WRESTLING SOUP

00:00 – Opening Banter & Audio Troubles 00:50 – Plastic Surgery in Wrestling 02:42 – Saturday Night’s Main Event Reactions 03:36 – The Influence of Algorithms & Internet Culture 05:29 – Comparing Ads – Podcasts vs. Corporations 09:52 – John Cena’s Retirement & Legacy 14:30 – Wrestling Storytelling & Nostalgia 26:44 – Foreign Invader Storylines & WWE’s Global Image 52:31 – Sports Illustrated Wrestling Awards 1:05:00 – State of Women’s Wrestling & Ambition 1:23:44 – Closing Thoughts & Community Updates Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .

Join Anthony and Joe as they dive deep into the latest Monday Night Raw, dissecting the fallout from John Cena’s retirement, Gunther’s controversial win, and the current state of WWE’s creative direction. From hilarious opening banter to sharp critiques of booking decisions, this episode covers it all—plus, thoughts on Logan Paul, Nikki Bella, and the future of wrestling’s biggest stars. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, you’ll find plenty to laugh about and ponder in this unfiltered, passionate review. :gunshot: 00:00 – Cold Open & Banter: Reubens, fiber, and afternoon delight 01:10 – Anthony and Joe introduce the show 02:10 – Raw Recap: “Not trying” and the feeling of a series finale 03:00 – Gunther’s Booking: What did he do wrong? 05:00 – The Cena Conundrum: Why is everyone mad at Gunther? 08:00 – Storyline Analysis: Is WWE leaning on old tropes? 10:00 – The Foreign Heel: Are fans booing for the right reasons? 12:00 – WWE’s Creative Direction: Locker room reactions and missed opportunities 15:00 – Logan Paul in the Main Event: Is WWE out of ideas? 18:00 – Nikki Bella, Stephanie, and the Women’s Division 21:00 – Booking Blunders: Austin Theory, LA Knight, and crowd reactions 25:00 – WWE’s Business Model: International tours, ticket prices, and fan fatigue 28:00 – The Future of WWE: Can the product survive on hype alone? 31:00 – Side Tangents: Mr. Beast Land, Randy Orton, and Saudi Arabia 34:00 – Wrapping Up: Listener voicemails, final thoughts, and what’s next Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more wrestling reviews and discussions! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .

We went live on YouTube immediately following Saturday Night’s Main Event, and let’s be honest—the chat saw exactly what we saw. We watched the "End of an Era," but instead of an emotional goodbye, WWE gave us a retirement party planned by a focus group. It was sterile, it was underwhelming, and it was the definition of corporate.We break down the disconnect: The audience wanted to give Cena his flowers, but the execution was lifeless. We talk about Gunther being the absolute right guy for the job, but being handcuffed by "cheeseball" booking that felt like it was written for a cartoon in 1988, not a retirement in 2025. The H Machine managed to take a historic moment and make it feel like an HR meeting.We also touched on the rest of the card—briefly—because we had to. We look at Cody Rhodes vs. Oba Femi, Bayley mixing it up with Sol Ruca, and AJ Styles & Dragon Lee in a tag match against... I’ve already forgotten their names, and judging by the crowd reaction, so did everyone else.Come for the rant on the booking, stay for the reality check on Cena’s farewell. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .

This episode covers the swirling rumors about the possible reveal of Ricky Starks, and the ever-changing landscape of wrestling stables. The guys debate the merits of Austin Theory, Ricky Starks, and other rising stars, while reflecting on the booking decisions of WWE and the influence of Netflix on the product. You'll also hear their takes on John Cena's retirement match, the future of top talents like Gunther, and the challenges facing both new and veteran wrestlers. Plus, enjoy candid discussions about wrestling's international expansion, the business side of the industry, and plenty of hilarious side tangents about music videos, celebrity appearances, and more. 0:00 - WWE Rumors & Ricky Starks Speculation 15:00 - Austin Theory, Ethan Page, and the State of WWE Booking 30:00 - John Cena's Retirement & Future of the Roster 45:00 - International Expansion & Netflix's Role 1:00:00 - Wrestling in Pop Culture & Final Thoughts Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .

In this episode of Wrestling Soup, Joe and Anthony dive into the latest Monday Night Raw, breaking down the highs, lows, and everything in between. The guys discuss the rushed Maxine Dupree and Natty storyline, critique WWE’s current creative direction, and share their thoughts on the state of the women’s division. They also touch on the War Raiders’ booking, the ongoing saga of the Usos and New Day, and speculate about the future with so many top stars nearing retirement. Tthe hosts debate whether AI is secretly running WWE and what the company needs to do to get back on track. Show opens, Joe and Anthony banter about going live and introduce the show. Discussion about Monday Night Raw, initial reactions, and Anthony’s viewing habits. Raw review: Maxine Dupree and Natty promo, and the rushed storyline. Commentary on the state of WWE creative, including Triple H’s absence and speculation about AI writing the show. War Raiders segment: critique of the state of tag teams. Jay and Jim Uso segment, New Day’s involvement, and the lack of heat for tag titles. Talk about upcoming retirements: AJ Styles, Randy Orton, Sheamus, John Cena, and the future of WWE’s roster. Women’s division focus: Stephanie promo, Nikki Bella’s appearance, Raquel Rodriguez’s involvement. More on the women’s matches: Rox vs. Lyra Valkyria, makeup mishaps. Main event setup: Logan Paul, LA Knight, and the Masked Man angle. Criticism of Logan Paul’s inexperience and the need for better booking/protection of new talent. Final thoughts: lackluster promos, Gunther’s segment, and the overall poor quality of the show. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .

0:00 – Opening banter, ice cream and mall food courts 1:45 – Dippin' Dots and ice cream nostalgia 3:03 – Bubble tea and unique drinks 5:23 – Ben & Jerry’s, ice cream in Chicago 8:22 – Movie and pop culture discussion 18:56 – WWE, John Cena, and wrestling business talk 31:11 – The Rock, Roman Reigns, and wrestling storylines 47:23 – WWE business, ESPN, and pay-per-view pricing 1:00:00 – Audience, ticket prices, and wrestling economics 1:20:00 – Security at wrestling events, Paige story 1:34:52 – Closing remarks, shoutouts, and outro Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .

In this episode, Anthony and Joe deliver a sharp, humorous, and unfiltered review of WWE’s latest programming, focusing on the fallout from War Games and the current state of Monday Night Raw. They debate the quality of the pay-per-view, critique WWE’s creative direction and booking—especially the use of gimmick matches and the influence of agents and writers—and discuss the ongoing storylines involving Jay Uso, Roman Reigns, and the Bloodline. The hosts also spotlight the women’s division, particularly the evolving dynamic between Maxine Dupree and Natalya, and praise standout performances like Gunther’s match with Solo Sikoa. Throughout, they mix wrestling insight with fan perspective, touch on the live event experience and ticket prices, and offer forward-looking thoughts on WWE’s future, all while keeping the conversation lively and engaging. 00:06 – The challenge of grading multi-person matches 01:10 – Cage match gimmicks and creative frustrations 05:31 – Blame game: creative, agents, and match quality 06:10 – Extended intro and transition to Raw review 06:10 – Jay Uso’s storyline and emotional promo 18:11 – Roman Reigns, Bloodline, and the future of the faction 22:55 – Under Armour ad parody and Maxine Dupree’s storyline 30:33 – Natty as a mentor and women’s division storytelling 36:00 – Maxine Dupree’s character direction and limitations 54:00 – WWE’s use of veteran talent 01:01:50 – Raw’s “epic” billing and show structure critique 01:20:00 – Main event: Women’s tag match and aftermath 01:28:36 – Closing thoughts, Gunther praise, and sign-off Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .

Wrestling Soup: WarGames 2025 - The "Vision" is Blurry Joe Numbas, Anthony, and Jon Draper (@iamjondraper @spitball_media) break down a chaotic night at Petco Park where cages were locked, legends were embarrassed, and masked men ruined the finish. We’re NOT a wrestling show, we’re a show that happens to witness John Cena get hit in the yam bag. Women's WarGames (The "Nostalgia" Pop): AJ Lee proves she can still go (and make people tap), Iyo Sky attempts to murder herself with a trash can dive, and Team Ripley picks up the win over Team "Why is Lash Legend here?". The Retirement Tour Detour: John Cena does the honors for Dominik Mysterio. We discuss the "passing of the torch" (or just passing of the heat) and whether Dom actually needs the Intercontinental Title. Liv Morgan’s "Shocking" Return: The swerve that wasn't really a swerve. Liv returns, teases a face turn, and immediately low-blows Cena. The Judgment Day soap opera continues forever. Stephanie Vaquer vs. Nikki Bella: A match that happened. Vaquer retains the Women's World Title, and we question if the "Bella Army" still has any recruits left in 2025. Men's WarGames (Old Guard vs. The Vision): The "Bloodline & Friends" reunion tour hits a wall. Brock Lesnar collects a massive paycheck to throw a few suplexes, and The Vision (Breakker, Reed, McIntyre, Logan Paul) actually gets the win. The Masked Man Mystery: Who helped Bron Breakker pin CM Punk? Was it Seth? Austin Theory? We fantasy book the worst possible options and complain about interference finishes in a cage match. Final Thoughts: Was this "Cinema" or just a very long episode of Raw with a fence? Listen to the show that HAPPENS to talk about wrestling. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .

00:00 - Intro & Wrestling Soup Banter 00:35 - John Cena & Becky Lynch Podcast Drama 01:19 - Seth Rollins and John Morrison Comparisons 02:33 - Becky Lynch’s Industry Revelations 09:08 - Polygamy, Relationships, and Seth’s Past 11:31 - Will Ospreay, Wrestling Risks & Injuries 16:00 - Partying, Addiction, and Life Choices 18:51 - Survivor Series Preview 29:00 - Petco vs. PetSmart & Cat Food Tangent 33:36 - Survivor Series Women’s Match Breakdown 46:42 - Men’s War Games Match Analysis 51:00 - John Cena vs. Dominic Mysterio 53:20 - Fantasy Booking: Lumberjack Strap Match 55:30 - Thanksgiving Wrap-Up & Outro 56:17 - End of Show Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .

00:36 - Health Update & Sick Kids 05:00 - Raw & SmackDown Ratings Discussion 07:44 - AI in WWE & Creative Stagnation 11:40 - Long Entrances & Filler Segments 19:55 - Carmelo Hayes vs. Gunther Discussion 21:01 - Gunther’s Character & Booking 24:45 - USOs Tag Team Dynamics 29:05 - Dominic Mysterio Angle 36:00 - Ray Mysterio vs. JD McDonough 40:07 - Becky Lynch, Nia Jax, and Women’s War Games Segment 48:58 - Solo Sikoa vs. Penta & Injury 54:00 - Logan Paul’s Role & Booking 01:06:00 - Main Event Chaos & Show Wrap-up Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .

00:00 - Intro & Spanish Commentary Surprises 01:21 - Show Overview & First Impressions 03:50 - Grande Americano: The Local Hero 04:36 - Production Quality & No English Commentary 06:10 - Lucha Libre vs. WWE Style 07:47 - Recap: Why the Main Event Matters 08:40 - Founders of AAA Presentation 09:25 - Cruiserweight #1 Contender Match: Axiom vs. Jovan Evans vs. Octagon Jr. 14:05 - Match Analysis: High-Flying Action & Selling 16:11 - Jovan Evans Wins, Sets Up December 20th 16:32 - Tag Team Chaos: Psycho Circus vs. El Hojo’s Team 18:46 - No Rules, Wild Spots, and Table Bumps 20:06 - Psycho Circus Wins, Aftermath & Wyatt 6 Tease 24:01 - Promo: Vikingo & Dragon Lee, Crowd Reactions 27:01 - Mixed Tag Team Title Match: Lola Vice & Mr. Iguana vs. Chelsea Green & Ethan Page 30:41 - Intergender Action & WWE Influence 33:01 - Finish: Kendo Stick, Title Retained, Wagner Run-In 36:00 - Main Event: Dragon Lee, Vikingo, Grande Americano, Dominik Mysterio 39:18 - Crowd Dynamics: Heels & Faces Reversed 41:01 - Grande Americano’s Crowd Work 43:00 - Match Finish: Grande Americano & Dominik Win 45:00 - Lucha Brothers Challenge for December 20th 47:00 - Final Thoughts & Upcoming Matches 49:00 - Plugs: YouTube, Patreon, Socials 52:00 - Outro & Thank Yous Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .

Did people really hate Jar Jar Binks? James Earl Jones is the most recognizable voice for white nationalists in the galaxy. unpacking accidental hatred Did mental deficiencies hold Kanye back? Did Kim make Kanye worse? Fan gets weird with AJ Lee A practical way to stop stalkers in 2025 The line between what makes a creep Ancient Chinese secret on how to get rid of your Boston accent Joe talks about the South Mish breaks down the new ad-pocalypse Wrap up. Shitbox next week for Cena's retirement. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .

00:00 – Cat stories and pet banter 06:00 – Reincarnation jokes & animal personalities 15:00 – Mercedes Moné’s belts & wrestling fandom 25:00 – Marks, kayfabe, and fan double standards 45:00 – AEW, Tony Khan, and wrestling media 01:15:00 – Ratings talk, Jericho’s future, and the AEW roster 01:30:00 – Bella Twins, Nick Hogan, and celebrity wrestling 01:35:00 – Wrap-up & shoutouts Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .

Wrestling has been uneventful lately, but recent developments on SmackDown have sparked interest. Drew McIntyre is being positioned as a key member of "the Vision" stable, possibly replacing Seth Rollins. Drew has lost many matches in the past, but aligning him with Paul Heyman and others could revitalize his character. Bronson Reed is being elevated and is no longer treated as a secondary character. WWE often struggles to build multiple stars at once, focusing too much on one or two at a time. The Bloodline and Judgment Day stables succeeded because every member had a role and story. There’s skepticism about WWE’s long-term planning, especially with sudden changes due to injuries. Merchandise and branding are a big focus, sometimes at the expense of storytelling. Judgment Day members are likely to become babyfaces soon due to their popularity. Managers are lacking in WWE; bringing back more managers could help talent who struggle with promos. The women’s division is giving midcard titles to less experienced but marketable wrestlers. Some matches and segments (e.g., Maxine Dupree vs. Becky Lynch, Jade Cargill’s push) are criticized for prioritizing looks over in-ring skill. Ticket and merchandise prices are rising, but many feel the product quality isn’t keeping up. Nostalgia acts (like John Cena) are used to boost interest, but there’s concern about what comes after. The show’s structure sometimes puts the biggest moments at the start, making the rest feel less important. There’s debate about past booking decisions, like John Cena’s role in the Nexus storyline. New talent like Jevon Evans shows promise, but there’s concern about how WWE will develop them. The episode ends with thanks to listeners and promotion for related shows. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .

0:00 – 13:00 Show opens. Joe and Anthony greet each other and start discussing the AEW Blood and Guts show, with initial banter about recording and the state of the show. 13:00 – 55:00 Deep dive into AEW women’s wrestling: match quality, specific wrestlers (Sky Blue, Julia Hart, Mina Shirakawa, etc.), and comparisons to WWE. Includes jokes and critiques about in-ring skills and presentation. 55:00 – 1:20:00 Broader analysis of the women’s division, talent scouting, and the differences between AEW and WWE’s approach to developing female wrestlers. Discussion of individual potential and shortcomings. 1:20:00 – 1:35:00 The conversation shifts to the men’s division, with humorous commentary on appearance, performance, and the overall quality of AEW’s male roster. Includes tangents about pop culture, gaming, and generational differences. 1:35:00 – End (~1:36:00) Closing thoughts, shoutouts to friends and other podcasts, and wrapping up the episode. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .

Anthony and Joe kick off the episode with technical difficulties and banter about everyday frustrations, quickly segueing into Thanksgiving travel woes and the quirks of city life. The conversation shifts to wrestling, with commentary on the current state of WWE and AEW, including recent releases, backstage drama, and the challenges of building new stars. They discuss the significance of John Cena’s return, the aging roster, and the future of the industry, touching on topics like ticket prices, fan engagement, and the economics of wrestling entertainment. The episode wraps up with a review of Monday Night Raw, thoughts on the women’s division, and reflections on the changing landscape of professional wrestling. 1:10 – Thanksgiving plans, travel, and family stories 3:00 – E-bikes, city traffic, and TikTok moments 4:30 – Wrestling high spots, the evolution of risk, and show open 5:15 – “Wrestling Soup” intro, weather, and Discord updates 6:00 – AEW and WWE news, Sasha Banks, and the women’s 250 list 8:00 – Teagan Knox walkout, enhancement talent, and backstage communication 13:00 – WWE releases, indie vs. TV wrestling, and career trajectories 17:00 – The ethics of walking out, fan reactions, and women’s wrestling narratives 25:00 – Monday Night Raw recap: John Cena’s appearance, Triple H, and Boston crowd 32:00 – Tournament talk: aging stars, new prospects, and the future of WWE 38:00 – CM Punk, Paul Heyman, and the “season finale” energy of current storylines 45:00 – The economics of wrestling, streaming, and fan accessibility 50:00 – Reflections on John Cena’s legacy, accessibility, and fan engagement 58:00 – Main event: Women’s tag match, War Games hype, and closing thoughts 1:18:00 – Final banter, Patreon plugs, and sign-off Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .

00:41 – Discussion of AEW fan signs, merchandise, and Hangman Page’s recent notoriety. 02:54 – Introduction of AEW’s new book and its author “Keg”; first impressions. 09:05 – Early history of Tony Khan’s wrestling fandom and the book’s revisionist approach. 11:41 – The book’s portrayal of the wrestling landscape, including shots at NWA and other promotions. 13:05 – Comparisons to DK encyclopedias and children’s books; the book’s visual style. 14:31 – Excerpts from the book: Tony Khan’s early internet wrestling community experiences. 23:29 – The real indie wrestling boom, with a critique of the book’s selective history. 24:22 – TNA’s role in wrestling and the broader landscape of promotions. 25:10 – AEW’s impact on the indies and the book’s self-promotional tone. 26:38 – The “all-star” mentality of AEW and its approach to talent acquisition. 35:14 – The timing of the book’s release and the perception of AEW as a “clown show.” 37:25 – Satirical comparison: “If Scientology was a wrestling promotion, this would be AEW.” 41:40 – Comparison of fast food pricing/business models to wrestling ticket pricing. 45:30 – The Hart family, championship collecting, and the credibility of wrestling titles. 57:13 – Introduction of AEW’s new championship and Tommy Dreamer’s reaction. 59:13 – Dave Meltzer’s response to criticism about the proliferation of wrestling titles. 1:02:01 – Jokes about the “Undisputed Continental” title and the absurdity of belt names. 1:06:53 – Disney’s partnership with DraftKings and the implications for WWE. 1:08:25 – WWE’s ticket pricing, touring model, and the economics of live events. 1:22:34 – Broader challenges in wrestling and the cost of living. 1:41:55 – Eva Marie’s interview about WWE, performing, and the Ridge Holland scenario. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .

Joe and Anthony introduce the new AEW book by Keith Elliot Greenberg and joke about AEW’s impact and fleeting trends. [01:15–02:42] Natty’s Book, Family, and Wrestling Books Discussion shifts to Natalya’s (Natty) book, her family, and playful speculation about her choices for the book’s foreword. [02:42–04:55] Q&A, Natty, and Wrestling Culture Pat’s Q&A with Natty is mentioned, leading to a brainstorm of “offensive” questions and anecdotes about wrestling personalities. [04:55–07:07] Relationships, Social Media, and WWE Raw The conversation moves to wrestler relationships, breakups, and social media rumors, then transitions into a recap of WWE Raw. [07:07–19:27] Raw Recap: CM Punk, Logan Paul, and Storylines Detailed breakdown of Raw’s opening: CM Punk’s promo, Logan Paul’s appearance, and the evolving heel/face dynamics. Discussion of crowd reactions, character motivations, and storyline complexity. [19:27–29:00] Character Arcs: Jay Uso, Logan Paul, and Group Dynamics In-depth analysis of Jay Uso’s character, his “rehab” arc, and the challenges of keeping characters fresh. Debate about Logan Paul’s future role and potential alliances. [29:00–35:59] Women’s Division: Matches, Characters, and Critique Review of women’s matches, including Nikki Bella, Raquel Rodriguez, and others. Opinions on character development, in-ring chemistry, and the need for new talent. [35:59–44:01] Tag Teams, Promos, and Match Quality Recap of tag team matches, including AJ Styles and Dragon Lee vs. Judgment Day. Commentary on match repetition and crowd investment. [44:01–50:58] Judgment Day, Dominic Mysterio, and Family Drama Focus on Dominic Mysterio’s storyline with his father Rey, crowd reactions, and the challenge of maintaining heel heat. [50:58–57:29] Becky Lynch, Oscar, and Women’s Storylines Critique of Becky Lynch’s promos, Oscar’s role, and the direction of the women’s division. [57:29–1:04:34] Tag Team Chemistry, Division Depth, and AEW vs. WWE Analysis of tag team chemistry, the struggle to build new stars, and the believability of certain matchups. The conversation turns to AEW’s book, its cover, and comparisons to WWE’s marketing power. [1:04:34–1:21:20] Closing Thoughts, Book Covers, and Patreon Shoutouts The hosts wrap up with final thoughts, jokes about wrestling fandom, and sign off. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .

04:30 – General Thoughts on the Event The hosts share their initial impressions, noting the event’s short runtime and lack of commercials. 06:00 – WWE’s Scheduling & Locations Discussion about WWE’s event scheduling, Las Vegas residencies, and the business side of show locations. 09:00 – Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre Match In-depth analysis of the opening match, its formulaic nature, and Drew’s booking woes. Commentary on repeated knee injury spots and agent decisions. 18:20 – Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill Critique of the women’s title match, Jade’s readiness, and Tiffany’s regression. Speculation on alternative champions and the state of the women’s division. 28:30 – Intercontinental Championship: Dominik, Penta, and Sev The hosts’ favorite match of the night, highlighting creative spots, crowd engagement, and why it stood out. 34:00 – “Last Time is Now” Tournament & John Cena’s Retirement Reactions to the announcement of the new tournament, speculation on participants, and thoughts on potential matchups. 38:30 – Main Event: CM Punk vs. Jey Uso for the Vacant Title Detailed breakdown of the main event, crowd reactions, and the booking logic. Discussion on the implications of Punk’s win and Jey Uso’s performance. 45:00 – Event Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts The hosts reflect on the event as a whole, debate the best match, and tease future episodes. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .

02:00 – Anthony and Joe discuss AI, music, and Luther Vandross 09:30 – Cultural perceptions and coming out in the 80s/90s 13:00 – Social media, bots, and the “dead internet” theory 17:00 – Honesty and discourse on the internet, generational changes 21:20 – Ronda Rousey’s interview, career, and public perception 24:00 – Ronda’s transition from UFC to WWE, timeline, and fan reactions 28:00 – Ronda’s WWE promos, apraxia, and criticism 32:00 – Ronda’s current projects, validation, and public feuds 36:00 – Tyrus, Trump, and wrestling’s political circus 41:00 – Eddie Guerrero’s daughter Sherilyn starts wrestling, family drama 46:00 – Late starts in wrestling, nepo babies, and industry challenges 52:00 – Brad Maddox, Vince McMahon, and WWE’s odd rules 58:00 – Paige, Chyna, and double standards in wrestling 1:05:00 – Enzo Amore’s interview, firing, and rap response 1:12:00 – Andrade’s AEW/WWE journey, family sacrifices, and future 1:20:00 – Closing banter, Patreon plug, and Halloween wishes Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .

0:00 – 1:00 Uce Uce Uce Uce, 4 letters, one-word. 1:00 – 5:00 Initial reactions to Monday Night Raw. Anthony finds it “so bad it’s good,” while Joe is more forgiving. They riff on WWE’s quirks, including character nicknames and the ongoing “Kyrie sucks” storyline. 5:00 – 10:00 Discussion of Jey Uso’s prominence on Raw, the overuse of certain wrestlers, and WWE’s tendency to ignore negative fan feedback (e.g., YouTube dislikes). The hosts debate the logic behind booking decisions and the company’s response to criticism. 10:00 – 20:00 Analysis of the Jey/Jimmy Uso storyline, speculation about heel turns, and the “couples” trend in WWE. Joe and Anthony critique the lack of realism and emotional whiplash in the storytelling. 20:00 – 30:00 Match quality talk: praise for in-ring performances, even in less compelling storylines. Nikki Bella’s ongoing run is dissected, with jokes about her career trajectory and WWE’s habit of giving veterans “one last run.” 30:00 – 40:00 Regional and character humor: New York accents, Discord nicknames, and Bubba Ray Dudley’s creative advice for LA Knight. The hosts lampoon the idea of taking away LA Knight’s voice and WWE’s experimentation with AI. 40:00 – 55:00 LA Knight’s booking woes, the challenge of building new stars, and the disconnect between online wrestling discourse and reality. The conversation shifts to Rhea Ripley vs. Brock Lesnar comparisons and the pitfalls of trusting “fan” opinions. SmackDown as the “secondary brand,” the futility of brand splits, and nostalgia for the days when champions floated between shows. The hosts brainstorm fantasy Survivor Series matches (Irish vs. Samoans, “race war” jokes, etc.). Women’s division talk: Alexa Bliss, Charlotte, Bayley, and the awkwardness of current storylines. The hosts praise Bayley’s authenticity and critique the prevalence of cosmetic surgery among other wrestlers. Main event and title scene: Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill, and the booking of women’s championship matches. Predictions for upcoming events and speculation about Naomi’s return. Saturday Night’s Main Event preview: IC title match (Dominik Mysterio vs. Penta vs. Rusev), WWE and World Heavyweight title matches (Cody vs. Drew, CM Punk vs. Jey Uso). The hosts discuss possible outcomes, interference, and the future of various stars. 1:31:00 – End Closing thoughts: generational change in wrestling, the challenge of building new main eventers, and the emotional focus of current storylines (especially Jey Uso’s “feelings”). The show wraps with plugs for Patreon and a tease for the next episode. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .

01:47 – 03:39 | Ticket Prices, TKO Era, and Hidden Fees Anthony breaks down the dramatic rise in wrestling ticket prices since the TKO era, including the impact of fees and taxes, and how attending live events has become more expensive. 03:39 – 06:00 | The Cost of Entertainment & International Comparisons Joe and Anthony share stories about the rising costs of entertainment, including ATM fees in the US and abroad, and how price gouging is everywhere. 06:00 – 10:39 | Toy Collecting, Wrestling Figures, and AEW Merch Anthony recounts stories about rare wrestling toys, the decline in value of AEW merchandise, and the changing landscape of collectibles. The hosts discuss the local comic shop scene and the fate of AEW action figures. 10:39 – 13:36 | MVP’s Critique of Wrestling Journalism Anthony plays a clip of MVP criticizing wrestling journalism, star ratings, and the disconnect between wrestlers and the media. The hosts analyze MVP’s points and the ongoing debate about wrestling coverage. 13:36 – 22:00 | AEW’s Young Talent, Veteran Advice, and Industry Frustrations A deep dive into the challenges of getting younger wrestlers to heed veteran advice, the career prospects of AEW stars, and the realities of aging in the business. The hosts debate whether it’s worth trying to change the culture. 22:00 – 25:00 | Billy Gunn, Longevity, and the Next Generation Anthony and Joe discuss Billy Gunn’s career after 60, his approach to wrestling, and the prospects for his sons in WWE. 25:00 – 28:00 | Andrade, Non-Competes, and Wrestling Contracts The conversation shifts to Andrade’s career moves, the complexities of non-compete clauses, and the peculiarities of wrestling contracts. 28:00 – 32:00 | Vince Russo, NWA, and Wrestling’s Old Guard A humorous look at Vince Russo’s potential influence on NWA, the tropes he might bring, and the generational divide in wrestling creative. 32:00 – 36:00 | Goldberg’s Streak, Legacy, and Retirement Anthony and Joe analyze Goldberg’s recent interview, his obsession with his win streak, and the broader implications for wrestling legacies. 36:00 – 39:00 | Nakamura’s Ambitions, Foreign Heels, and WWE Storylines Discussion of Shinsuke Nakamura’s goal to become WWE champion, the “foreign heel” trope, and how classic wrestling storylines could be updated for today. 39:00 – End (~1:05:17) | Closing Thoughts, Shoutouts, and Sign-Off Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .

