The Turnbuckle Tavern

Our guests for this week are Ella Jay and The MVP Marco! Join us as we ask who should be the one to dethrone TNA World Champion Trick Williams; does Nattie get the respect she deserves; and is MJF showing up in MLW to attack Mistico & reconnect with Hammerstone part of a bigger story that will bleed into AEW TV or just a fun one off? 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!

Wrestling Tonight: Episode 132 arrives at a moment where nearly every major promotion is pushing forward at once. AEW, WWE, NXT, TNA, ROH, and NJPW all have significant developments converging on a single weekend—each with something to prove and plenty to deliver. At the center is AEW All In: Texas, relocated from London's Wembley Stadium to Globe Life Field in Arlington. What began as a necessary shift has taken on new meaning, as AEW presents a lineup centered on legacy, rivalry, and change. Jon Moxley and Hangman Page revisit their violent history in a Texas Death Match. Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada meet again, years removed from their Tokyo Dome series, with both the Continental and International titles on the line. Toni Storm defends the AEW Women's Championship against Mercedes Moné, while The Young Bucks stake their executive roles against the rising challenge of Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay. Jim Ross returns to commentary, bringing a familiar voice back for a match that helped define this generation of wrestling. Meanwhile, WWE is poised for a major double-header. Evolution returns for the first time since 2018 as a full-scale PLE, headlined by Tiffany Stratton vs. Trish Stratus and IYO SKY vs. Rhea Ripley. Naomi and Jade Cargill aim to settle a personal score in a No Holds Barred match, and the tag and NXT titles are also in play. The night before, The Great American Bash sees NXT continue its partnership with TNA, including a tag match previewing Jordynne Grace's title shot, and Oba Femi defending the NXT Championship against Yoshiki Inamura. Trick Williams, Joe Hendry, and Mike Santana also meet for a contract signing ahead of their Slammiversary main event. Saturday Night's Main Event returns to NBC with a mix of nostalgia and current stakes. Gunther defends the World Heavyweight Title against Goldberg in what's being promoted as a retirement match. Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre continue their long-running rivalry, while Seth Rollins faces LA Knight with SummerSlam implications. Outside the ring, the broader landscape continues to shift. John Cena has confirmed his retirement match will take place in December. AJ Styles has signed a one-year extension, with the end of his in-ring career likely on the horizon. Tony Khan has commented on AEW's openness to international partnerships, while WWE's legal battle with Janel Grant intensifies, with new filings drawing in board-level communications and discovery disputes. Supercard of Honor adds more to the weekend, with Bandido vs. Konosuke Takeshita, Athena vs. Thunder Rosa, and The Infantry finally earning a shot at ROH tag team gold. Scorpio Sky also made his return on Collision, ending a long period of uncertainty in his AEW career. In Japan, the G1 Climax field is now finalized, with Ryohei Oiwa set to make his debut and YOSHI-HASHI returning for the first time since 2022. Gabe Kidd retained his IWGP Global Championship over Hiroshi Tanahashi, then publicly declared his intention to win the tournament—further solidifying his place in NJPW's next wave. This weekend marks not just a milestone, but a reflection of wrestling's current landscape interconnected, transitional, and constantly evolving. From stadium shows to streaming exclusives, legacy rivalries to first-time matchups, Wrestling Tonight covers the full spectrum. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, and follow @TurnbuckleTavern for live updates, interviews, and weekly insight across WWE, AEW, NJPW, TNA, ROH, and the independent scene. Until the following Monday, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. God luck and good speed.     Ask ChatGPT  

This week we go three-wide with The Two Bad Chads and Colton! Join us as we ask who's return will matter more: Cope, Orange Cassidy, Darby Allin, or Wardlow; who wins at All In: Mercedes Mone or Timeless Toni Storm; when Mox's briefcase is finally opened, will the title be inside; and if MJF wins the Gauntlet at All In, will he will the world title in 2025? 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!

