Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Keep Moving Forward: An Essay Inspired by Ricochet and Will Ospreay

Ricochet (shown here vs. Uhaa Nation/Apollo Crews) is attempting to advance the business, and that's good
Photo Credit: Scott Finkelstein
Will Ospreay and Ricochet wrestled in New Japan Pro Wrestling's Best of the Super Juniors Tournament on Friday, May 27. Their match headlined the show, but it was still a contest within the confines of the round robin phase. One might think such a match wouldn't cause an uproar, but it has polarized an entire portion of the wrestling fan community. While most observers (including William Regal, Fit Finlay, and THE Observer himself, Dave Meltzer) praised the match to high heaven, some people didn't like it. Those folks included fans, journalists, and even former NJPW competitor Big Van Vader, who was saddened by the direction the match was taking wrestling into. The source of all the consternation came from a certain moment in the opening relay of the match, which was captured in .gif by the esteemed and talented SenorLARIATO.

Smackdown: Friendship is Magic

Rusev remains strong with the power of friendship
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Second-Best Luck Without Friends – Alberto del Rio
Post-League of Nations, Rusev is probably doing the best. He's got a pretty dominant hold on the United States title for now. Winning a slot in the upcoming Money in the Bank match may not be super comparable, but it is at least leagues ahead of LOSING a slot in the upcoming Money in the Bank match, which is what happened to poor Sheamus. In beating Zack Ryder and securing himself a chance for the prize, del Rio at least has a chance to shine. It does feel weird to have him in the match, though, if only because everyone else in it has some recent history together.

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Art Of Wrestling Ep. 303

The controversial Hart is Cabana's latest guest
Photo Credit: Scott Finkelstein
If you’re new, here’s the rundown. We listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are many wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but this feature largely hews to the regular rotation we feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If we can save other folks some time, we’re happy to do so.

Show: Art Of Wrestling
Episode: 303 (May 26, 2016)
Run Time: 1:15:21
Guest: Teddy Hart (12:19)

Friday, May 27, 2016

Best Coast Bias: Immovable, Irresistible, etc.

And NEWWWWW #1 contender...
Photo Credit: WWE.com
As Asuka and Nia Jax malevolently, gleefully stared each other down to draw the curtains on the final May 2016 episode of NXT television, a thought may have occurred to other pop culture polymaths watching the new number one contender mean mug the recently crowned champion (or maybe that should be the other way around, since Ms. Most Dangerous made a point of getting in the ring when she could've left from the rampway and then held up the belt right to her face): at what point during the last month did the San Diegan learn the game from William Wesley?

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Cheap Heat May 25

Cheap Heat discusses feuds involving The Shield this week
Photo Credit: WWE.com
If you’re new, here’s the rundown. We listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are many wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but this feature largely hews to the regular rotation we feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If we can save other folks some time, we’re happy to do so.

Show: Cheap Heat
Episode: “Mr. Rollins’ Opus II” (May 25, 2016)
Run Time: 1:14:10
Guest: Andrew Goldstein (0:54); Stipe Miocic (1:05:16)

Thursday, May 26, 2016

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Ringer Wrestling Podcast, Ep. 2

The former NXT Champion is one topic of discussion
Photo Credit: WWE.com
If you’re new, here’s the rundown. We listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are many wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but this feature largely hews to the regular rotation we feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If we can save other folks some time, we’re happy to do so.

Show: Ringer Wrestling Podcast
Episode: 2 (May 24, 2016)
Run Time: 1:11:12
Guest: Steve Kazee (1:02)

In Defense of a Brand Split

The brand split is coming back, and that's a good thing
Graphics Credit: WWE.com
Variety broke the news yesterday. Smackdown is going live in July, and preceding it, WWE will be reintroducing the brand split, replete with a draft and everything. WWE is fewer than five years or so removed from the soft ending of the last brand extension, which ended with a whimper rather than a bang, and for good reason. It always rang like a hollow compromise for fans of World Championship Wrestling who wanted the endgame of the Invasion to turn into a WWE-sanctioned re-ignition of the Monday Night Wars. Vince McMahon and company tried their hardest to make the competition legit early on, but as the years passed, Smackdown became a clear B-show (and the WWE reboot of Extreme Championship Wrestling, although critically excellent towards the end, became a wet fart in terms of importance). Even worse, the gestures made by WWE to reiterate a difference between the two shows became increasingly tryhard. Brand extension also oversaturated the pay-per-view market, producing the most universally reviled special event in company history, December to Dismember 2006.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Steve Austin Show Ep. 326

O'Hearn talks bodybuilding with Austin
Photo Credit: Muscle and Fitness
If you’re new, here’s the rundown. We listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are many wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but this feature largely hews to the regular rotation we feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If we can save other folks some time, we’re happy to do so.

