The Ringer Wrestling Show

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Thunder Rosa challenged Britt Baker to a hair vs. hair match at All-In Texas. What’s a match that is less likely to happen (0:35)? Kaz is back, and he and David discuss the following from a wild week in wrestling: The temperature around R-Truth’s release (2:10) John Cena’s failed heel turn (16:45) AEW Fyter Fest recap (28:13) Fashion Corner With Shoes (40:44) Mariah May makes her NXT debut (58:46) Who had terrible indy names that were upgraded in WWE? (63:12) WWE Money in the Bank preview (71:10) Catch all our video content on ⁠Bluesky⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, ⁠Instagram Threads⁠, and ⁠X⁠. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem FamuyideProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If you were starting a wrestling promotion today, R-Truth, Carlito, or Braun Strowman (0:33)? David is joined by Ben Cruz and Brian H. Waters this week and they reflect on the career of R-Truth, whose WWE contract will not be renewed (3:14). Later, they discuss Smackdown, including Naomi’s comments about Bianca Belair (50:52), and then they do a temperature check on Cody Rhodes (56:21). Catch all our video content on ⁠BlueSky⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, ⁠Instagram Threads⁠, and ⁠X⁠.Hosts: David Shoemaker, Ben Cruz, and Brian H. WatersProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Who is the Tyrese Haliburton of the WWE? David and Kaz kick off the show and discuss how Haliburton’s wrestling fandom has been very transparent and which wrestler is most like him (1:02). Then they discuss the following: Jacy Jayne defeating Stephanie Vaquer for the NXT Women’s Title (7:00). Ethan Page defeating Ricky Saints for the NXT North American Title (19:30). Ranking the following three from AEW: Swerve Strickland, Will Ospreay, and Adam Page (22:35). Will Mercedes Moné vs. Toni Storm be the greatest women’s match ever (33:53)? TNA, WTF are you doing (56:13)? WWE, WTF are you doing (1:05:40)? Catch all our video content on ⁠BlueSky⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, ⁠Instagram Threads⁠, and ⁠X⁠. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem FamuyideProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Who was the MVP of Memorial Day weekend (0:47)? David and Kaz kick off the show with their picks and then discuss the following: A weekend full of returns (6:20) Adam Page’s triumphant win over Will Ospreay (9:50) The ‘Anarchy in the Arena Match’ continues to make its mark (18:22) Mercedes Mone vs. Toni Storm: the most anticipated women’s wrestling match ever (24:03)? CM Punk getting Stone Cold Steve Austin-level pops (40:45) Oba Femi having the best 2025 (1:20:24)? Trick Williams becomes TNA Champion (1:24:20) WWE and AEW head-to-head scheduling (1:29:32) Catch all our video content on ⁠BlueSky⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, ⁠Instagram Threads⁠, and ⁠X⁠. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing the pro wrestling parallels to the Knicks and Pacers and whether a match between Tyrese Haliburton and Jalen Brunson could have a WrestleMania match (5:45). Then preview the three loaded shows from the weekend, including: AEW Double or Nothing (14:52) WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event (1:07:00) NXT Battleground (1:19:20) Then they welcome Jordynne Grace, who discusses her upcoming match with Stephanie Vaquer at NXT Battleground. She shares how she prepares for her opponents, wrestlers' biggest nightmares, and her best Shawn Michaels story (1:29:47) Catch all our video content on ⁠BlueSky⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, ⁠Instagram Threads⁠, and ⁠X⁠. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Guest: Jordynne Grace Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Darby Allin climbed Mount Everest and planted the AEW flag. Is that the biggest highlight of his career (0:55)? David and Kaz discuss the following from WWE 'Raw': Zoey Stark was injured in the Money in the Bank qualifying match (5:50) Rhea Ripley and Roxanne Perez qualified for the Money in the Bank ladder match (9:10) Roxanne Perez gifted Dominik Mysterio some chicken nuggets (22:16) Jey Uso carries the load as World Champion (32:18) Does Bron Breakker need Seth Rollins and Paul Heyman (39:09)? The latest from the WWE name generator: JC Mateo (45:31) Catch all our video content on ⁠BlueSky⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, ⁠Instagram Threads⁠, and ⁠X⁠. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Who had a better blade job, Jon Moxley or Josh Hart (0:30)? Tribalism in wrestling can be a good thing (8:06)? Where does Samoa Joe rank among the all-time greats (16:37)? Kaz's hot take about Toni Storm’s character (31:00) Why is John Cena’s heel turn not hitting right (38:22)? What will happen when Cody Rhodes returns (53:28)? MJF officially joins the Hurt Syndicate (56:20) Catch all our video content on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X.Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem FamuyideProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Michael Jordan is joining NBA on NBC as a contributor—who could be the biggest star in pro wrestling to join a WWE studio post-show (0:37)? David and Kaz kick off the show by remembering the late Sabu, who passed away over the weekend at age 60 (11:16). They also break down a packed wrestling weekend, including: John Cena’s matchup with Randy Orton at Backlash and how many steps Cena has lost (28:04) Is it too soon for Cena vs. R-Truth (35:58)? Jeff Cobb aligns with Solo. Plus, Dave and Kaz offer NBA comparisons (62:40). Charlotte Flair’s crash-out on SmackDown (71:43) Catch all our video content on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What wrestling booking decision gave you so much emotional distress that you wanted to sue (0:38)? David and Kaz share the moments that traumatized them, and then they discuss the following: Karrion Kross being among the top 5 WWE merch sellers (9:45) Whether AEW will pull the trigger on Adam Hangman Page or Will Ospreay (26:06) Will Ospreay saying AEW has better wrestlers than WWE (37:22) WWE Backlash preview and predictions (50:31) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, and Brian H. Waters Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What would you rather watch—a documentary about Darby Allin doing kickflips on Mt. Everest, or Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff’s new wrestling venture (0:32)? David and Kaz kick off the week discussing the WWE releases that took place over the weekend and which names surprised them most (4:59). They break down ‘SmackDown,’ in which the Naomi–Jade feud is now part of the WWE Women’s Title picture (37:37), and give a temperature check on the upcoming WWE Backlash showdown between John Cena and Randy Orton (39:50). Later, they preview ‘Raw,’ featuring Rusev vs. Otis and Roxanne Perez vs. Women’s World Champion Iyo Sky (53:30). Finally, they close with a fun question: What wrestling-themed jewelry would they create (1:02:40)? Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X.Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Owen Hart Foundation Finals Set, and Is WWE Pulling the Curtain Back Too Far? | The Masked Man Show COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Who will have a better career when it's all said and done, John Cena or LeBron James (0:41)? David and Kaz close the week by discussing the following: Liv Morgan will star in a movie; which wrestlers have the most Hollywood upside (11:10)? Adam "Hangman" Page and Will Ospreay are set for Owen Hart Cup finals (18:00). Mercedes Moné vs. Toni Storm is loading up for AEW All in (30:38)? Is Iyo Sky the best women’s wrestler in the world (36:43)? Which wrestlers are un-boo-able (47:46)? Stone Cold Steve Austin is unhappy with Logan Paul (1:01:42). Fans are unhappy with the upcoming documentary ‘WWE: Unreal’ (1:03:16). Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Is it possible for 100 pro wrestlers to beat one gorilla (0:41)? David and Kaz discuss the following: Joe Hendry retains TNA World title and is attacked by Trick Williams (9:12) Bianca Belair breaks her fingers at WrestleMania (25:10) Aleister Black returns on 'SmackDown', Zelina Vega wins the Women’s United States Championship (29:52) The Street Profits carry the torch as the tag team in WWE (34:02) Reflecting on John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes a week later (45:00) Temperature check on a Bad Bunny vs. Travis Scott match (54:30) Will Seth Rollins and Paul Heyman add a member (1:04:19)? Expectations for 'WWE: Unreal' (1:10:26) New Japan Pro-Wrestling news (1:14:23) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David and Kazeem, still in recovery mode from last week’s trip to Vegas, discuss the fallout from WrestleMania week, including the following: Their reactions to the WrestleMania roast (07:14). The Rock’s reasoning for not being at WrestleMania (20:46) MJF's apology to the Hurt Syndicate (48:11) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben, Khal, Brian, and David are back from Vegas after an incredible WrestleMania weekend. They kick off the show by reflecting on the week they spent together and a plethora of interactions they had with you, the listeners, on the streets of Las Vegas. Then, they recap the following from WWE’s 'Raw After ’Mania': Bron Breakker aligns with Seth Rollins and Paul Heyman (9:50) John Cena dates himself to ruin wrestling (23:15) Randy Orton steps up as Cena’s first challenger (32:04) Stephanie Vaquer and Giulia show up on 'Raw' (45:05) Becky Lynch turns heel on Lyra Valkyria after they lose the tag titles (48:51). Rusev returns to WWE (51:15r). Gunther destroys Pat McAfee and Michael Cole (56:34) Then they go to the Ringer Wrestling Worldwide hotline for They Said What?! and react to a couple of hot takes from you, the people, about how John Cena’s farewell tour will conclude and a new chant that would let wrestling fans give feedback on matches (64:02). For an opportunity to have your hot take featured on They Said What?!, leave a voicemail at (202) 417-8160, or drop your Am I the Heel? situations at ringerwrestlingshowworldwide@gmail.com. Be sure to check out our videos on the Ringer TikTok account @RingerWrestling, Instagram Threads, and X. Don’t forget to check out the Worldwide page on The Ringer! Hosts: Ben Cruz, Khal Davenport, and Brian H. Waters Guest: David Shoemaker Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before they head home, David, Kaz, Ben, and Brian sit together and recap WrestleMania and discuss John Cena’s record-breaking 17th title win. Plus, they discuss the biggest winners from the weekend