The Turnbuckle Tavern

Weekly breakdown of this weeks AEW Dynamite episode, plus hot takes on everything going on in the pro-wrestling industry!

AEW Dynamite: ALL IN Go-Home Episode | MJF And Mark Briscoe Talky Talk | Swerve Destroys Bucks Limo | Mercedes And Toni Face To Face 07/11/2025

Rawdown #185: Evolution/SNME Preview | Is WWE Booking Becoming Too Predictable? | We Want Kross 07/09/2025

Wrestling Tonight: AEW ALL IN: TEXAS FULL PREVIEW | WWE EVOLUTION & NXT GREAT AMERICAN BASH HYPE | SATURDAY NIGHT’S MAIN EVENT LOOMS | G1 CLIMAX FIELD LOCKED IN 07/08/2025

Wrestling Tonight: AEW ALL IN: TEXAS FULL PREVIEW | WWE EVOLUTION & NXT GREAT AMERICAN BASH HYPE | SATURDAY NIGHT’S MAIN EVENT LOOMS | G1 CLIMAX FIELD LOCKED IN Wrestling Tonight: Episode 132 arrives at a moment where nearly every major promotion is pushing forward at once. AEW, WWE, NXT, TNA, ROH, and NJPW all have significant developments converging on a single weekend—each with something to prove and plenty to deliver. At the center is AEW All In: Texas, relocated from London’s Wembley Stadium to Globe Life Field in Arlington. What began as a necessary shift has taken on new meaning, as AEW presents a lineup centered on legacy, rivalry, and change. Jon Moxley and Hangman Page revisit their violent history in a Texas Death Match. Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada meet again, years removed from their Tokyo Dome series, with both the Continental and International titles on the line. Toni Storm defends the AEW Women’s Championship against Mercedes Moné, while The Young Bucks stake their executive roles against the rising challenge of Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay. Jim Ross returns to commentary, bringing a familiar voice back for a match that helped define this generation of wrestling. Meanwhile, WWE is poised for a major double-header. Evolution returns for the first time since 2018 as a full-scale PLE, headlined by Tiffany Stratton vs. Trish Stratus and IYO SKY vs. Rhea Ripley. Naomi and Jade Cargill aim to settle a personal score in a No Holds Barred match, and the tag and NXT titles are also in play. The night before, The Great American Bash sees NXT continue its partnership with TNA, including a tag match previewing Jordynne Grace’s title shot, and Oba Femi defending the NXT Championship against Yoshiki Inamura. Trick Williams, Joe Hendry, and Mike Santana also meet for a contract signing ahead of their Slammiversary main event. Saturday Night’s Main Event returns to NBC with a mix of nostalgia and current stakes. Gunther defends the World Heavyweight Title against Goldberg in what’s being promoted as a retirement match. Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre continue their long-running rivalry, while Seth Rollins faces LA Knight with SummerSlam implications. Outside the ring, the broader landscape continues to shift. John Cena has confirmed his retirement match will take place in December. AJ Styles has signed a one-year extension, with the end of his in-ring career likely on the horizon. Tony Khan has commented on AEW’s openness to international partnerships, while WWE’s legal battle with Janel Grant intensifies, with new filings drawing in board-level communications and discovery disputes. Supercard of Honor adds more to the weekend, with Bandido vs. Konosuke Takeshita, Athena vs. Thunder Rosa, and The Infantry finally earning a shot at ROH tag team gold. Scorpio Sky also made his return on Collision, ending a long period of uncertainty in his AEW career. In Japan, the G1 Climax field is now finalized, with Ryohei Oiwa set to make his debut and YOSHI-HASHI returning for the first time since 2022. Gabe Kidd retained his IWGP Global Championship over Hiroshi Tanahashi, then publicly declared his intention to win the tournament—further solidifying his place in NJPW’s next wave. This weekend marks not just a milestone, but a reflection of wrestling’s current landscape interconnected, transitional, and constantly evolving. From stadium shows to streaming exclusives, legacy rivalries to first-time matchups, Wrestling Tonight covers the full spectrum. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, and follow @TurnbuckleTavern for live updates, interviews, and weekly insight across WWE, AEW, NJPW, TNA, ROH, and the independent scene. Until the following Monday, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. God luck and good speed. Ask ChatGPT /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/37294270

The Turnbuckle Debate #238 07/07/2025

AEW Dynamite: Hangman Wants Texas Death At All In | MJF Wins #2 Spot In Casino Gauntlet | Omega Saves Ibushi From Callis Family 07/04/2025

Wrestling Tonight: WWE NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS FALLOUT | CENA TOPS PUNK, AEW’S ALL IN WILL BREAK RECORDS, GABLE INJURED 07/01/2025

