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Shot of Nostalgia: The SmackDown Six Era rolls on with your host Acefield Retro, and this week we are stepping into one of the most important stretches of the entire project. Episode 5, titled Eddie Ascending, covers February through July 2003. This is the moment when SmackDown did more than outperform Raw in the ring. It found its emotional core. WrestleMania XIX proves that the blue brand is the company's true in-ring backbone. The United States Championship returns and gives the midcard real purpose. Eddie Guerrero moves out of the tag ranks and becomes the heart of WWE. We begin at No Way Out 2003. Brock Lesnar and Chris Benoit are placed in a 2 on 3 handicap match after Edge's sudden neck injury forces him off television. The entire structure of SmackDown changes overnight, but from that uncertainty comes a turning point. Lesnar and Benoit fight from underneath, Team Angle grows into something special, and the rivalry between Lesnar and Kurt Angle begins to intensify just weeks before WrestleMania. From there we head into WrestleMania XIX, a main event that almost collapses before it happens. Kurt Angle is wrestling with a severe neck injury that should have kept him out entirely. Brock Lesnar nearly lands on his head attempting the Shooting Star Press. Somehow the match still becomes one of the most dramatic finishes of the era. Brock leaves as champion. Angle proves again that he is superhuman. Despite injuries and constant reshuffling, SmackDown stands tall as WWE's true wrestling showcase. After WrestleMania, the story shifts to Eddie Guerrero. The booking becomes chaotic, but Eddie thrives when things get messy. His partnership with Tajiri looks random at first, but it quickly becomes inspired. We take a closer look at their Tag Team Championship run, including a complete watch along of the June 26, 2003 Madison Square Garden match against Roddy Piper and Sean O'Haire. The match captures everything special about this period. Nostalgia, comedy, wild character energy, and athleticism all blend together. Holding the titles gives Eddie the opportunity to show every piece of who he is. The humor, the intensity, the timing, and the emotion are all there. The second half of the episode focuses on the return of the United States Championship. Stephanie McMahon brings the title back to SmackDown, instantly giving the midcard a new sense of identity. The tournament becomes a showcase for Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit. Their Vengeance 2003 final is a 20 minute battle filled with technique, grit, creative shortcuts, and a major surprise from Rhyno. Eddie wins the championship with the Frog Splash, and the title immediately feels meaningful again because Eddie makes everything he touches feel important. We also explore the early signs of tension between Eddie and Chavo. Chavo's frustrations build quietly as Eddie's star begins to rise even higher. These small moments begin the emotional story that eventually leads to Chavo's turn later in 2003. It is layered and human and exactly the kind of storytelling that defined this era. Alongside the on screen events, we take a wider look at the company through the Wrestling Observer newsletters. Paul Heyman is quietly removed from creative. The injury list grows longer every week. WWE struggles to commit to a consistent style. Evolution never forms the way it was intended. Goldberg arrives and immediately loses momentum. Nostalgia and shock television fill airtime, while SmackDown continues to stand out through strong wrestling and grounded, character driven stories. Eddie's rise, the renewed importance of the United States Championship, and the remarkable depth of the midcard give the brand stability during a turbulent period. By the time we reach the summer of 2003, SmackDown is no longer simply the house that the SmackDown Six built. It becomes the place where Eddie Guerrero's redemption arc turns into the emotional heartbeat of the entire Ruthless Aggression era. Fans begin to see him not only as a great performer but as someone who could eventually lead the company. Shot of Nostalgia: The SmackDown Six Era Episode 5, Eddie Ascending, premieres Friday, December 5, 2025, wherever you listen. Like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the project. You can visit TurnbuckleTavern dot com for merchandise, archives, and the full network schedule, and you can join Patreon dot com slash The Turnbuckle Tavern for $2.99 a month to help keep these deep dives going. Powered by G FUEL and Dick Lazers. Use code TAVERN for 20 percent off your entire order.

It's Thursday, and you know what that means! It is time to walk through those Tavern doors and order up a round of professional wrestling coverage from 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 153 of Wrestling Tonight, powered by G FUEL and Dick Lazers — code TAVERN saves you 20%. Let's get into it. WWE delivered a historic Survivor Series: WarGames from Petco Park — the first outdoor Survivor Series ever, a stadium show under the Netflix/ESPN banner, and John Cena's final Survivor Series appearance. The Men's and Women's WarGames matches brought major spots, shifting alliances, and WrestleMania-season implications, while title bouts like Cena vs. Dominik Mysterio and Stephanie Vaquer vs. Nikki Bella pushed long-term stories forward. From surprise appearances to heel turns, injury updates, and post-show press conference fallout, Survivor Series shaped the next six weeks of WWE television. Meanwhile, the Last Time Is Now tournament is officially down to its final four. After Jey Uso outlasted Rusev and LA Knight put away The Miz — who manipulated his way into the bracket as Sheamus' injury replacement — the semifinals are set: Gunther vs. Solo Sikoa and Jey Uso vs. LA Knight. With Penta removed due to a legitimate shoulder injury and Carmelo Hayes falling to Gunther earlier in the week, the path to Cena's last opponent is clearer than ever. Both semifinals land on December 1 Raw, with the tournament final on December 5 SmackDown — and Cena's final match set for December 13 at Saturday Night's Main Event. AEW's week was no quieter, as the Continental Classic opened with upsets and instant storylines. Kyle Fletcher stunned Kazuchika Okada in the Gold League, Kevin Knight beat Darby Allin, and PAC debuted with a win over Mike Bailey — putting all three atop the standings. In the Blue League, Jon Moxley submitted Mascara Dorada, Claudio Castagnoli powered through Orange Cassidy, and Konosuke Takeshita defeated Roderick Strong to join the early three-point pack. Week 2 arrives with Moxley vs. Claudio, PAC vs. Okada, and Fletcher vs. Knight — plus the Women's World Tag Team Tournament semifinals in a Hardcore Holiday Death Match. Outside the rings, the industry is spinning. Claudio Castagnoli became CMLL World Heavyweight Champion in Mexico City. WWE reportedly made Chris Jericho a retirement storyline offer as his AEW contract nears its end. Andrade is negotiating his non-compete. Rush and Dralistico face surgeries. NXT Gold Rush delivered two major title changes. Seth Rollins outlined his WrestleMania-season comeback timeline. AEW and WWE are juggling schedule shifts, network demands, sponsorship deals, legal battles, backstage politics, injury updates, and new recruits — from high-level athletes entering the Performance Center to departures, surgeries, and reality-era conflicts reshaping locker rooms. And the week ahead is stacked: Moxley vs. Claudio, PAC vs. Okada, an AEW hardcore semifinal, NXT's Iron Survivor summit, The Culling explaining their betrayal, Briggs vs. Heights, TNA Impact fallout, Friday's SmackDown push toward December 13, and a wave of December tent-pole events — ROH Final Battle, NXT Deadline, AEW Winter Is Coming, TNA Final Resolution, AAA Guerra de Titanes, and Cena's farewell match.  

