XIII, to the glam of Effy's Big Gay Brunch 10, the spectacle of WrestleCon, and the unhinged insanity of Joey Janela's Spring Break, we run through every major show you should have on your radar — including talent, match cards, and where to stream it all. We wrap things up with your Las Vegas survival guide: How far is Allegiant from the Strip? What's the best way to get from Pearl Theater to T-Mobile Arena? Where to eat between sessions? And what's streaming on Peacock vs. FITE vs. Wrestle Universe?

Our guest this week is Tanner from Kicking Out Pod! Join us as we ask has the build to WrestleMania lived up to expectations; with recent signings, and rumor of Miro re-signing, is WWE getting too crowded again; and with the Young Bucks return at Dynasty, will Death Riders become hottest story in AEW? 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!

Welcome to Wrestling Tonight, your weekly source for thoughtful analysis and comprehensive coverage of professional wrestling across AEW, WWE, NJPW, TNA, and beyond. In Episode 119, we take a closer look at AEW Dynasty 2025, an event that may not have aimed for spectacle, but instead offered meaningful story progression and character development. From Kenny Omega's standout title defense in a triple threat against Ricochet and Speedball Mike Bailey to the chaotic main event between Jon Moxley and Swerve Strickland, the night reflected AEW's evolving creative direction. Key moments—such as the return of the Young Bucks, FTR's turn on Adam Copeland, and Okada's silent confrontation with Omega—signal major storylines moving forward. We also cover the emotional win by Bandido over Chris Jericho, Adam Cole's TNT Championship victory, and the strong showing by Megan Bayne in her title challenge against Toni Storm. These matches helped strengthen AEW's midcard and showcased the depth of the roster. Post-show insights from the media scrum, featuring comments from Toni Storm, Anthony Bowens, and Adam Cole, offered personal reflections on the night's impact and direction. Outside AEW, WWE made headlines this week with Kevin Owens announcing he will undergo neck surgery, officially pulling out of his scheduled WrestleMania 41 match. Meanwhile, CM Punk invoked his long-standing favor from Paul Heyman, asking Heyman to be in his corner for the main event at WrestleMania. The request set off a tense segment involving Roman Reigns, as Heyman, torn between loyalty and respect, made a surprising decision. Also featured in this week's episode: TNA rebrands the Digital Media Title as the International Championship, with a new tournament underway. NJPW's Best of the Super Juniors 32 field is set, with AEW's Nick Wayne and others making their debuts. Previewing the full schedule for WrestleMania week, including NXT Stand & Deliver, Bloodsport, Joey Janela's Spring Break, and more. AEW announces Fyter Fest's return as a four-hour special on June 4. A preview of NJPW Windy City Riot, featuring Hiroshi Tanahashi's final U.S. match and several high-stakes bouts. As the wrestling world builds toward a busy spring of major events, Wrestling Tonight continues to bring you timely updates, considered insights, and in-depth discussion. Thank you for listening and supporting the show. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and join us next week as we continue to follow the evolving stories across the wrestling landscape.

Our guest this week is Shane Hartline- actor, comedian and promoter of Nearly Average Wrestling! Join us as we ask does the old wrestling adage, “funny don't draw money” hold true today; if Sting's WWE run happened with Triple H in charge, how would it have been done; and who has the better women's division: WWE or AEW? 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 theturnbuckletavern.com 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 theturnbuckletavern.com for all your Tavern needs!

Welcome to Wrestling Tonight, where we bring clarity, context, and deeper perspective to the stories shaping the wrestling world. In Episode 118, we preview AEW Dynasty 2025 — a card filled with major title defenses, personal rivalries, and defining moments across the AEW roster. We break down the World Title main event between Jon Moxley and Swerve Strickland, a match built on tension, psychological warfare, and AEW's evolving identity. “Timeless” Toni Storm defends against Megan Bayne in a clash of showmanship and strength, while Kenny Omega puts his International Title on the line in a high-speed Triple Threat with Ricochet and “Speedball” Mike Bailey. We also look at Daniel Garcia vs. Adam Cole in a decisive TNT Championship match, a high-stakes ROH bout between Chris Jericho and Bandido, and the return of Rated FTR as they chase the Trios Titles. From there, we turn to WWE, where CM Punk is officially set to headline WrestleMania 41 in a Triple Threat with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. We trace the build, its connection to Shield history, and the implications of Punk finally reaching the main event stage — years after walking away. Also this week: The “Ric Flair Act” is introduced in the North Carolina Senate, proposing a feasibility study for a professional wrestling Hall of Fame museum honoring the state's rich wrestling heritage. AEW Dynamite is set to air its 289th episode on April 16 at Spring BreakThru — officially surpassing WCW Monday Nitro's run on Turner networks. Ethan Page returns to TNA, entering the Rebellion main event alongside Joe Hendry and Frankie Kazarian for the World Title. WWE announces the return of Evolution, its all-women's premium live event, and inducts Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin from WrestleMania 13 into the WWE Hall of Fame as a “Legacy Match.” Kevin Knight signs with AEW, five entrants are revealed for the 2025 Owen Hart Cup, and GCW's Spring Break 9 includes a chaotic Senior Scramble that captures the indie spirit. From AEW and WWE to GCW and TNA, this week's stories are about legacy, evolution, and the moments that connect past, present, and future.

Our guests for this week are Seth and Jordan from The Goal Line Podcast! Join us as we ask has Jon Moxley's legacy in AEW surpassed Dean Ambrose's legacy in WWE; from the loose partnership between WWE & GCW, which is more true: WWE gains "indie street cred" or GCW tarnishes their "outlaw" punk rock reputation; and should AEW go back to the 5 PPV a year model? 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 theturnbuckletavern.com 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 theturnbuckletavern.com for all your Tavern needs!

Welcome to Wrestling Tonight, where we bring clarity, context, and deeper perspective to the stories shaping the wrestling world. In Episode 117, we lead with WWE's most consequential announcement to date: Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and CM Punk will headline WrestleMania 41 in a long-awaited Triple Threat. It's a collision of former allies, bitter rivals, and legacy-defining stakes. We trace the path that brought them here — from Shield history to Royal Rumble chaos — and what this match means in a post-Bloodline WWE. We then turn to John Cena's blistering return promo in Brussels, where he seemingly severed ties with the fans who once defined his career. His scathing words — delivered with cutting intensity — reframed his past, questioned the crowd's loyalty, and set up a collision with Cody Rhodes that's as much about identity as it is about pride. Over in NJPW, David Finlay has claimed the 2025 New Japan Cup, setting up a date with destiny at Sakura Genesis. We break down his tournament run, his transformation into Bullet Club's modern leader, and what this moment means for NJPW's long-term direction. We also take a heartfelt detour to reflect on the retirement of ROH original Homicide, who wrestled his final match on his birthday in Brooklyn after revealing a serious medical diagnosis. It's the end of an era — and we celebrate the grit, fire, and legacy of a true indie legend. But that's not all — this episode is packed with compelling side stories and emerging threads from across the wrestling spectrum: Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling's rise and plans to crown its first-ever champions in Toronto. Updates on WWE's new ID Championship Tournament, launching during WrestleMania Week at GCW and FSW. Lex Luger's WWE Hall of Fame induction and his desire to be inducted by Sting — a request that could challenge the AEW/WWE divide. The growing chaos in NXT with the rise of the new faction Darkstate, and what it means for the brand's creative direction. The suspension of Alberto El Patron in Tijuana, and the fallout from his post-match incident. Jeff Jarrett's surprise return to AAA, promising to defend the vacated tag titles with a mystery partner at Rey de Reyes. Confirmations for GCW's Bloodsport XIII, including appearances from Pete Dunne, Karrion Kross, and Natalya during WrestleMania week. Konosuke Takeshita's House of Glory debut, adding more crossover intrigue to AEW's indie footprint. And early movement in the 2025 Owen Hart Cup, with Hangman Page and Will Ospreay the first entrants revealed. From headline-making moments to the undercurrents that keep the wrestling world thriving, Wrestling Tonight covers it all — with nuance, depth, and genuine passion. Join us for all of that and more at theturnbuckletavern.com, and support the show via Patreon for just $2.99 a month.