Pro Wrestling Mat Men Podcast

The guys start by reacting to Darby Allin winning the AEW Championship on Wednesday night’s Dynamite. Although this was in the plans for a while, did they make the change knowing it was WrestleMania week, or was it just a coincidence? It's WrestleMania week; the guys talk about the WrestleMania lineup, give predictions for both nights, and discuss which matches they are looking forward to the most. Plus, the WWE HOF, Danhausen’s presence, the best of the indie shows, your questions, and more!

The boys start by discussing the build to WrestleMania and the possibility of Nikki Bella being injured, which might change the women's card. Also, The Miz will be marrying people as part of an event during WrestleMania week; the guys ponder who would want to do this? CM Punk gave a very passionate promo on Raw Monday, which was being referred to as "pipebomb 2.0". We discuss it and wonder if it was on the same level as the first pipe bomb or more contrived. With AEW Dynasty this weekend, the guys break down this week's Dynamite and the build-up to the pay-per-view Sunday night, including MJF defending against Kenny Omega. Plus, Pat McAfee's involvement in the Orton/Cody Feud, AEW’s long-term plan heading into the summer, Chris Jericho’s return, your questions, and more!

The guys start off discussing some of the news of the week, including Ronda Rousey not being planned for any more AEW appearances anytime soon; her Revolution appearance apparently had to do with sticking it to TKO. They also talk about all the things that happened on WWE TV this week, including CM Punk and Roman Reigns' confrontation on Raw, and more Danhausen. AEW Dynamite saw Kenny Omega and MJF being made official for AEW Dynasty this week. The guys speculate on what that means going into Double or Nothing and All In this summer. Does it eventually lead to Will Ospreay getting the title? Plus, WWE HOF Update, Unreal gets Emmy nominations, Tama Tonga’s fine, your questions, and more!

This week, the guys break down this weekend's AEW Revolution pay-per-view, offering thoughts on what direction it might take, especially in the main event between MJF and Hangman Page. They also break down this week's Dynamite episode and MG Geek’s disappointment with the main event press conference. Also, as Peacock continues to remove more WWE content, NXT is moving its PLEs to YouTube, starting with Stand and Deliver. The guys discuss whether this is a good or bad thing and what has happened to the NXT product in recent months. Plus, notes on a WrestleMania main event, SmackDown and Rey de Reyes previews, your questions, and more!

The guys react to Road Dogg's departure from WWE as a producer/writer and discuss why that job is difficult to keep. They also discuss the fallout from Elimination Chamber, including the debut of Danhausen and what's happening with Drew McIntyre, Randy Orton, and Cody Rhodes going into WrestleMania. Then, on Raw this week, another great promo exchange between Roman Reigns and CM Punk. Also, a recap of this week's AEW Dynamite and the build to Revolution next weekend. Plus, an update on WrestleMania plans, David Finley's decision, your questions, and more!

The guys break down the latest on the merger with Paramount and WBD. What does this mean for AEW and media distribution in general? They also preview the Elimination Chamber, which takes place on Saturday and will help define how WrestleMania is shaping up.Plus, AEW Dynamite and the lead-up to Revolution, AJ Styles' new role in WWE, Bronson Reed's injury, and more!

Andrew makes his return to the show as the guys kick things off by talking about ESPN airing the Royal Rumble this weekend. Could this potentially lead to PLEs being broadcast live on ABC/ESPN in the future? They also cover AEW, bringing Double or Nothing to Queens' Louis Armstrong Stadium and share what fans should know if they're attending the show that weekend. Plus: a full breakdown of this week's AEW Dynamite, a preview of Revolution, and... what's in the box?

It's Royal Rumble week, so we’re talking all about the event, giving our predictions for the winners, and, of course, discussing all the potential surprises! We also cover this week's AEW Dynamite and the surprising debut of Tommaso Ciampa, including how his character might be portrayed in AEW. Additionally, it looks like Andrade will finally get the main event run we’ve all been hoping for. Plus, we dive into AJ Styles’ independent trademarks, the WWE 2K26 cover, your questions, and more!"

This week, we discuss WWE Unreal, talking about some of our favorite moments, including Seth’s fake injury, R-Truth’s release, and the company’s use of Gunther. We also discuss how much behind-the-scenes content is too much. We also discussed upcoming shows, including this week's Saturday Night's Main Event in an early preview of The Royal Rumble, and expectations for surprises, given that they are overseas. Also, a review of this week's AEW Dynamite, including who we think will be the one to dethrone MJF this time. Plus: Evil to the WWE, AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch at WrestleMania, your questions, and more!

We start out talking about Will Hobbs finishing up with AEW and most likely signing with WWE. What will they do with him—NXT or main roster—and who would be a good fit to pair with him? TNA made its debut on AMC on Thursday night. Although we don't often talk about TNA, this was a milestone moment for that company. We just addressed some of the production issues and what they need to improve. Will WWE loan more people, as they did with AJ Styles? We also talk about Drew McIntyre as the new WWE Champion and what his likely match would be at WrestleMania. Also, we look at Royal Rumble odds and who might win this year's Royal Rumble. Plus, Dynamite review, thoughts on MJF’s booking, Mercedes Moné taking time off, your questions, and more!

This week, the guys discuss the WWE PLE Library moving to Netflix and how it feels like a custody battle when it comes to different shows going to different platforms. They also discuss OBA Femi and others joining the main roster. Additionally, this week's Monday Night Raw featured a crossover with Stranger Things to celebrate the first anniversary of the show's release on Netflix. The guys talk about the episode and wonder what it would have looked like if Vince had booked it. Andrew explains his excitement for New Japan, combining the lineage of the world titles and going back to the old belt. Plus, thoughts on Wrestle Kingdom and Tanahashi’s retirement, this week's Dynamite episode, your questions, and more!