The week we are joined by The Rawdown's own JBugz! Join us as we ask should Roman Reigns have another title run given his limited appearances in 2024 & 2025; is there enough story going into War Games or is it built solely on big names; and was it the right move for Samoa Joe to beat Hangman at AEW Full Gear? It's going to be a fun week here at The Tavern, so to make sure you do not miss anything, go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

Shot of Nostalgia: The SmackDown Six Era continues with your host Acefield Retro as we revisit the stretch where SmackDown quietly became the best wrestling show in the world. Episode 4: The Golden Age of Tag Team Wrestling covers November 2002 through January 2003, the period when Paul Heyman's system reached perfect balance. Every story connected, every match mattered, and SmackDown had evolved into a complete wrestling ecosystem that thrived on craft, chemistry, and trust. It begins on the November 7 episode of SmackDown when Edge and Rey Mysterio finally defeated Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit in a two out of three falls match for the WWE Tag Team Titles. The match ran twenty four minutes and delivered a level of teamwork and precision that elevated the entire division. Just ten days later at Survivor Series 2002, Los Guerreros seized the spotlight by outsmarting both teams in one of the most celebrated triple threat tag matches of the decade. Their victory represented everything that made this era special. Eddie and Chavo's mix of wit, charisma, and timing made them the emotional center of SmackDown. This week's episode includes a special watch along of that match as we relive every moment of how they captured gold and redefined tag team storytelling. From there the show only gained momentum. On December 5, Angle, Benoit, Edge, and Eddie Guerrero met in a fatal four way elimination match that tied every rivalry together and showed how deeply Heyman's creative system was working. By the end of December, Team Angle had arrived. Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin debuted on December 26 as Kurt Angle's chosen proteges, a pair of amateur wrestling standouts who brought a new layer of technical excellence to the brand. That arrival carried the SmackDown philosophy into the next year. The run reached its peak in January when Benoit and Edge faced Team Angle and Kurt, leading directly into the Royal Rumble 2003 where Kurt Angle defended the WWE Championship against Chris Benoit in a match that remains one of the most respected in company history. We also look at the wider picture through the Wrestling Observer newsletters from late 2002 that captured just how different SmackDown's approach was compared to Raw. While Raw was relying on shock segments that turned viewers away, SmackDown was earning loyalty through clarity and consistency. The Observer also documented the behind the scenes chaos surrounding Hulk Hogan's negotiations with Vince McMahon. Hogan had been planned to return for Survivor Series against Brock Lesnar but refused to lose to him again. The standoff left Lesnar without his expected opponent and forced creative to shift focus, which in turn gave SmackDown's tag division more room to shine. It was the kind of unintended consequence that helped the blue brand rise even higher. Fans made their preference clear. Ratings climbed, crowd reactions intensified, and SmackDown became the heartbeat of WWE's weekly television. By early 2003, SmackDown was not competing with Raw anymore. It had become its own force. Every match carried meaning, every performer felt essential, and every story flowed naturally. This was the golden age of tag team wrestling, a time when structure, emotion, and athletic storytelling defined an entire generation of WWE television. Shot of Nostalgia: The SmackDown Six Era Episode 4 premieres Saturday, November 29, 2025, wherever you listen. Like, subscribe, and leave a review to help the show grow. Visit TurnbuckleTavern.com for merch, archives, and the full network schedule, and support the project at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for just 2.99 a month to keep these deep dives alive. Powered by G FUEL and Dick Lazers, use code TAVERN at checkout for 20 percent off your order.

It's Thursday, and you know what that means! It is time to walk through those Tavern doors and order up a round of professional wrestling coverage from 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 152 of Wrestling Tonight, powered by G FUEL and Dick Lazers — code TAVERN saves you 20%. Full Gear 2025 leaves AEW in a very different place than it entered. Samoa Joe left the steel cage as AEW World Champion after HOOK's unexpected alignment swung the match, and Swerve Strickland's return immediately complicated the fallout by standing beside Hangman Page. Across the rest of the card, several wrestlers shifted their standing at once: PAC reasserted himself, FTR and Brodido delivered one of the night's most reliable performances, Kyle O'Reilly submitted Jon Moxley again, Mark Briscoe fought through an exhausting challenge to become TNT Champion, and Kris Statlander recorded the biggest win of her run. With Neón's debut and a high-stakes trios match added to the mix, AEW used the event to create new directions rather than reinforce the old ones. WWE, meanwhile, is closing in on Survivor Series with every major angle converging at once. The WarGames lineups are finalized, AJ Lee's return has shifted alliances, Becky Lynch has crossed brands, and both Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns made their presence felt in Madison Square Garden. John Cena preparing to defend the Intercontinental Title against Dominik Mysterio in San Diego, Nikki Bella's first heel turn in years, and a suddenly active Women's World Title picture all add layers heading into WWE's first outdoor Survivor Series at Petco Park. Running alongside that build is the "Last Time Is Now" tournament, which finally settled its quarterfinal field — Gunther, Carmelo Hayes, Solo Sikoa, Penta, Jey Uso, Rusev, LA Knight, and The Miz — all moving one step closer to Cena's retirement match. Beyond WWE and AEW, TNA is deep in media-rights talks with AMC while expanding into most of Latin America, GCW named Atticus Cogar its new world champion, Laynie Luck arrived in WWE ID with a title already in hand, and Jacy Jayne reclaimed the NXT Women's Championship. It's one of those weeks where every promotion is making moves that appear designed for the long term, not just the show in front of them.