Wrestling Tonight: WWE NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS FALLOUT | CENA TOPS PUNK, AEW’S ALL IN WILL BREAK RECORDS, GABLE INJURED Episode 131 of Wrestling Tonight dives into one of the most consequential weeks in professional wrestling, where spectacle met scandal and history was made on multiple fronts. At the center of it all was WWE’s Night of Champions, an event clouded in geopolitical controversy and marked by dramatic in-ring developments. Headlining the show was John Cena, who emerged from his clash with CM Punk still Undisputed WWE Champion after a chaotic main event that seemed designed to frustrate rather than resolve. Punk’s return to Saudi Arabia, after years of public criticism of the regime, added a complex emotional layer to the match—only to be further muddled by a murky finish and post-match taunting from Seth Rollins, who now looms large as a wild card with the Money in the Bank briefcase and Paul Heyman at his side. Elsewhere on the card, Cody Rhodes captured the King of the Ring crown in a ceremonial victory over Randy Orton, a bout more notable for its symbolism than its drama. Jade Cargill’s Queen of the Ring triumph over Asuka was a visual spectacle but highlighted the steep learning curve she still faces. Sami Zayn, returning to Saudi Arabia for only the second time, scored an emotional victory over Karrion Kross in a moment that resonated deeply with the live crowd. The U.S. Title scene saw more chaos than clarity, with Solo Sikoa toppling Jacob Fatu in a match heavy on interference and light on clean resolution. WWE rounded out the event with a formal announcement: the 2026 Royal Rumble will be held in Riyadh, solidifying its long-term partnership with the Kingdom in a move that continues to stir debate about the company's global priorities and moral compass. Across the wrestling landscape, AEW is preparing for a record-setting night of its own as All In: Texas—set for July 12 at Globe Life Field—has already surpassed $2.5 million in gate revenue with over 19,000 paid tickets sold, becoming the most-attended non-WWE wrestling event in North American history. The event has begun to take shape with Mark Briscoe and Kris Statlander securing the first slots in their respective Casino Gauntlet matches, while JetSpeed—Mike Bailey and Kevin Knight—earned a title shot against The Hurt Syndicate after a fiery win on Dynamite. Their celebration was short-lived, as Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin, flanked by MVP and MJF, launched a brutal assault that left both challengers laid out, punctuating their dominance with a table-shattering finale. Back in NXT, Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo claimed the Heritage Cup in dramatic and controversial fashion, as interference from Luca Crusifino backfired, fracturing the D’Angelo Family and casting doubt over loyalties. Injuries continue to plague WWE's roster, with Liv Morgan undergoing shoulder surgery and Chad Gable reportedly sidelined following an on-screen arm-break angle with Penta. Gable is set for surgery in early July and may miss several months of action. Meanwhile, Keith Lee took to social media to reassure fans his prolonged AEW absence is not health-related but rather out of his hands, a quiet critique of creative stasis. ROH and CMLL’s Global Wars event delivered one of the year’s most stirring cards, headlined by Bandido’s successful ROH World Title defense over Mascara Dorada in a lucha clinic that further cemented his reign. The night also featured the emotional submission victory of Blue Panther over Lee Moriarty, which led to a surprise appearance from Bryan Danielson. Days later, Danielson again shocked fans by returning after AEW Collision in a surprise segment with Max Caster, submitting him in seconds with the LeBell Lock after an assist from Adam Cole. For the night, Danielson aligned with Kyle O’Reilly as “Kyle Danielson,” delighting the Washington crowd with a heartfelt rendition of “The Final Countdown.” Elsewhere in the news, the legal pressure continues to mount for WWE as Janel Grant’s legal team filed a sweeping discovery request seeking emails, board minutes, NDA drafts, and internal communications involving Vince McMahon, WWE HR, Linda McMahon, and Dr. Carlton Colker. The move is intended to challenge WWE’s push for arbitration, arguing that Grant’s allegations of coercion deserve to be scrutinized in open court. MLW found itself in AEW’s crosshairs as MJF appeared unannounced at an MLW taping to attack Mistico, further fueling speculation of a storyline—or power play—between the companies. NJPW’s G1 tournament suffered a personal setback as Bad Luck Fale withdrew following a loss in the family, opening the door for Satoshi Kojima to face Ryohei Oiwa in the play-in. Meanwhile, Bobby Lashley not only continues his dominance in AEW but has also been announced for a French indie show following Forbidden Door, while teasing a potential MMA return after appearing at a recent BKFC event. In the world of broadcast media, SiriusXM has announced the launch of Pro Wrestling Nation, a 24/7 channel devoted entirely to pro wrestling that will replace Fight Nation. The new station will feature expanded programming including Busted Open Radio, Off the Ropes with Jonathan Coachman, and shows hosted by Natalya and Denise Salcedo. And just across from Madison Square Garden, a new Hulk Hogan-themed bar called Slam is preparing to open its doors, promising fans memorabilia, MSG nostalgia, and a full-circle tribute to one of wrestling’s most controversial icons. From Saudi stadiums to Texas megashows, courtroom battles to backstage power moves, Wrestling Tonight continues to bring you the full spectrum of professional wrestling in all its triumphs, contradictions, and unfinished stories. Be sure to subscribe to Wrestling Tonight on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts—and follow @TurnbuckleTavern for weekly insights across WWE, AEW, NJPW, TNA, ROH, and the independent scene. /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/37208800