Episode 131 of Wrestling Tonight dives into one of the most consequential weeks in professional wrestling, where spectacle met scandal and history was made on multiple fronts. At the center of it all was WWE's Night of Champions, an event clouded in geopolitical controversy and marked by dramatic in-ring developments. Headlining the show was John Cena, who emerged from his clash with CM Punk still Undisputed WWE Champion after a chaotic main event that seemed designed to frustrate rather than resolve. Punk's return to Saudi Arabia, after years of public criticism of the regime, added a complex emotional layer to the match—only to be further muddled by a murky finish and post-match taunting from Seth Rollins, who now looms large as a wild card with the Money in the Bank briefcase and Paul Heyman at his side. Elsewhere on the card, Cody Rhodes captured the King of the Ring crown in a ceremonial victory over Randy Orton, a bout more notable for its symbolism than its drama. Jade Cargill's Queen of the Ring triumph over Asuka was a visual spectacle but highlighted the steep learning curve she still faces. Sami Zayn, returning to Saudi Arabia for only the second time, scored an emotional victory over Karrion Kross in a moment that resonated deeply with the live crowd. The U.S. Title scene saw more chaos than clarity, with Solo Sikoa toppling Jacob Fatu in a match heavy on interference and light on clean resolution. WWE rounded out the event with a formal announcement: the 2026 Royal Rumble will be held in Riyadh, solidifying its long-term partnership with the Kingdom in a move that continues to stir debate about the company's global priorities and moral compass. Across the wrestling landscape, AEW is preparing for a record-setting night of its own as All In: Texas—set for July 12 at Globe Life Field—has already surpassed $2.5 million in gate revenue with over 19,000 paid tickets sold, becoming the most-attended non-WWE wrestling event in North American history. The event has begun to take shape with Mark Briscoe and Kris Statlander securing the first slots in their respective Casino Gauntlet matches, while JetSpeed—Mike Bailey and Kevin Knight—earned a title shot against The Hurt Syndicate after a fiery win on Dynamite. Their celebration was short-lived, as Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin, flanked by MVP and MJF, launched a brutal assault that left both challengers laid out, punctuating their dominance with a table-shattering finale. Back in NXT, Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo claimed the Heritage Cup in dramatic and controversial fashion, as interference from Luca Crusifino backfired, fracturing the D'Angelo Family and casting doubt over loyalties. Injuries continue to plague WWE's roster, with Liv Morgan undergoing shoulder surgery and Chad Gable reportedly sidelined following an on-screen arm-break angle with Penta. Gable is set for surgery in early July and may miss several months of action. Meanwhile, Keith Lee took to social media to reassure fans his prolonged AEW absence is not health-related but rather out of his hands, a quiet critique of creative stasis. ROH and CMLL's Global Wars event delivered one of the year's most stirring cards, headlined by Bandido's successful ROH World Title defense over Mascara Dorada in a lucha clinic that further cemented his reign. The night also featured the emotional submission victory of Blue Panther over Lee Moriarty, which led to a surprise appearance from Bryan Danielson. Days later, Danielson again shocked fans by returning after AEW Collision in a surprise segment with Max Caster, submitting him in seconds with the LeBell Lock after an assist from Adam Cole. For the night, Danielson aligned with Kyle O'Reilly as “Kyle Danielson,” delighting the Washington crowd with a heartfelt rendition of “The Final Countdown.” Elsewhere in the news, the legal pressure continues to mount for WWE as Janel Grant's legal team filed a sweeping discovery request seeking emails, board minutes, NDA drafts, and internal communications involving Vince McMahon, WWE HR, Linda McMahon, and Dr. Carlton Colker. The move is intended to challenge WWE's push for arbitration, arguing that Grant's allegations of coercion deserve to be scrutinized in open court. MLW found itself in AEW's crosshairs as MJF appeared unannounced at an MLW taping to attack Mistico, further fueling speculation of a storyline—or power play—between the companies. NJPW's G1 tournament suffered a personal setback as Bad Luck Fale withdrew following a loss in the family, opening the door for Satoshi Kojima to face Ryohei Oiwa in the play-in. Meanwhile, Bobby Lashley not only continues his dominance in AEW but has also been announced for a French indie show following Forbidden Door, while teasing a potential MMA return after appearing at a recent BKFC event. In the world of broadcast media, SiriusXM has announced the launch of Pro Wrestling Nation, a 24/7 channel devoted entirely to pro wrestling that will replace Fight Nation. The new station will feature expanded programming including Busted Open Radio, Off the Ropes with Jonathan Coachman, and shows hosted by Natalya and Denise Salcedo. And just across from Madison Square Garden, a new Hulk Hogan-themed bar called Slam is preparing to open its doors, promising fans memorabilia, MSG nostalgia, and a full-circle tribute to one of wrestling's most controversial icons. From Saudi stadiums to Texas megashows, courtroom battles to backstage power moves, Wrestling Tonight continues to bring you the full spectrum of professional wrestling in all its triumphs, contradictions, and unfinished stories. Be sure to subscribe to Wrestling Tonight on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts—and follow @TurnbuckleTavern for weekly insights across WWE, AEW, NJPW, TNA, ROH, and the independent scene.