The week we are joined by Tanner from Kicking Out Pod! Join us as we ask is it time for Mox to be overtaken as leader of Death Riders; does Chris Jericho's comments on TNA/AEW taint his contributions to AEW? And does this telegraph him leaving the company; and what can AEW do in 2026 to make sure they remain as the number two promotion? 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!

The DeLorean's still running blue, and this week it lands in October 2002, the point where SmackDown stopped experimenting and started executing. In Episode 3 of Shot of Nostalgia: The SmackDown Six Era, we look back at No Mercy 2002, the night Paul Heyman's vision for wrestling took full shape. SmackDown had found its rhythm. While Raw chased spectacle, SmackDown focused on structure, timing, and storytelling. It became a show built around wrestling that felt alive and purposeful. The SmackDown Tag Team Championship Tournament showed exactly what that approach could do. Each team brought something different to the table. Angle and Benoit were reluctant partners whose precision outweighed their egos. Edge and Mysterio wrestled with emotion and energy that connected instantly with the crowd. Eddie and Chavo Guerrero mixed pride and deceit into something that felt effortless. We'll walk through the full month of October, from Edge and Rey's semifinal win over Simmons and D-Von, to Angle and Benoit's tense victory against Los Guerreros, and finally to the No Mercy 2002 finals. Angle and Benoit versus Edge and Mysterio remains one of the most complete tag matches WWE has ever produced. Every tag mattered, every transition meant something, and when Edge finally tapped to the Ankle Lock, the audience clapped because they understood what they had seen. We'll also revisit the aftermath, when the handshake between Benoit and Angle turned to chaos, the trophy broke, and Los Guerreros stepped in to take advantage. In that moment, the tag division reset, and SmackDown's golden run officially began. We're also doing a full watch-along of the No Mercy 2002 Tag Team Finals. Sync up the match, press play, and experience it with us as it happened. By the end of October 2002, SmackDown wasn't chasing Raw anymore. It was proving what weekly wrestling could be. More than two decades later, you can still see its fingerprints in AEW's tournament storytelling, WWE's renewed focus on the ring, and how modern wrestling builds from match to match. No Mercy wasn't about nostalgia. It was proof that the system worked. Episode 3 drops Friday at 7 PM ET. Join us for the full breakdown and watch-along. Like, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen. Support the project and get early access and bonus content at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for just $2.99 a month.    

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 151 of Wrestling Tonight, powered by G FUEL and Dick Lazers — use code TAVERN for 20% off. Acefield Retro is riding solo this week, and there's plenty to sort through across all three major promotions. AEW heads into Newark for Full Gear 2025, approaching the event as a marker for where the company stands heading into the new year. A steel cage world title match, a women's rivalry reaching its conclusion, the introduction of a new championship, and the lingering fallout from last week's Blood & Guts — including the first women's version of the match — give this show a lot of moving parts. AEW is promoting Full Gear as a "supercard," and the layout suggests they're aiming to steady the direction heading into 2026. In TNA, Turning Point left the company with more questions than answers. Frankie Kazarian's cash-in, the situation surrounding Mike Santana's weekend, and another NXT appearance have made the ongoing crossover angle feel increasingly unsettled. The matches were strong, but the overall perception of TNA's trajectory continues to be a topic of discussion. Over in WWE, the biggest story is straightforward: John Cena has completed the Grand Slam, and the "Last Time Is Now" tournament has begun. A mix of returning veterans, familiar rivals, NXT talent, and established stars are competing for the spot in what is expected to be Cena's final match. With three-hour SmackDowns returning and adjustments happening up and down the roster, the tournament is already influencing the company's direction. This week also brought the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame announcements, always a point of conversation regarding criteria, regional voting, and modern representation. Plus: NXT roster movement, reports of tension in AEW's locker room, Bound for Glory attendance concerns, notable returns on Raw, and even Punk and Roman Reigns appearing in upcoming Disney projects.

The week we are joined by The Rawdown's own JBugz! Join us as we ask who should be the one to face John Cena for his last match and should the match take place at a joint NXT show; what 3 NXT talent should be featured on SNME; and did AEW go too far by introducing the National Championship ? It's going to be a fun week here at The Tavern, so to make sure you do not miss anything, go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