including Jey Uso, Lyra Valkyria, Joe Hendry, Karrion Kross, and more. Be sure to check out our videos on the Ringer TikTok account @RingerWrestling, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, Ben Cruz, and Brian H. Waters Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CM Punk joins the show and talks about finally main-eventing WrestleMania, what should be the real main event of the show, inspiring the next generation, and more (1:00). Then, the Ringer Wrestling crew closes the show with their WrestleMania night two predictions (46:02) Heading out to WrestleMania this year? So are we! Come kick off the weekend by joining the Ringer Wrestling crew for a meet-up. We’ll be at Tom’s Watch Bar at the New York–New York Hotel and Casino on April 19, beginning at 1 p.m. PT. Grab a drink, come chat, and snap some selfies with us. Be sure to check out our videos on the Ringer TikTok account @RingerWrestling, Instagram Threads, and X.Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, Ben Cruz, Khal Davenport, and Brian H. Waters Guest: CM Punk Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this WrestleMania spectacular, the 'Ringer Wrestling' crew welcomes three men who will be in the fatal four-way match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. First, Finn Balor joins the show and lets everyone know he will be OK (1:20). Then the reigning champion, Bron Breakker, talks his fast rise to the top, how he looks at his matches now, and getting ready for his first WrestleMania in the same city his dad had his only 'Mania match (23:39). Last, Dominik Mysterio joins the show to talk his first WrestleMania without his dad in the ring with him, the opportunity for the Judgment Day to get more gold, and more. (48:19) Heading out to WrestleMania this year? So are we! Come kick off the weekend by joining the 'Ringer Wrestling' crew for a meetup. We’ll be at Tom’s Watch Bar at the New York–New York Hotel and Casino on April 19th, beginning at 1:00 p.m. PT. Grab a drink, come chat, and snap some selfies with us. Be sure to check out our videos on the Ringer TikTok account @RingerWrestling, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, Ben Cruz, Khal Davenport, and Brian H. Waters Guest: Finn Balor, Bron Breakker and Domink Mysterio Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another WrestleMania Spectacular for you, humanoids! The 'Ringer Wrestling' crew welcomes Chad Gable, who discusses his incredible year, not being on the WrestleMania card, and how he communicates with El Grande Americano (1:20). Then Jade Cargill joins to discuss her second WrestleMania performance in as many years with the company, her social media battles with Naomi, and the online rumors about her backstage heat (25:39). Lastly, Ludwig Kaiser joins to talk about being the bad guy that people like, having his eye on the intercontinental title, and more. (49:50) Heading out to WrestleMania this year? So are we! Come kick off the weekend by joining the 'Ringer Wrestling' crew for a meetup. We’ll be at Tom’s Watch Bar at the New York–New York Hotel and Casino on April 19th, beginning at 1:00 p.m. PT. Grab a drink, come chat, and snap some selfies with us. Be sure to check out our videos on the Ringer TikTok account @RingerWrestling, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, Ben Cruz, Khal Davenport, and Brian H. Waters Guest: Chad Gable, Jade Cargill and Ludwig Kaiser Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The WrestleMania spectacular continues as the Ringer Wrestling crew welcomes three incredible women from WWE. First, Charlotte Flair talks about her WrestleMania match with Tiffany Stratton and addresses how fans feel about her (1:32). Then, Women's World champion Iyo Sky joins to talk about her match with Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley and how to ensure she's not an afterthought (29:45). Lastly, they welcome Lyra Valkyria, who is making her WrestleMania debut (43:02). Heading out to WrestleMania this year? So are we! Come kick off the weekend by joining the Ringer Wrestling crew for a meet-up. We’ll be at Tom’s Watch Bar at the New York–New York Hotel and Casino on April 19, beginning at 1 p.m. PT. Grab a drink, come chat, and snap some selfies with us. Be sure to check out our videos on the Ringer TikTok account @RingerWrestling, Instagram Threads, and X.Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, Ben Cruz, Khal Davenport, and Brian H. Waters Guests: Charlotte Flair, Iyo Sky, and Lyra Valkyria Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The band is together in Las Vegas for WrestleMania! David, Kaz, Ben, Khal, and Brian react to the betting odds and share their predictions for WrestleMania Night 1 (0:40). They then welcome Jey Uso ahead of his world title match against Gunther, who addresses all the haters (47:22). Heading out to WrestleMania this year? So are we! Come kick off the weekend by joining the 'Ringer Wrestling' crew for a meetup. We’ll be at Tom’s Watch Bar at the New York–New York Hotel and Casino on April 19th, beginning at 1:00 p.m. PT. Grab a drink, come chat, and snap some selfies with us.Be sure to check out our videos on the Ringer TikTok account @RingerWrestling, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, Ben Cruz, Khal Davenport, and Brian H. Waters Guest: Jey Uso Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices