WRESTLING SOUP

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.

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.

0:00 – Introduction & Season Recap LuFisto opens the show, referencing the LFG finals and the end of season two. Jeff reveals that LFT season three has been renewed and discusses recent roster changes, including surprise releases. 1:51 – Commercials & International Broadcasts Discussion about WWE commercials, international viewing experiences, and background appearances by wrestlers. 3:43 – Surprising Releases & Character Analysis The hosts analyze the release of Hayes Jameson and speculate on possible reasons (injury, personal choice, or character fit). They discuss the evolution of certain characters and the importance of unique personas in wrestling. 7:16 – Men’s Finalist Rematch: Harlem Lewis vs. Drake Morrow Detailed breakdown of the rematch, including in-ring psychology, character work, and match flow. Commentary on wrestling techniques, storytelling, and the importance of intensity in high-stakes matches. 19:17 – Post-Match Reflections & Character Futures Reflections on the match outcome, Shawn Michaels’ decision-making, and the future potential of both finalists. Discussion of how certain wrestlers fit into the current NXT landscape. 24:00 – Shiloh Hill’s Presence & Storytelling Analysis of Shiloh Hill’s character, his on-screen demeanor, and the importance of subtle storytelling in wrestling. 26:30 – Reality of Wrestling Segment Booker T’s segment with Harlem Lewis, emphasizing the importance of “checks and championships.” The hosts discuss the significance of wrestling culture and personal motivation. 32:47 – Women’s Final: Danni vs. P Nasty In-depth play-by-play of the women’s final, including entrances, match psychology, and key spots. Critique of match pacing, character work, and crowd engagement. 46:00 – Match Analysis & Judges’ Reactions The hosts and coaches reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of the women’s match. Discussion of what makes a compelling wrestling character and the importance of presence and consistency. 54:00 – Shiloh vs. Harlem: The Men’s Final Breakdown of the men’s final, including entrances, crowd reactions, and in-ring storytelling. Commentary on the abrupt finish and what could have made the match more satisfying. 1:10:00 – Judges’ Deliberation & Final Decisions Coaches and Shawn Michaels deliberate on the winners, discussing criteria for selection and the unique qualities of each finalist. The hosts debate the logic behind the final choices and the importance of explaining decisions to the audience. 1:20:00 – Reflections on the Show’s Format & Suggestions Suggestions for improving the judging system, including the idea of rotating judges and more transparency in scoring. Discussion of the value of diversity and representation in wrestling. 1:30:00 – Closing Thoughts & Future Plans The hosts promote upcoming content, including a retrospective episode with Dr. Gina Posan. Final thoughts on the season, shoutouts to the wrestling community, and recommendations for the documentary “Lunatic: The Luna Vachon Story.” Social media plugs and encouragement for listener feedback. 1:36:00 – Outro LuFisto and Jeff sign off, teasing one more show and thanking listeners for their support. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.