The DeLorean's still parked under the blue lights — and in Episode 2 of Shot of Nostalgia: Season 7 – The SmackDown Six Era, we're stepping into the stretch where SmackDown built its identity. Acefield Retro breaks down Blueprint of Greatness, when Paul Heyman's creative direction started to take form. By late 2002, Raw leaned on promos and spectacle, while SmackDown focused on matches that told stories and defined characters. This episode features a watch-along of Edge vs. Eddie Guerrero (No DQ, 9/26/02) — a match that shows exactly how the SmackDown Six style came to life: physical, precise, and built on timing and trust. Also covered: • Angle vs. Mysterio at SummerSlam 2002 — A showcase of what WWE's new in-ring standard could be. • Angle & Benoit vs. Edge & Rey (8/29 SmackDown) — The match that revealed the SmackDown Six chemistry. • Los Guerreros form as a team — Eddie and Chavo add humor, arrogance, and cohesion to the division. • Tag Team Championship Tournament announcement — The moment Heyman's structure became official. By September, SmackDown wasn't trying to compete with Raw — it had its own rhythm, purpose, and storytelling approach. Presented by The Turnbuckle Tavern, where nostalgia meets conversation. Follow @TurnbuckleTavern and @AcefieldRetro for updates. Support the show on Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for early access, bonus episodes, and exclusive content for just $2.99 a month. New episodes air Fridays at 7 PM ET. Grab a seat, pour one up, and revisit the months where SmackDown built the Blueprint of Greatness.

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! 

Acefield Retro and Chad are back for Wrestling Tonight, and Episode 150 lands during one of the biggest weeks of the year. AEW is heading to Greensboro next Wednesday for Blood and Guts, live on TBS and HBO Max, with an expanded two-and-a-half-hour broadcast that feels closer to a pay-per-view than a weekly show. Hangman Page does battle against Powerhouse Hobbs in a Falls Count Anywhere match, the fifth men's Blood and Guts takes place, and for the first time ever, the women get their turn inside the cage. Greensboro isn't just another stop—it's the birthplace of WarGames, and AEW is honoring that legacy with a lineup that blends history, chaos, and spectacle. While AEW doubles down on its roots, WWE is rewriting its global playbook. Beginning in 2026, the company will run three Premium Live Events in Saudi Arabia, starting with Royal Rumble: Riyadh. The strategy is paying off in a big way. WWE officially surpassed UFC in both revenue and profit this quarter, powered by massive site fees and fewer but bigger shows. Nick Khan calls it "strategic scarcity," and the numbers prove him right. Fewer events, fuller arenas, higher prices, and bigger energy. Triple H continues to steer creative toward long-term storytelling, trading shock moments for layered narratives. The road to WrestleMania 43 runs through Montreal, Riyadh, and San Diego, with each stop feeling like a blockbuster on its own. Chelsea Green might be the story of the week. She reclaimed the Women's United States Championship on SmackDown, just days after winning the AAA Mixed Tag Titles with Ethan Page. Her rise from comic relief to crossover champion shows how WWE's new era is connecting international stories with mainline programming. AEW stirred its own headlines by unveiling the National Championship, sparking backlash from the NWA, who claim Tony Khan hijacked their legacy. Legal battles, brand pride, and a healthy dose of ego are turning a simple belt unveiling into one of the year's most intriguing real-world rivalries. Behind the scenes, AEW quietly moved its training and storage hub from Florida to Nashville, signaling a shift in infrastructure. Darby Allin celebrated a personal milestone as his long-awaited skatepark project with Tony Hawk was approved in Georgia, turning his offbeat persona into a real community legacy. In WWE, Drew McIntyre's meltdown and suspension following his attack on Cody Rhodes showed how fragile redemption arcs can be, while Ridge Holland's early release after his injury highlighted the harsh business side of the sport. And in Japan, the biggest emotional announcement of the year became official. Kazuchika Okada will face Hiroshi Tanahashi in Tanahashi's retirement match at Wrestle Kingdom 20. It's the final chapter in one of wrestling's greatest rivalries, a torch-passing moment that connects generations and promotions across the world. Outside the ring, the sports world is battling its own integrity crisis. The UFC is under FBI investigation for another betting scandal, and NBA figures like Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier were charged in a federal gambling probe. These headlines cast a long shadow over sports entertainment as TKO navigates its dual ownership of WWE and UFC. As gambling expands across platforms, the line between competition and speculation grows thinner. Protecting legitimacy will matter just as much as growing profit. Episode 150 captures wrestling at a crossroads. AEW is refining its identity, WWE is globalizing its empire, and TKO is turning the entire industry into a corporate powerhouse. The business is bigger than ever, but it's still driven by the same thing that always made it work—real stories, human stakes, and the pull of seeing what happens next. Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL, the clean energy that keeps you locked in for late-night shows and long nights on the mic. Save 20 percent with code TAVERN at GFUEL.com. And don't forget the ultimate prank gift—the official Dick Lazer—available now at DickLazers.com, also 20 percent off with code TAVERN. Support independent wrestling media, join the conversation, and as always, keep it Tavern.

The week we are joined by The Tavern's own Colton and Ace! Join us as we ask Is Logan Paul the piece that finally makes The Vision matter, or is WWE forcing a brand fit that won't last; Is Seth Rollins becoming one of wrestling's great "what if" stories, or have injuries stopped being a real setback in an era where stars never truly disappear; and If WWE approached AEW for a cross-promotional deal to feature Edge at Cena's farewell show, would saying yes make AEW look progressive or weak? It's going to be a fun week here at The Tavern, so to make sure you do not miss anything, go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