Show: Steve Austin Show — Unleashed!
Episode: 326 (May 19, 2016)
Run Time: 1:38:41
Guest: Mike O’Hearn (13:15)

Monday, May 23, 2016

Smackdown: Friendship is Magic

The end of Smackdown was lit this week
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Welcome to the pre-Extreme Rules episode of Smackdown, where the rules were a little less extreme and a little more exactly what you expected.

Best Non-Friendships – The Intercontinental Title Scene
Nope, still not sick of this. I can think of far worse ways to spend Smackdown than watching Kevin Owens and Cesaro throw down in the ring while listening to Sami Zayn be affable and the Miz be indignant on guest commentary. Miz was also in pretty buoyant spirits, acknowledging the skills of his opponents and alternatively cheering on and taunting Owens and Cesaro. He probably figured that being on the sidelines might spare him from getting beat up for once, but of course it was not to be. Yes, the finish was predictable, but did I care? Not really. Let's keep doing this forever.

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Ringer Wrestling Podcast, Ep. 1

Shoemaker and guest discuss Cena's new hosting gig on the debut episode of The Ringer
Photo Credit: WWE.com
If you’re new, here’s the rundown: We listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are many wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but this feature largely hews to the regular rotation we feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If we can save other folks some time, we’re happy to do so.

Show: Ringer Wrestling Podcast
Episode: 1 (May 19, 2016)
Run Time: 1:26:45
Guest: Dan St. Germain (1:02)

Saturday, May 21, 2016

The Wrestling Podcast, Vol. 2 Ep. 10: Alex Martino

Ambrose's likability is a topic of conversation this week
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Episode 10: Bret Hart of Gold

Alex Martino comes on the show this week to preview Extreme Rules. Even if you're listening to this show after tomorrow night, you can still delight in some of the talk, as we less look at the actual matches on the show and more the circumstances surrounding them. After kicking off talking about Ryback, Panera, and pot roast, we get into why the Roman Reigns/AJ Styles feud isn't clicking for Alex. Mainly, the Usos are at the heart of the matter, which is not surprising at all. We move into Chris Jericho and Dean Ambrose, why the former is so resilient in character and the latter is so charming. Alex defends Natalya as Charlotte's first feud after WrestleMania, and we both lament the lack of diversity in WWE's booking of women. We get into the Intercontinental Championship match, specifically Miz's heel bona fides, Kevin Owens' Dad of the Year resume, and why Cesaro and Sami Zayn make beautiful music together. After touching on the Finn Bálor/Samoa Joe feud, we get into Twitter questions, and finally, we talk about Alex's day job covering sports, which includes why Shawn Michaels is rooting for the Pittsburgh Penguins now.

Friday, May 20, 2016

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Art Of Wrestling Ep. 302

Brian Cage does his best Scott Steiner on this live ep of the AOW
Photo Credit: Mikey Nolan
If you’re new, here’s the rundown. We listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are many wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but this feature largely hews to the regular rotation we feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If we can save other folks some time, we’re happy to do so.

Show: Art Of Wrestling
Episode: 302 (May 19, 2016)
Run Time: 1:05:23
Guests: Marty DeRosa (5:16); Lanny Poffo (10:43); Lance Archer (22:40); Kevin Gill (33:38); Bobby Fulton (43:06); Brian Cage (54:54)

Thursday, May 19, 2016

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Booker T on Cheap Heat

Booker T guested on this week's Cheap Heat
Photo Credit: WWE.com
If you’re new, here’s the rundown. We listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are many wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but this feature largely hews to the regular rotation we feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If we can save other folks some time, we’re happy to do so.