0:25 — Official show intro: "Wrestling Soup" with Anthony Thomas and Joey Numbers. 0:50 — Banter about the "Crown Jewel Post Show" and some lighthearted police siren jokes. Roman Reigns & Bronson Reed Match 1:30 — Discussion about the opening match: Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed. 3:20 — Anthony and Joe debate the match’s pacing, outcome, and the ongoing Bloodline storyline. 7:00 — Reflections on the "Australian Street Fight" and how it compares to other street fights. 10:00 — Commentary on the house show feel of the event and the crowd’s reaction. Women’s Crown Jewel Championship 14:50 — Transition to the women’s match: Tiffany Stratton vs. Stephanie. 15:50 — Analysis of the match, both hosts noting Tiffany’s regression and Stephanie’s role as the aggressor. 18:00 — Discussion about Triple H’s involvement and the awkwardness of the post-match celebration. Audience & WWE Creative 20:00 — Commentary on WWE’s creative direction, Triple H’s TED talk, and the challenges of keeping the product fresh. 22:00 — Banter about Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, and the need for stronger storylines and character development. John Cena vs. AJ Styles 27:00 — Recap of the John Cena vs. AJ Styles match, comparing it to a "greatest hits" performance. 30:00 — Reflections on the significance of AJ Styles’ and John Cena’s careers, especially for Australian fans. 33:00 — Discussion of the match’s many finishers and the crowd’s reaction. Women’s Tag Team Match 38:00 — Analysis of the women’s tag match: EO Sky & Rhea Ripley vs. Asuka & Kairi Sane. 41:00 — Thoughts on the end of the Kabuki Warriors feud and the future direction for the women’s division. Main Event: Seth Rollins vs. Cody Rhodes 44:50 — Main event discussion: Seth Rollins vs. Cody Rhodes. 47:00 — Critique of the match’s length, pacing, and outcome, with both hosts feeling the wrong person won. 50:00 — Reflections on the lack of crowd energy and the need for Becky Lynch at ringside. Closing Thoughts 55:00 — Final thoughts on the event, best and worst matches, and the overall direction of WWE. 58:20 — Outro: Thanks to listeners, Patreon plug, and sign-off. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.

00:00 – AEW Attendance Controversy & Ticket Numbers Anthony and Joe open with a deep dive into AEW’s reported attendance numbers, NDAs, and the ongoing debate about truth in wrestling promotion. 07:30 – The Ratings Game: NXT vs. Dynamite Discussion shifts to TV ratings, fan excuses, and the real audience size for wrestling shows. 13:00 – AEW’s Place in the Industry A critical look at AEW’s current status, company culture, and how it compares to WWE and TNA. 16:30 – Crown Jewel Preview & Early Morning Wrestling The hosts preview WWE’s Crown Jewel event, discuss the challenges of international shows, and share thoughts on watching wrestling at odd hours. 21:00 – Match-by-Match Crown Jewel Predictions Detailed breakdowns and predictions for Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed, Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY vs. Asuka & Kairi Sane, and more. 32:00 – Women’s Division: Growth, Stagnation, and Storylines A candid discussion about the women’s division, character development, and the challenges facing stars like Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair. 45:00 – WWE Ticket Prices & The “Family Company” Debate Anthony and Joe debate WWE’s claim of being family-friendly in light of rising ticket and merchandise prices. 54:00 – Mental Health in Wrestling: Big E’s Story A heartfelt segment on Big E’s mental health journey, therapy, and the importance of openness in the wrestling community. 1:05:00 – Contract News & Industry Moves Updates on recent contract renewals, departures, and the realities of career moves in wrestling. 1:15:00 – Final Thoughts & What’s Next The hosts wrap up with shoutouts, upcoming show plugs, and a reminder to join them for more wrestling talk. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.

00:00 – Kevin Nash & Wrestling Royalties Anthony and Joe open with a discussion about Kevin Nash’s royalty check woes, the business of wrestling merchandise, and how the TKO sale has impacted payouts for legends and stockholders. 03:30 – WWE’s Changing Audience & Business Model The conversation shifts to WWE’s evolving business strategy: higher ticket prices, catering to wealthier audiences, and speculation about a possible Saudi buyout. 10:00 – Nick Khan, TKO Era, and Corporate Takeover The hosts analyze Nick Khan’s influence, the TKO era, and whether WWE’s leadership is being overrun by corporate greed. 16:00 – The Future of WWE & Wrestling’s Investment Value Debate about WWE as a long-term investment, the fate of the company under TKO, and the difference between past and present wrestling ownership. 22:00 – Monday Night Raw Recap & Production Critique Anthony and Joe break down the latest Raw, including match pacing, production quirks, and the “Australian Street Fight” promo. 30:00 – Women’s Division: Kairi Sane, Asuka, and Bayley A deep dive into the women’s division: Kairi Sane’s reputation for injuring opponents, Asuka’s standout performance, and Bayley’s current character direction. 40:00 – Main Event: CM Punk & LA Knight vs. The Usos Recap and analysis of the main event, including the chemistry between Punk and LA Knight, and thoughts on the show’s overall flow. 47:00 – Closing Banter & Upcoming Content The hosts discuss wrestling merch oddities (body pillows, towels), upcoming shows, and shoutouts to friends and other podcasts. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.