Shot of Nostalgia is back for Season 7, and we're jumping straight into one of the most important turning points in modern wrestling history. The DeLorean's set for 2002—a year where WWE was trying to figure itself out, and SmackDown quietly stole the show. Acefield Retro kicks things off with The Split & The Spark, covering March through July 2002, when everything started to change. The Invasion had fizzled out, the roster was packed to the brim, and WWE needed a new identity. The solution came in the form of the first-ever Brand Extension. Raw got the spectacle. SmackDown got the wrestlers. Under Paul Heyman's direction, SmackDown became a wrestling-first show built on pacing, precision, and purpose. And at the center of it all were six names—Kurt Angle, Eddie Guerrero, Chris Benoit, Edge, Rey Mysterio, and Chavo Guerrero. Together, they gave the show rhythm, personality, and heart. This episode revisits the early foundations of the SmackDown Six era, including: • The 2002 WWE Draft and how it reshaped the company • Eddie Guerrero's return and redemption match with Rob Van Dam at Backlash • Kurt Angle and Edge turning a Hair vs. Hair match at Judgment Day into a breakout moment for both • Rey Mysterio's WWE debut against Chavo Guerrero and the high-flying spark that made everyone stop and stare SmackDown wasn't supposed to be the show people talked about every week—but it became exactly that. Cleaner finishes, longer matches, and stories that actually paid off. For one summer, wrestling television just felt right again. Presented by The Turnbuckle Tavern, where nostalgia meets conversation. Follow @TurnbuckleTavern and @AcefieldRetro for updates, retro drops, and full discussions every Friday night. Support the show on Patreon at patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for just $2.99 a month to get early access, bonus content, and exclusive throwback coverage.

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! 

Acefield Retro & Chad are here for episode 149 to discuss all things pro wrestling. Salt Lake City's Saturday Night's Main Event captured WWE's late-2025 identity. CM Punk's World Heavyweight Championship win over Jey Uso gave the company a new anchor at the top, Cody Rhodes retained his Undisputed Championship in another clean, composed defense, and Jade Cargill officially began her reign as WWE Women's Champion by ending Tiffany Stratton's impressive year-long run. Dominik Mysterio continued his momentum with a smart, character-driven Intercontinental Title defense against Penta and Rusev. Seth Rollins confirmed a six-month recovery timeline following shoulder surgery after his Crown Jewel: Perth injury, officially ruling him out until spring 2026. WWE's creative direction remains centered on continuity, with Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed leading The Vision and the CM Punk–Roman Reigns alliance giving the upcoming Survivor Series: WarGames an established focal point. John Cena officially announced his final match will take place on Saturday Night's Main Event December 13 in Washington, D.C., closing a twenty-year career where it began. A 16-man cross-brand tournament will determine his last opponent, and as Cena teased, "not everyone in this tournament works here yet." Reports suggest Gunther is the favorite to face him, potentially setting up one last "passing of the torch" moment before Cena's retirement. Over in AEW, Tony Khan confirmed both lineups for Blood & Guts, set for November 12 in Greensboro. The men's match will see The Conglomeration (Orange Cassidy, Kyle O'Reilly, Mark Briscoe, Roderick Strong, and Darby Allin) face The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, Daniel Garcia, and PAC), while the first-ever women's Blood & Guts match will feature Mercedes Moné, Megan Bayne, Marina Shafir, Thekla, Julia Hart, and Skye Blue battling Kris Statlander, Toni Storm, Harley Cameron, Jamie Hayter, Queen Aminata, and Willow Nightingale. Meanwhile, Full Gear is beginning to take shape with Hangman Page vs. Samoa Joe for the AEW World Championship, Kris Statlander vs. Mercedes Moné for the Women's World Title, and FTR vs. Brodido for the Tag Titles among the confirmed bouts. AEW's focus on faction warfare, long-form storytelling, and cross-promotional balance continues to define its late-year build. Elsewhere, Chelsea Green signed a new five-year WWE deal through 2030 and is set to challenge for the AAA Mixed Tag Team Titles alongside Ethan Page at AAA Alianzas. Across the industry, promotions are closing the year by emphasizing stability, continuity, and legacy rather than volatility — a trend that defines wrestling's current moment as much as any title change. It was a week that highlighted structure over shock, balance over chaos, and transition over turbulence — a calm before what could be a seismic close to 2025 across all major promotions.

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

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

NXT's Halloween Havoc 2025 brought big moments and fresh direction across the board. Je'Von Evans & Leon Slater shined in the opener, Ethan Page retained in a brutal Day of the Dead match, and new champions emerged with Blake Monroe, Tatum Paxley, and DarkState all capturing gold. Ricky Saints closed the night with a clean win over Trick Williams, keeping his title reign steady as new challengers line up. In WWE, Seth Rollins' injury forced changes to Survivor Series: WarGames, but the CM Punk–Roman Reigns alliance remains intact. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed now anchor The Vision, ensuring the match still delivers major star power. Over in AEW, Tony Khan officially launched the Women's World Tag Team Title Tournament, featuring Jamie Hayter's return, Mercedes Moné & Athena's alliance, and Storm & Shirakawa's pairing, with the finals expected at Full Gear. Meanwhile, Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura is heavily rumored for Wrestle Kingdom 20, potentially serving as Tanahashi's retirement match. Elsewhere, AAA's Heroes Inmortales saw Dominik Mysterio retain his title, and The Wyatt Sicks escalate their eerie takeover. It was a week defined by new champions, shifting alliances, and dream match rumors — proof that wrestling's global storytelling keeps getting bigger and bolder.

The week we are joined by Jordan from GOAL LINE and The Chick Foley Show! Join us as we ask between WWE and AEW what wrestler is the most long overdue of a world title reign; is it more beneficial or a detriment to storytelling when a wrestler holds multiple titles at the same time in a promotion; and Is a one year non-compete after a firing too far, or if the contract is signed its fair game? It's going to be a fun week here at The Tavern, so to make sure you do not miss anything, go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