The Turnbuckle Debate #237 06/30/2025

AEW Dynamite: Young Bucks Hit EVP Trigger On Hangman | MJF Declares For Casino Gauntlet Match | Mercedes Attacks Toni Storm 06/27/2025

Wrestling Tonight: WWE NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS PREVIEW & THEIR SAUDI GAMBLE | CENA DROPS PIPE BOMB PART 2 | GOLDBERG’S FINAL MATCH OFFICIAL 06/24/2025

Wrestling Tonight: WWE NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS PREVIEW & THEIR SAUDI GAMBLE | CENA DROPS PIPE BOMB PART 2 | GOLDBERG’S FINAL MATCH OFFICIAL On Episode 130 of Wrestling Tonight, we trace the line between spectacle and volatility as WWE prepares to stage Night of Champions in one of the most geopolitically tense environments the company has ever operated in. The event, set for June 28 in Riyadh, features John Cena vs. CM Punk for the WWE Championship—a match built on personal history, philosophical tension, and, now, moral ambiguity. Punk, once the most outspoken critic of WWE’s Saudi partnership, now finds himself at the center of it. And while the match is poised to be a classic, the backdrop is far from fiction. Just days ago, the U.S. launched Operation Midnight Hammer, a bombing campaign on Iranian nuclear sites. Iran responded by vowing “everlasting consequences,” placing a target—symbolic or otherwise—on every American in the region. The UK government has issued active travel advisories, commercial flights have diverted around Iranian airspace, and yet, WWE is undeterred. The official statement is measured: “monitoring the situation.” But the unofficial stance is louder: we’re going. With the 2026 Royal Rumble scheduled for Saudi Arabia, and WWE’s billion-dollar deal with the Kingdom intact, there’s little room for second thoughts. We explore the Formula 1 precedent, where missile fire near the circuit didn’t stop the show, and how this moment once again pits corporate confidence against real-world caution. Meanwhile, Cena added fuel to the fire with a SmackDown promo that didn’t just build the match—it dismantled Punk. Echoing Punk’s own iconic Pipe Bomb from 2011, Cena turned the mirror around, calling Punk a hypocrite, “Mr. TKO,” and a man who peaked "seven minutes, fourteen years ago." It was biting, meta, and signaled that this isn’t just a title defense—it’s an ideological showdown. The rest of the Night of Champions card offers serious implications: Jacob Fatu defends the U.S. Championship against Solo Sikoa in a grudge match born from Bloodline fractures Dominik Mysterio puts the Intercontinental Title on the line against AJ Styles in a collision of lineage and legacy Randy Orton awaits Cody Rhodes or Jey Uso in the King of the Ring Final, with a SummerSlam title shot hanging in the balance Asuka stands tall in the Queen of the Ring Final, but will face either Jade Cargill or Roxanne Perez to earn her crown Beyond the Kingdom, WWE also confirmed a long-rumored farewell: Goldberg’s final match will take place July 12 in Atlanta, facing Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship. After years of unfinished business and polarizing returns, Goldberg finally goes out on his own terms—with his son Gage by his side. We break down why this match matters, and why it may be the right curtain call. Over in TNA, the Order 4 civil war escalates as Cedric Alexander makes his surprise debut, confronting Mustafa Ali and drawing battle lines inside the most unstable faction in the company. With Jason Hotch re-signing and Skyler caught in the crossfire, TNA quietly continues to tell one of the strongest faction stories in wrestling today. Also in this episode: Stephanie McMahon calls Vince “his own biggest nemesis”, as lawsuits and new ventures define his post-WWE chapter SmackDown returns to two hours starting July 4, ending a brief and polarizing experiment Los Garza win AAA Tag Team gold at Triplemania Regia in their hometown of Monterrey Mercedes Moné wins the CMLL Women’s Championship but is ambushed by Toni Storm as their All In collision looms Jon Moxley & AEW sued over an unscripted incident from a 2023 Dynamite taping Tony Khan weighs in on AEW’s future amid Warner Bros. Discovery’s corporate split Hook confirms his concussion, but says a return is near From Riyadh to Atlanta, TNA’s tapings in Pittsburgh to AEW’s shifting alliances, this week in wrestling isn’t just about matches—it’s about how much risk this industry is willing to shoulder in the name of business, legacy, and control. Subscribe to Wrestling Tonight on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, and follow @TurnbuckleTavern for weekly coverage of WWE, AEW, TNA, NJPW, GCW, and more. /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/37128060