Show: Cheap Heat
Episode: “Extreme Jewels” (May 18, 2016)
Run Time: 1:00:05
Guest: Booker T (1:41)

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Steve Austin Show Ep. 325

Austin talks to the proprietor of the company that makes these clocks this episode
Photo Credit: CurtisClock.com
If you’re new, here’s the rundown. We listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are many wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but this feature largely hews to the regular rotation we feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If we can save other folks some time, we’re happy to do so.

Show: Steve Austin Show
Episode: “Steve Austin’s Bucket List” (325, May 17, 2016)
Run Time: 1:09:48
Guest: Curtis Stimpson (8:25)

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Steve Austin Show Ep. 324

Hornswoggle, here in the gator costume with Heath Slater, was Austin's guest
Photo Credit: WWE.com
If you’re new, here’s the rundown. We listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are many wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but this feature largely hews to the regular rotation we feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If we can save other folks some time, we’re happy to do so.

Show: Steve Austin Show — Unleashed
Episode: 324 (May 12, 2016)
Run Time: 1:28:59
Guest: Dylan Postl (10:25)

Monday, May 16, 2016

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Art Of Wrestling Ep. 301

Corino is part of the live podcast experience this time around
Photo Credit: Scott Finkelstein
If you’re new, here’s the rundown. We listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are many wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but this feature largely hews to the regular rotation we feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If we can save other folks some time, we’re happy to do so.

Show: Art Of Wrestling
Episode: 301 (May 11, 2016)
Run Time: 1:08:58
Guest: Marty DeRosa (3:26); Buff Bagwell (10:21); Bill Apter (21:00); Matt Striker (31:54); Court Bauer (39:31); Justin Roberts (49:47); Steve Corino (58:27)

The Wrestling Podcast, Vol. 2, Ep. 9: Francis Adu, Jr.

Ciampa is one of the topics of discussion
Photo Credit: Scott Finkelstein
Episode 9: Gimme Sexual Chocolate!!

Francis Adu, Jr. checks in this week to talk about all the important issues, like the ongoing beef between Dave Meltzer and TNA Wrestling. After that opening salvo, we go into an extensive conversation about Chikara, from its family-friendliness through the return of Jigsaw to the seemingly continuous narrative into the stories of both UltraMantis Black and Mr. Touchdown. We also touch on the slowness of the narrative in 2015 into its epic payoff. We then get into our requisite chat about The Cruiserweight Classic, which morphed into a discussion on Tommaso Ciampa's "bigness" compared to the other cruisers. Then, it's all about celebrity wrestling fans before getting into bad fans and whether they represent the whole or not. We talk about the early days of Gabe Sapolsky's post-Ring of Honor ventures, a lengthy discussion about the evolution of wrestling and finishes, and Twitter questions before I end admitting an embarrassing music purchase.

Friday, May 13, 2016

Best Coast Bias: Schadenjoyed

A-Bye
Photo Credit: My Dreams WWE.com
Here lies Alex Riley's WWE employment, and we are all the richer for its passing. It lays in state next to the idea of Elias Samson, Wrestling Hobo as a viable threat, a horrifying short-term delusion passing as a fad along the lines of the Pet Rock, the Macarena, and GOP front-runner D.J. Trump. But as they take up their residencies in the underworld doomed to toss Margaret Thatcher's salad for infinities to come, let us remember what they left behind in the wake of this hour of NXT television.

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Cheap Heat May 11

Trips is a topic of discussion this week
Photo Credit: WWE.com
If you’re new, here’s the rundown. We listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are many wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but this feature largely hews to the regular rotation we feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If we can save other folks some time, we’re happy to do so.

Show: Cheap Heat
Episode: Night Of (Losing) Champions — May 11, 2016
Run Time: 1:08:08
Guest: Bryan Diperstein (40:27)

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Nakamura Ambition: Why His NXT Stay Needs to Be Short

This was a fun sight, but Nakamura means more than clobbering jobbers
Photo Credit: WWE.com
The personal highlight for me on this week's episode of NXT was Shinsuke Nakamura treating Alex Riley like the nothing nobody he really is. To be honest, Riley's final WWE match could have featured anyone, Elias Sampson, Eva Marie, hell, even a one-time-only comeback from a cipher like Heidenreich, and I would have enjoyed it thoroughly. I hope AJ Lee gets the date of his release tattooed on her neck below the date she won the Divas Championship. But this isn't about Riley. The way Nakamura was booked to go over Riley was immaterial, to be honest. It was the way he executed on his entire script for the show, from dismissing Riley's RAAAGE in the pre-match promo to his controlled fury in his strikes and finishing sequence. The King of Strong Style showed how a true, elite wrestling superstar should be presented against a talent that is not in his league.