Join LuFisto, Jeff Lippman, and Dr. Gina Possin for a full breakdown of LFG: every contestant, every coach, and a psychological look at the season! Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Theme 00:09 - Meet the Hosts & Special Guest 01:41 - Dr. Gina Possin’s Background 03:19 - What is IO Psychology? 03:59 - Applying Psychology to Wrestling 04:11 - Why Dr. Gina is Qualified 04:59 - Wrestling as a Workplace 08:25 - Bubba Ray Dudley: Coaching Style 10:49 - Bubba’s Relationships with Contestants 14:49 - Zena’s Journey & Leadership Fit 21:56 - Ace Jameson’s Growth 22:34 - Bubba’s Coaching Outcomes 32:55 - Booker T: Dramatic Teaching & Tactics 35:19 - Booker’s Team: Harlem, Chris Island, Tiana Duma 57:40 - Serena’s Progress & Personality 60:04 - Michelle McCool: Transformational Leadership 65:24 - Michelle’s Team: Trill, Summer, Panina, Anthony Luke 78:17 - Undertaker: Old School Meets New School 88:27 - Drake Moreau’s Growth 89:57 - Shiloh & Finals Analysis 97:46 - Bailey Humphreys: Confidence & Sensitivity 99:57 - Danny: Attitude, Character, and Winning 102:24 - Sean’s Decisions & Contestant Reactions 108:08 - Recovering from Loss & Career Advice 110:50 - BJ Ray: Attitude, Self-Sabotage, and Manager Potential 116:55 - Emotional Regulation in Wrestling 120:41 - Coaches, Criticism, and Modern Athlete Mindset 123:18 - Parenting, Entitlement, and Social Trends 125:25 - Hosts’ Self-Analysis & Show Wrap-Up 127:41 - Where to Follow the Hosts 132:29 - Final Thoughts & Outro Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .

Join Anthony and Joe as they dive into the latest in wrestling, from WWE and AEW drama to in-depth match analysis, character arcs, and the wild world of wrestling personalities. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and check out our Patreon for exclusive content! Timestamps: 00:00 - Weekend Wrestling Recap: WWE in Japan & AEW’s Big Event 09:45 - AEW’s Late-Night Antics & Family Friendly Drowning? 18:00 - Warner Brothers Sale Rumors & AEW’s Ongoing Issues 43:00 - Darby Allin’s Recklessness and Character Analysis 54:35 - WWE Raw Review: Character Work & Maxine’s Standout Performance 01:05:00 - Becky Lynch, Paul Heyman, and the Power Dynamic 01:10:00 - Tag Team Championship: AJ Styles & Dragon Lee vs. Judgment Day 01:13:00 - Women’s Division, Kabuki Warriors, and Show Wrap-Up Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .

00:20 – Andrade Watch 2025 Speculation runs wild about Andrade’s absence from TV, with plenty of jokes and theories about his whereabouts and contract status. 02:17 – Show Intro & Brian Alvarez Drivel Anthony officially introduces the show and shares updates from Brian Alvarez on Andrade’s situation. 02:47 – Andrade WWE Non-Compete Clause The hosts dig into the details of WWE’s non-compete clauses, what they mean for Andrade, and how they affect wrestlers’ careers. 04:04 – Wrestling News as Sports Radio A humorous comparison of wrestling news coverage to bad sports talk radio, poking fun at the rumor mill. 12:30 – Unpaid Year Off? Anthony and Joe debate the fairness and legality of unpaid non-compete periods for released wrestlers. 20:00 – WWE’s Global Expansion The conversation turns to WWE’s decision to host WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia, fan reactions, and the business behind global events. 29:20 – AEW’s Training Center Plans A look at AEW’s scrapped plans for a dedicated training facility and what it means for talent development. 41:20 – Seth Rollins Injury Rumors The hosts address rumors about Seth Rollins’ injury, storyline pivots, and the blurred lines between fiction and reality in wrestling. 58:30 – Media Store Nostalgia A nostalgic detour into the decline of music and media stores like Best Buy and FYE, and how the industry has changed. 1:18:00 – Jericho’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager at Sea A rundown of the 2026 cruise lineup, notable guests, and what it says about the current state of wrestling. 1:27:20 – Wrap-Up & Shoutouts The episode closes with shoutouts to listeners, Patreon supporters, and final thoughts on the week in wrestling. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support .