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

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

Episode 147 is live. Acefield Retro and Chad are back with a brand-new edition of Wrestling Tonight to break it all down, a massive week across AEW, WWE, and beyond. AEW WrestleDream 2025 in St. Louis felt like a complete show from start to finish. Every match had purpose, and every moment built toward something meaningful. Darby Allin finally defeated Jon Moxley in a violent but deeply emotional I Quit match that ended with Sting's return.  Hangman Page and Samoa Joe delivered the kind of world title match that rewards patience, ending with Page barely surviving before The Opps made their presence felt again. Cracks began to form in Don Callis' camp when Kazuchika Okada accidentally hit Takeshita with a Rainmaker, costing them the tag titles. Kris Statlander's win over Toni Storm was the title defense her reign needed, and Mercedes Moné continued her dominant streak by defeating Mina Shirakawa to break Ultimo Dragon's record. Elsewhere, Jurassic Express reunited to beat the Young Bucks in a fast, fun tag match that raised new questions about Kenny Omega's next move. Fletcher retained against Briscoe, Hayter and Thekla tore into each other, and The Hurt Syndicate picked up a strong win that puts them in line for gold. In WWE, Seth Rollins' shoulder injury could reshape the road to WrestleMania, but the larger story is the company's quiet rollout of an AI-driven storytelling system. Reports suggest WWE creative has begun testing artificial intelligence to help design character arcs, anticipate audience reactions, and fine-tune story pacing before scripts reach production. Whether this becomes a valuable tool or a creative crutch remains to be seen, but it marks a major shift in how wrestling stories might be told. Jacob Fatu's violent write-off and Ilja Dragunov's surprise United States Title win over Sami Zayn arrived with uncanny timing, fueling speculation that elements of the new system are already in play. Across the Pacific, AJ Styles may have wrestled his final match in Japan, closing the night with an emotional farewell speech delivered in Japanese by Shinsuke Nakamura. It was a week that balanced endings and beginnings. AEW delivered purposeful, organic storytelling while WWE stepped into uncharted territory by blending creativity with artificial intelligence. Wrestling keeps evolving, and nights like these remind everyone why they care.

The week we are joined by Tanner from Kicking Out Pod (KOP)! Join us as we ask who should the first inaugural AEW Women's Tag Team Champions be; who says “I Quit” at WrestleDream; and was it the right decision to bring back Jurassic Express? 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! 

This weekend captured the full scope of what wrestling looks like in 2025. WWE delivered layered storytelling and big moments in Perth, TNA tapped into its history and emotion in Lowell, and AEW kept its focus sharp heading into WrestleDream. Each promotion showed what makes it stand out in today's landscape. At Crown Jewel, Seth Rollins outlasted Cody Rhodes in a physical, methodical main event to win the Men's Crown Jewel Championship. The finish saw Rollins use the wristwatch Cody once gave him as a weapon before landing two Curb Stomps to close the show. Just 48 hours later on Raw, everything unraveled. The Vision turned on its leader — Bron Breakker dropped Rollins with a spear, Bronson Reed followed with a Tsunami, and Paul Heyman silently joined their side as Breakker raised the World Heavyweight Title. Rollins' declaration that he didn't need anyone came full circle in a single segment. Bronson Reed's weekend was career-defining. He pinned Roman Reigns in an Australian Street Fight after Jey Uso accidentally speared his cousin through a table. Afterward, Reigns told The Usos he loved them but didn't want to see them until Christmas — a rare glimpse of distance inside The Bloodline. Stephanie Vaquer's victory over Tiffany Stratton gave credibility to WWE's new women's title, Rhea Ripley's homecoming drew an emotional response, and John Cena's match with AJ Styles served as a fitting farewell to his international career. In Lowell, TNA's Bound for Glory focused on closure and renewal. Mike Santana defeated Trick Williams to capture the TNA World Championship in an emotional moment that felt earned. The Hardys and Team 3D shared the ring for what appeared to be their final meeting, giving the crowd one last look at a legendary rivalry. Leon Slater and Je'Von Evans delivered a standout X-Division match that showcased the next generation, even with interference affecting the outcome. AEW stayed consistent in its build to WrestleDream. The St. Louis card is locked in: Hangman Page vs. Samoa Joe for the world title, Jon Moxley vs. Darby Allin in an I Quit Match, Toni Storm vs. Kris Statlander for the women's championship, and Okada teaming with Konosuke Takeshita for tag gold. During an interview with Ariel Helwani, Allin said the locker room feels “as strong as it's ever been,” crediting a more focused and cooperative atmosphere behind the scenes. Meanwhile in Japan, Konosuke Takeshita defeated Zack Sabre Jr. to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at King of Pro-Wrestling. The 31-minute match saw Sabre attack Takeshita's neck before the new champion rallied with back-to-back Powerdrive Knees to close out Sabre's 106-day reign. Takeshita becomes the first AEW-contracted wrestler to hold New Japan's top title and will bring the championship into WrestleDream alongside Okada. The weekend showed just how global and interconnected wrestling has become. WWE continues refining its presentation, TNA is rebuilding through passion and legacy, AEW is focused on consistency and collaboration, and NJPW's partnership moments keep expanding what's possible in the modern era.

The week we are joined by JBUGZ from Rawdown and Travis from Wicked Bitter! Join us as we ask Is it best to have your top stars a special attraction(limited appearances) or be apart of the show in a major role weekly; is AEW and WWE really as different as the tribalistic fans want you to think; and who is more likely to turn heel first: Jey Uso or Iyo Sky? 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! 