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Sam Roberts Wrestling Podcast, 5/11/16

Carter stops by the Roberts show to gab about TNA and other things
Photo Credit: Scott Finkelstein
If you’re new, here’s the rundown. We listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are many wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but this feature largely hews to the regular rotation we feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If we can save other folks some time, we’re happy to do so.

Show: Sam Roberts Wrestling Podcast
Episode: 5/11/16
Run Time: 2:00:41
Guest: Ethan Carter III, Katie Linendoll

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Steve Austin Show Ep. 323

Austin talks to an outdoorsman this week
Photo Credit: WWE.com
If you’re new, here’s the rundown: We listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are many wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but this feature largely hews to the regular rotation we feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If we can save other folks some time, we’re happy to do so.

Show: Steve Austin Show
Episode: 323 (May 10, 2016)
Run Time: 1:32:21
Guest: Michael Waddell (11:35)

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Steve Austin Show Ep. 322

Austin does another episode while convalescing
Photo Credit: WWE.com
If you’re new, here’s the rundown. We listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are many wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but this feature largely hews to the regular rotation we feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If we can save other folks some time, we’re happy to do so.

Show: Steve Austin Show — Unleashed!
Episode: 322 (May 5, 2016)
Run Time: 1:23:31
Guest: Ted Fowler (8:59)

Monday, May 9, 2016

A Shopping List for The Cruiserweight Classic

Gable is number one with a bullet on my Cruiserweight Classic wishlist
Photo Credit: WWE.com
The Cruiserweight Classic, which you may have known prior as the Global Cruiserweight Series, is still roughly nine weeks away from starting. WWE has promised 32 of the rip-roaringest wrestlers weighing in at 205 pounds or fewer, and so far, the folks running the show have delivered on the goods. Jack Gallagher, Johnny Gargano, Zack Sabre, Jr., Tommaso Ciampa, Rich Swann, Noam Dar, Lince Dorado, Akira Tozawa, TJP, and Drew Gulak have all been formally announced. So far, 11 names are in, and they encompass a wide variety of styles already. However, I won't stop from ruminating on others who should get the nod.

Smackdown: Friendship is Magic

Styles had layers on this episode
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Welp, no longer will I spend every episode of Smackdown wondering if Damien Sandow will be on or if this will be the night he is finally put back in the spotlight. Thanks for saving me from that endless cycle of anticipation followed by crushing disappointment, WWE. I really appreciate it. Here's hoping Sandow lands among those who understand what a treasure he is.

Anyway, life goes on, so...friendship and stuff.

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Art Of Wrestling, Episode 300

Cabana's milestone ep sees him take listener questions
Photo Credit: Scott Finkelstein
If you’re new, here’s the rundown. We listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are many wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but this feature largely hews to the regular rotation we feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If we can save other folks some time, we’re happy to do so.

Show: Art Of Wrestling
Episode: 300 (May 5, 2016)
Run Time: 1:41:44
Guest: Marty DeRosa (4:31)

The Wrestling Podcast, Vol. 2, Ep. 8: Kevin Brown

Kevin goes in on The Miz this episode
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Episode 8: The Red Arrow of Time

Kevin Brown comes on the show this week to gab about wrestling. We kick off talking about a fresher RAW narrative, Roman Reigns' new direction, and whether or not Finn Bálor will ever make it to the RAW roster and the overlap between RAW and NXT, after an aside on the cinematic career of Keanu Reeves. We then go whether John Cena is good or bad, the flaws with the Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins feud, highlights from TLC '14, and Ambrose as Charlie Kelly from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Kevin then goes in to his big spiel about The Miz, mostly criticizing him. WE take breaks to lament Sheamus' lot, talk about Drew Gulak and Timothy Thatcher, Ryback's importance, Randy Orton's give-a-shit factor, and whether WWE's lack of good heels. We finish on Cena's rivals and a few Twitter questions.