00:00 – 02:15 | Opening Banter & The Saudi Takeover Anthony and Joe open the show discussing Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in sports and entertainment, poking fun at recent high-profile purchases and the ethics of “selling out.” 02:15 – 03:45 | Call-In Chaos & The Return of the Soup Hotline Reminiscing about the old call-in number, random callers, and plans to bring back live audience interaction. 03:45 – 06:00 | Comedy, Contracts, and the Price of Fame A sharp, funny discussion about comedians like Bill Burr and Kevin Hart taking big-money Saudi gigs, and the moral gymnastics of the entertainment industry. 06:00 – 08:55 | Bill Burr, Anthony Cumia, and the Ethics of Friendship A deep dive into the Bill Burr/Anthony Cumia drama, cancel culture, and the shifting lines of loyalty and morality in comedy and wrestling. 08:55 – 15:00 | John Cena’s Retirement: Hype, Ticket Prices, and WWE’s Strategy Breaking down the upcoming John Cena retirement event, wild ticket prices, and WWE’s marketing moves. Includes a hilarious riff on what $11,500 gets you at a wrestling show. 15:00 – 22:00 | Dave & Buster’s, Human Crane Games, and Arcade Hustles Anthony shares a story about dominating arcade games, winning prizes, and the weird world of human crane machines. 22:00 – 27:00 | TNA, Kurt Angle, and Wrestling’s Wildest Years A nostalgic and irreverent look at TNA’s “Beautiful People” era, Kurt Angle’s drug-fueled run, and the tragic history of wrestling’s biggest stars. 27:00 – 33:00 | Generational Grief, Social Media, and Wrestling Tragedies Reflecting on how wrestling fans process loss, the impact of social media, and the generational divide in mourning wrestling legends. 33:00 – 40:00 | Andrade’s Return, Rumors, and Wrestling’s Drug Culture A candid discussion about Andrade’s WWE release, wellness policy violations, and the ongoing issues of drugs in wrestling. 40:00 – 50:00 | WWE’s Global Expansion, Crown Jewel, and Branding Oddities Riffing on WWE’s international branding, the oddity of “Crown Jewel” in Australia, and the future of global wrestling events. 50:00 – 1:10:00 | Reality TV, Coaching Drama, and the Next Generation A lively debate about WWE’s reality shows, coaching changes, and which legends should be mentoring the next crop of wrestling talent. 1:10:00 – 1:30:00 | Lacey Evans, Copyright Crusades, and Wrestling’s Internet Age Wrapping up with a wild segment on Lacey Evans’ DMCA takedowns, the challenges of erasing your past online, and the absurdity of wrestling’s digital drama. 1:30:00 – End | Listener Shoutouts & Plugs Listener shoutouts, plugs for Frank & Gus, and a reminder to check out Spitball Media and the Wrestling Soup Patreon! — Want more? Follow us on Twitter, YouTube, and join the Patreon for bonus content and live shows! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.

(00:00:00) The LFG Screwjob:(00:08:44) Promo Battle: Anthony Luke vs. Shiloh Hill:(00:12:48) Match Breakdown: Luke vs. Hill:(00:19:42) The Verdict on Luke:(00:24:25) Promo Battle: Nasty vs. Zena Sterling:(00:27:00) Match Breakdown: Nasty vs. Zena:(00:34:55) Promo Battle: The Spitfires:(00:39:19) Match Breakdown: Zukowski vs. Lyndon:(00:48:29) Promo Battle: Harlem vs. Drake Moreau:(00:52:43) Match Breakdown: Harlem vs. Drake:(01:00:03) A Hung Jury:(01:05:00) Final Predictions:needs(01:15:31) Outro & Plugs Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.