It's one of the biggest and most unpredictable weeks of the year in professional wrestling, and Wrestling Tonight is here for all of it. Episode 145 takes you from the glow of Perth to the grit of Lowell, from The CW's cross-promotional chaos to AEW's calm confidence on Title Tuesday. Every company is making a statement and not all of them are speaking the same language. WWE Crown Jewel heads to Australia for the first time, trading the desert lights of Riyadh for the arena shine of Perth. On paper, it's a landmark: the first Crown Jewel outside Saudi Arabia, another PLE on ESPN in the US, and John Cena's final international PLE before retirement. But beneath the historic veneer, this show feels more corporate than creative. Cody Rhodes vs Seth Rollins is technically “brand warfare,” but the Crown Jewel title still feels like a branding exercise without meaning. Stephanie Vaquer vs Tiffany Stratton offers contrast and quality, but the match's stakes are as vague as the men's. Rhea Ripley's homecoming with Iyo Sky and Cena's farewell with AJ Styles will give the event its emotion, but the rest feels like presentation over purpose — a global commercial dressed up as a PLE. Across the ocean, TNA returns to Lowell for Bound for Glory, a show that should be the company's proudest moment but instead feels like a balancing act between rebirth and identity crisis. Trick Williams defends the TNA World Championship against Mike Santana in a match that will showcase charisma and intensity, but still carries the shadow of crossover influence. The Hardys and Team 3D will blow the roof off in a nostalgia-fueled tables match, yet it's a reminder that TNA's tag division still leans too heavily on its past. Leon Slater vs Je'Von Evans for the X Division Championship might be the purest wrestling of the night — a true flash of the TNA that once made fans believe. And Kelani Jordan vs Indi Hartwell for the Knockouts title should deliver, even if it highlights how much of the division's spotlight now comes from NXT. Bound for Glory 2025 will probably be a strong show bell-to-bell, but it's also an identity test — can TNA still feel like TNA while sharing its spotlight with WWE's developmental system? Meanwhile, AEW isn't flinching. Title Tuesday goes head-to-head with WWE and TNA's Showdown special on The CW, but Tony Khan isn't chasing the scoreboard anymore. AEW knows exactly what it is — and it's not playing defense. With Andrade El Idolo's shocking return and the debut of El Clon as the newest member of The Don Callis Family, AEW's creative direction feels confident, deliberate, and entirely its own. The “no-win” narrative misses the point: AEW doesn't need to win the week — it just needs to keep telling stories that matter. Elsewhere, Hikaru Shida confirmed she's re-signed with AEW, ending retirement rumors sparked by her stage work in Japan. And in Mexico, Bandido suffered a shoulder injury during his successful ROH World Title defense against Hechicero at CMLL Viernes Espectacular. Despite the setback, he's expected to continue teaming with Brody King as the AEW Tag Team Champions “Brodido.” The other side of that fight — the NXT/TNA Showdown — looks sharper than anyone expected after WWE scrapped the “Invasion” branding. The teams are locked, the captains are set, Mustafa Ali finally gets the North American Title shot he was promised before his 2023 release, and the tag titles from both companies go on the line between The Hardys and DarkState. Joe Hendry's vow to appear and Jordynne Grace's role as guest referee add the kind of wild-card energy that could make this one of the more memorable Tuesday nights in years. From Perth's global showcase to Lowell's nostalgia-fueled battleground, from AEW's quiet confidence to WWE's marketing machine, this week proves just how fragmented and fascinating the modern wrestling landscape has become. Every company is thriving — but not all of them know who they are.

We go 3-wide this week with The Two Bad Chads and Colton! Join us as we ask is this a true resurgence built by TNA, or a borrowed identity propped up by WWE that could collapse overnight; are open challenges the best vehicle for creating new stars quickly, or do they devalue matches that should be saved for big stages; and six years in, is AEW still the genuine alternative it set out to be, or has it become the very thing it tried not to be? 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, your weekly look at the stories shaping wrestling across WWE, AEW, TNA, NJPW, and beyond. Episode 144 arrives at a moment when legacies and momentum converge. WWE has confirmed John Cena against AJ Styles one final time at Crown Jewel in Perth, a meeting that feels less like a simple booking and more like the closing act of an era. Cena's farewell tour has been both celebratory and bittersweet, while Styles has spoken candidly about the end drawing near. This encounter is not about championships but about legacy, and about two icons crossing paths before the curtain falls. In Japan, IYO SKY returns home to face Mayu Iwatani at Marigold's Dream Destiny on October 26. The match is more than a dream pairing. It is a homecoming steeped in personal history and shared rivalries, a moment charged with emotion that underscores just how deeply both women have shaped modern wrestling. TNA continues to walk the line between revival and uncertainty. The Beautiful People's induction into the Hall of Fame at Bound for Glory honors the company's past influence, yet the ongoing Masha Slamovich investigation casts an undeniable shadow. The crossover with NXT has brought fresh attention, but it also raises questions of dependency, leaving many to wonder if TNA's momentum is truly its own or if it remains tied to WWE's spotlight. AEW has finally introduced Women's Tag Team Championships, a long requested step forward for the division. Eddie Kingston's return to the independent scene adds another chapter to his career, while Jazwares extending its partnership through 2026 offers stability for AEW's collectors and branding. Yet the company has also been at the center of renewed debate. Gail Kim's recent remarks about Riho's presentation during AEW's early days drew criticism, while Kenny Omega defended her, pointing to production struggles in AEW's infancy and the rich tradition of smaller joshi wrestlers headlining major events in Japan. The exchange has reignited a wider conversation about how Japanese women's wrestling is understood and respected in the United States. The aftermath of TNA Victory Road and NXT No Mercy continues to ripple. Ricky Saints stunned the wrestling world by ending Oba Femi's dominant reign, Tiffany Stratton weathered controversy to secure a match with Stephanie Vaquer at Crown Jewel, and Je'Von Evans once again stood out as a rising star even as his story became entangled with Josh Briggs. Championships have changed hands, rivalries have reignited, and the path to Bound for Glory is marked by both opportunity and instability. Episode 144 is about moments that appear to be turning points but could just as easily prove to be fault lines. Cena and Styles are closing a rivalry that defined an era, SKY and Iwatani are giving Marigold a showcase that will resonate for years, TNA is testing whether it can sustain true independence, and AEW continues to grow while navigating questions of stability in both its booking and its presentation of women's wrestling. This week reminds us that momentum can be borrowed, but legacy must be earned, and that the matches which endure are remembered not only for the victories but for what they represent when the lights fade. If you enjoy what we do at the Tavern, consider supporting us directly at patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern. Every contribution helps us keep the lights on, strengthen the community, and bring you more of the wrestling coverage you value.