Our guests for this week are Seth and Jordan from The Goal Line Podcast! Join us as we ask with Karrion Kross getting a rare match on Night of Champions, does he deserve a push to the top, or should he test free agency; is AEW muddying up the booking of Omega vs Okada at ALL IN; and in light of recent geopolitical events, who would be the best wrestler to work a 1991 Sgt. Slaughter-style gimmick as an Iranian sympathizer? 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!

On Episode 130 of Wrestling Tonight, we trace the line between spectacle and volatility as WWE prepares to stage Night of Champions in one of the most geopolitically tense environments the company has ever operated in. The event, set for June 28 in Riyadh, features John Cena vs. CM Punk for the WWE Championship—a match built on personal history, philosophical tension, and, now, moral ambiguity. Punk, once the most outspoken critic of WWE's Saudi partnership, now finds himself at the center of it. And while the match is poised to be a classic, the backdrop is far from fiction. Just days ago, the U.S. launched Operation Midnight Hammer, a bombing campaign on Iranian nuclear sites. Iran responded by vowing “everlasting consequences,” placing a target—symbolic or otherwise—on every American in the region. The UK government has issued active travel advisories, commercial flights have diverted around Iranian airspace, and yet, WWE is undeterred. The official statement is measured: “monitoring the situation.” But the unofficial stance is louder: we're going. With the 2026 Royal Rumble scheduled for Saudi Arabia, and WWE's billion-dollar deal with the Kingdom intact, there's little room for second thoughts. We explore the Formula 1 precedent, where missile fire near the circuit didn't stop the show, and how this moment once again pits corporate confidence against real-world caution. Meanwhile, Cena added fuel to the fire with a SmackDown promo that didn't just build the match—it dismantled Punk. Echoing Punk's own iconic Pipe Bomb from 2011, Cena turned the mirror around, calling Punk a hypocrite, “Mr. TKO,” and a man who peaked "seven minutes, fourteen years ago." It was biting, meta, and signaled that this isn't just a title defense—it's an ideological showdown. The rest of the Night of Champions card offers serious implications: Jacob Fatu defends the U.S. Championship against Solo Sikoa in a grudge match born from Bloodline fractures Dominik Mysterio puts the Intercontinental Title on the line against AJ Styles in a collision of lineage and legacy Randy Orton awaits Cody Rhodes or Jey Uso in the King of the Ring Final, with a SummerSlam title shot hanging in the balance Asuka stands tall in the Queen of the Ring Final, but will face either Jade Cargill or Roxanne Perez to earn her crown Beyond the Kingdom, WWE also confirmed a long-rumored farewell: Goldberg's final match will take place July 12 in Atlanta, facing Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship. After years of unfinished business and polarizing returns, Goldberg finally goes out on his own terms—with his son Gage by his side. We break down why this match matters, and why it may be the right curtain call. Over in TNA, the Order 4 civil war escalates as Cedric Alexander makes his surprise debut, confronting Mustafa Ali and drawing battle lines inside the most unstable faction in the company. With Jason Hotch re-signing and Skyler caught in the crossfire, TNA quietly continues to tell one of the strongest faction stories in wrestling today. Also in this episode: Stephanie McMahon calls Vince “his own biggest nemesis”, as lawsuits and new ventures define his post-WWE chapter SmackDown returns to two hours starting July 4, ending a brief and polarizing experiment Los Garza win AAA Tag Team gold at Triplemania Regia in their hometown of Monterrey Mercedes Moné wins the CMLL Women's Championship but is ambushed by Toni Storm as their All In collision looms Jon Moxley & AEW sued over an unscripted incident from a 2023 Dynamite taping Tony Khan weighs in on AEW's future amid Warner Bros. Discovery's corporate split Hook confirms his concussion, but says a return is near From Riyadh to Atlanta, TNA's tapings in Pittsburgh to AEW's shifting alliances, this week in wrestling isn't just about matches—it's about how much risk this industry is willing to shoulder in the name of business, legacy, and control. Subscribe to Wrestling Tonight on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, and follow @TurnbuckleTavern for weekly coverage of WWE, AEW, TNA, NJPW, GCW, and more.  

Our guests this week are Tanner from Kicking Out Podcast and Travis from Wicked Bitter! Join us as we ask did WWE take the title off Jey Uso too soon and will he ever be champion again; with the major story lines building towards All Yn, is Forbidden Door lost in the sauce this year; and if Jon Moxley beats Hangman at All In, who should ultimately take the belt off of him? 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 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!