Friday, May 6, 2016

Best Coast Bias: E.Y., Joe

The answer to "What's Young Eric doing in the NXT Zone?!"
Photo Credit: WWE.com

Clarity is a boon that there's not nearly enough of in the world, so let's make this blue orb a little brighter here, shall we?

NXT's cup runneth over right now with talent, and admittedly they're more popular than Charlotte McKinney at a junior prom. But that doesn't mean they're infallible, and unfortunately that was on display on their first show back in Full Sail since Takeover: Dallas.

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Cheap Heat May 4

Jim Ross guests on Cheap Heat this week
Photo Credit: WWE.com
If you’re new, here’s the rundown. We listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are many wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but this feature largely hews to the regular rotation we feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If we can save other folks some time, we’re happy to do so.

Show: Cheap Heat
Episode: May 4, 2016
Run Time: 1:10:47
Guest: Kaz (0:53); Jim Ross (17:48)

Thursday, May 5, 2016

I Listen So You Don't Have To: The Taz Show, May 3

Ryback's departure is a topic for conversation
Photo Credit: WWE.com
If you’re new, here’s the rundown. We listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are many wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but this feature largely hews to the regular rotation we feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If we can save other folks some time, we’re happy to do so.

Show: The Taz Show
Episode: 5/3/16
Run Time: 2:00:08
Guest: Mike Johnson

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Steve Austin Show Ep. 321

Keller and Austin run down Payback
Photo Credit: WWE.com
If you’re new, here’s the rundown. We listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are many wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but this feature largely hews to the regular rotation we feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If we can save other folks some time, we’re happy to do so.

Show: Steve Austin Show
Episode: 321 (May 3, 2016)
Run Time: 1:34:29
Guest: Wade Keller (9:11)

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Steve Austin Show Ep. 320

Austin is still recovering from surgery this week
Photo Credit: WWE.com
If you’re new, here’s the rundown. We listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are many wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but this feature largely hews to the regular rotation we feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If we can save other folks some time, we’re happy to do so.

Show: Steve Austin Show — Unleashed!
Episode: 320 (April 28, 2016)
Run Time: 1:29:38
Guest: Ted Fowler (7:24)

Monday, May 2, 2016

Smackdown: Friendship is Magic

That's what happens when you get involved in your cousin's business...
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Here's where we stood pre-Payback, before we knew who had actually been paid back and who had been issued a disappointing IOU.

Saddest Friendship Break-Up – The League of Nations
Not sad as in, “I am heartbroken to lose the League of Nations;” sad as in, “My god, no one put any thought into this whatsoever.” I mean, I'd LIKE to think that this was all a nod to the historical League of Nations also being a lovely idea in theory but falling far short of its ultimate goals, but I know that's not the case. The break-up came out of absolutely nowhere, with Sheamus, Alberto del Rio, and Rusev arguing throughout their match against Sami Zayn, Cesaro, and Kalisto, eventually leaving Sheamus abandoned to lose the match alone. Then, as if we hadn't got the message, we also had a backstage segment that ended with Sheamus officially declaring the League to be over. I don't buy any of this for one minute, because Rusev would NEVER turn on his friends like that, and him yelling “You walked out on me!” at del Rio was the only sincerely sad part of this.

I Listen So You Don't Have To: Art Of Wrestling Ep. 299

Vega is on this week's AOW
Photo Credit: WWE.com
If you’re new, here’s the rundown. We listen to a handful of wrestling podcasts each week. Too many, probably, though certainly not all of them. In the interest of saving you time — in case you have the restraint to skip certain episodes — the plan is to give the bare bones of a given show and let you decide if it’s worth investing the time to hear the whole thing. There are many wrestling podcasts out there, of course, but this feature largely hews to the regular rotation we feel best fit the category of hit or miss. If we can save other folks some time, we’re happy to do so.

Show: Art Of Wrestling
Episode: 299 (April 28, 2016)
Run Time: 1:06:03
Guest: Savio Vega (11:12)