Our guest this week is "Ol Reliable" Hoch! Join us as we ask is Gail Kim's critiques on Riho fair; should AEW end the Trios Championships or add the Women's championships; and is it a credible theory that WWE uses social media bots and purchased ALL OUT tickets to leave seats empty in an effort to hurt AEW, or is it just a conspiratorial cope? 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, your weekly look at the stories shaping wrestling across WWE, AEW, TNA, NJPW, and beyond. Episode 143 follows a weekend where WWE launched its ESPN era with WrestlePalooza in Indianapolis while AEW countered with All Out in Toronto. Both events delivered major matches, big surprises, and plenty of conversation about where the industry is headed. WrestlePalooza leaned on spectacle and presentation, framed as ESPN's debut showcase. Triple H welcomed fans to the “final form of sports entertainment,” Pat McAfee returned home to the announce desk, and Brock Lesnar dominated John Cena in what felt like another farewell chapter. Stephanie Vaquer captured the vacant Women's World Title from IYO SKY, AJ Lee returned to force Becky Lynch to tap in a mixed tag with CM Punk, and Cody Rhodes retained over Drew McIntyre in a physical main event. The Undertaker also appeared to announce Stephanie McMahon as the first Hall of Fame inductee for 2026. Behind the matches, WWE emphasized site-fee partnerships and ESPN executives promised editorial independence — “a separation of church and state” — while creative stays in WWE's hands. AEW's All Out was more chaotic and match-heavy. Adam Copeland and Christian Cage reunited against FTR in a feud intensified by Beth Copeland's involvement, Eddie Kingston returned and aligned with HOOK, and Mark Briscoe scored a career-defining win over MJF in a violent Tables & Tacks match. Kris Statlander shocked Toni Storm to win the Women's Title, Brodido retained the tag belts in a ladder match capped by the Jurassic Express reunion, and Jon Moxley beat Darby Allin in a Coffin Match with help from PAC. Kazuchika Okada outlasted Konosuke Takeshita and Máscara Dorada in the show-stealer, while Hangman Page retained the AEW World Title against Kyle Fletcher in a bout that elevated the 26-year-old as a future star. Taken together, WrestlePalooza was polished and corporate-friendly, AEW was riskier and more unpredictable. WWE projected mainstream legitimacy, AEW doubled down on edge and workrate. Neither show reinvented the wheel, but both reinforced their identities. Beyond the weekend, WrestleMania 43 is confirmed for Saudi Arabia in 2027, WWE will stage its first PLE in Italy in 2026, Joe Hendry is expected to move full-time to WWE, and Raja Jackson's arrest after attacking Syko Stu at a KnokX show has drawn widespread attention. Will Ospreay successfully underwent neck surgery, beginning a long recovery. The fall schedule remains packed with TNA Victory Road, NXT No Mercy, WWE Crown Jewel, TNA Bound for Glory, and AEW WrestleDream on deck. For now, the story is clear: WWE and AEW both planted flags this weekend — one through ESPN's polish, the other through chaos in Toronto. Support the Tavern at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern. Until next 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.

Our guest this week is Tanner from Kicking Out Pod! Join us as we ask should AEW re-sign Andrade; will AEW see an increase in popularity with the rising cost of WWE shows; and who should be the next person to take the Women's title off of Toni Storm? 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, your weekly deep dive into the stories shaping the wrestling world across WWE, AEW, NJPW, TNA, ROH, and beyond. Episode 142 may well be one of the most pivotal editions yet. We begin with WrestleMania 43, officially confirmed for Saudi Arabia in 2027. For the first time in its history, WWE's signature event will leave North America in a deal reportedly worth nine figures. Executives are calling it a milestone in global expansion, but to many fans it feels like the monetization of wrestling's most sacred tradition. We will examine what this means for WrestleMania Week, the independent promotions and fan culture it usually powers, and whether AEW is poised to step into the void that WWE has left behind. AEW is carving its own historic moment as All Out makes its debut in Toronto. A sold-out Scotiabank Arena will host one of the most ambitious cards in company history. With a special afternoon start time and a new streaming model through HBO Max, this event could be remembered as the moment AEW transformed from challenger brand to global force. Back in WWE, the long-dormant WrestlePalooza returns as a reimagined flagship event streaming on ESPN's new subscription service. With John Cena colliding with Brock Lesnar one last time, Cody Rhodes defending against Drew McIntyre, AJ Lee stepping back into the ring after more than a decade, and IYO SKY taking on Stephanie Vaquer for the vacant Women's Championship, the lineup promises spectacle. Yet the price point of $29.99 per month raises difficult questions. Can WWE justify charging fans significantly more for leaner cards and heavier advertising, or will WrestlePalooza become a case study in overreach? Meanwhile in AAA, Dominik Mysterio stunned the wrestling world by leaving Las Vegas as the new Mega Champion. It was a controversial finish, emblematic of the uneasy but fascinating partnership between WWE and AAA, and it leaves fans questioning what comes next for both promotions. We also discuss the WWE release of Andrade this weekend. What happened?  The week ahead is equally loaded, with Raw, SmackDown, NXT Homecoming, Impact, and AEW September to Remmember all set to deliver matches and moments that could shift the industry once again. All of this and more on Wrestling Tonight, where the stories are not just headlines but signposts of where the business is headed. And as always, support the Tavern by joining us at patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for exclusive content, bonus shows, and unfiltered conversation you will not find anywhere else. Follow us across social media @TurnbuckleTavern to stay locked in throughout the week. Until next time, kings and queens, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck, and good speed.