With Saturday being John Cena's last match, the guys talk about some of his best matches and moments throughout the years and give a preview of Saturday Night's Main Event. Also, Mark Shapiro comments on the WWE archives and the NXT PLE package, leaving Peacock, and when they might find a permanent home. They also discuss the reveal of the Street Fighter trailer, with Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and Hirooki Goto all featured as characters. Plus, the impending return of MJF, a review of this week's AEW Dynamite, and some nonsense baseball talk mixed in. All this, your questions, and more!

The guys discuss this Wednesday's Blood and Guts matches, praising the production and how much they enjoyed it, in contrast to recent Dynamite and Collision shows. Sky Blue was a standout for the women, and they wonder where they go now that the Death Riders lost Blood and Guts. Chris Jericho is rumored to be coming back to WWE based on some of the comments he made on his podcast. The guys discuss if it's going to happen and what some of the matches we might see if so. They also discuss the 20th anniversary of Eddie Guerrero's death and talk about some of his best moments and how he changed wrestling. Plus, Joe Hendry is WWE-bound, PWI 250, and John Cena’s final opponent, and more!

The guys start by talking about the WrestleMania promo commercial, which gets people worked up for the wrong reasons. hey also discuss the future of Chris Jericho after abandoning the trademark for 'The Jericho Vortex'. Also, a preview of Saturday night's main event and this week's Friday Night SmackDown. Does CM Punk get the Title? They also discuss this week’s AEW Dynamite, including the bait-and-switch angle with Hangman Page and Samoa Joe. Plus, NXT at MSG, overseas excursions for NXT women, your questions, and some Halloween fun!

There has been considerable confusion about Andrade's contract status following his brief appearance in AEW. It appears that a non-compete clause was in place from the WWE. The guys break down the latest and what it might mean for independent contracts going forward. Both Seth Rollins and Jacob Fatu were injured during Crown Jewel weekend in Australia, and both appear to have to miss some time. The guys speculate on what direction they might go if they have to take the title off of Seth. Also, a breakdown of this week's 3-hour Dynamite go-home show for WrestleDream and a preview for the PPV. Plus, Vince McMahon's legal trouble, your questions, and more!

The guys react to the news that AJ Styles will likely retire in 2026. They talk about what matches are left for him and why this weekend's match with John Cena could start a run of great matches to end his career. Andrew talks about the new rating system and why the numbers are lower after last week's low SmackDown viewership. Are they more accurate now, or more of a guess? Also, previews for Crown Jewel happening Saturday morning and Sunday's TNA Bound for Glory, and an early look at AEW Wrestle Dream. Plus, a breakdown of AEW Dynamite, Koda Ibushi’s injury, and Santo Escobar re-signs.

The guys react to the announcement of John Cena's last match in December at Saturday night's main event. They speculate on who his last opponent will be and if this will indeed be his last match, or if he will make surprise appearances down the road. Additionally, TNA and NXT are hosting a show called Showdown, which was originally titled Invasion but was changed this week. Andrew is unsure about all the moving parts involved in this show. They also break down this week's Dynamite and discuss the return of Andrade and the likelihood of a program with Kenny Omega; it seems to be coming soon. Plus, DC Comics and AEW partner up for a limited series that Rich is very excited about, your questions, and more!

This weekend, both AEW and WWE are hosting major events. WWE will be making its debut on ESPN with Wrestlepalooza, while AEW will be holding All Out in the afternoon on the same day. We break down both event cards and discuss whether AEW can impact the viewership of Wrestlepalooza, especially with their main event potentially going up against the first match of Wrestlepalooza, which features Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena. We also cover how to access the ESPN app to watch Wrestlepalooza and the extent of ESPN's involvement in future premium live events (PLEs). Additionally, we delve into Tony Khan's media call regarding the possibility of scheduling a major show to compete with WWE's Saudi Arabia WrestleMania. We touch on Will Ospreay's surgery and AJ Lee’s thoughts on the timing of her return.

Andrew and Rich are back with another episode of the Mat Men podcast, talking all things professional wrestling. The biggest news story of the week is a pending announcement that the 2027 WrestleMania will likely take place in Saudi Arabia. The guys discuss what this means for business and who they will get as big stars that they haven't used before. Will fans also travel there and help increase tourism for the Saudi government? They also react to the comments from Mark Shapiro that Vince McMahon underpriced tickets to accommodate families instead of taking advantage of the market price. Also, a review of this week's AEW Dynamite as they finish up the residency in Philadelphia, including the heel turn of Daniel Garcia joining the Death Riders. Plus, WWE/AAA Worlds Collide preview and Rich’s manifestation of two new wrestlers. All this, your questions, and more!

Andrew and Rich are back after a hiatus with a brand new episode and new season of The Mat Men Podcast, getting caught up and talking about the latest in pro wrestling. The guys start out getting caught up on their personal lives and what's been happening while they took the summer off. Andrew talks about regaining his love of professional wrestling after stepping back for a while. The big story appears to be the return of AJ Lee to the WWE as early as this week’s Smackdown show, based on an angle with CM Punk and Becky Lynch on this week's Raw. They discuss what the working plan might be with possible involvement from Rhea Ripley, and how they might use her going forward. Also, John Cena's retirement tour is wrapping up at the end of the year, and what are some of the matches he can still have after one last Brock Lesnar match? Plus, WWE's partnership with ESPN for PLEs, AEW PPVs on HBO MAX, Street Fighter Movie, all your questions, and more!