The Turnbuckle Debate #236 06/23/2025

AEW Dynamite- Grand Slam Mexico: MJF Unmasks Mistico | Hangman Cuts Spanish Promo | Mercedes Wins CMLL Women's Championship 06/19/2025

Rawdown #184: Goldberg Final Match | Liv Morgan Injured | King And Queen Of The Ring Qualifier 06/18/2025

Wrestling Tonight: PUNK VS. CENA IN SAUDI ARABIA | GUNTHER WORLD CHAMP | AEW GRAND SLAM: MEXICO PREVIEW | NJPW DOMINION FALLOUT 06/17/2025

Wrestling Tonight: PUNK VS. CENA IN SAUDI ARABIA | GUNTHER WORLD CHAMP | AEW GRAND SLAM: MEXICO PREVIEW | NJPW DOMINION FALLOUT On Episode 129 of Wrestling Tonight, we examine a wrestling landscape defined by momentum, contradiction, and long-overdue reckonings. Gunther has once again ascended to the top of WWE’s mountain, reclaiming the World Heavyweight Championship with a decisive victory over Jey Uso on Raw. After a legendary Intercontinental reign and a prior world title run, this latest chapter only reaffirms what many already knew—Gunther represents stability, precision, and quiet dominance in an era often ruled by noise. But if Gunther embodies discipline, CM Punk continues to wrestle with dualities—especially his own. Punk is now officially headed to Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia, where he’ll face John Cena in a high-profile rematch years in the making. The match is compelling on paper, but the context is impossible to ignore. For much of his career, Punk positioned himself as a vocal critic of WWE’s Saudi partnership. His participation now marks a sharp pivot—and raises fair questions about where principle ends and pragmatism begins. Across the globe, AEW prepares for a milestone event with Grand Slam: Mexico, a historic collaboration with CMLL at Arena México. The card brings together AEW’s signature stars and Mexico’s rich lucha tradition: MJF vs. Mistico, Mercedes Moné defending the CMLL Women’s Championship, Ricochet returning to his roots in a four-way spectacle, and a lineup of elite trios competition featuring Okada, Ospreay, FTR, and more. It’s not just a supercard—it’s a cultural statement about what AEW wants to be. In Japan, NJPW’s Dominion delivered a slate of meaningful outcomes and subtle shifts. Hirooki Goto retained the IWGP World Heavyweight Title after a grueling defense against Shingo Takagi, Konosuke Takeshita continues to cement his position ahead of the G1 despite his loss to Oleg Boltin, and EVIL's vicious dog collar match win over David Finlay paired with the Bullet Club’s unraveling. With questions lingering around Hiroshi Tanahashi’s G1 future, Dominion felt less like a culmination and more like a prologue to what’s ahead. From Toronto to Tokyo, Mexico City to Riyadh, professional wrestling continues to evolve—sometimes with purpose, sometimes with contradiction, and always with stories that reflect more than what happens in the ring. Subscribe to Wrestling Tonight on Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, and follow @TurnbuckleTavern for weekly insight across WWE, AEW, NJPW, TNA, GCW, and beyond. /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/37015580

The Turnbuckle Debate #235 06/16/2025

AEW Dynamite- Summer Blockbuster: Okada/Omega Contract Signing For Unified Championship | Death Riders Attack Hangman | Swerve VS Ospreay 06/13/2025

Rawdown #183: MITB Review | Ron Killings Debuts | New World Champion 06/11/2025

Wrestling Tonight: SETH ROLLINS & NAOMI WIN MITB | TREMONT CONQUERS TOURNAMENT OF SURVIVAL X | WWE X AAA WORLDS COLLIDE FALLOUT | TNA AGAINST ALL ODDS RECAP | SHOTZI’S INDIE RETURN 06/10/2025

Wrestling Tonight: SETH ROLLINS & NAOMI WIN MITB | TREMONT CONQUERS TOURNAMENT OF SURVIVAL X | WWE X AAA WORLDS COLLIDE FALLOUT | TNA AGAINST ALL ODDS RECAP | SHOTZI’S INDIE RETURN On Episode 128 of Wrestling Tonight, we're breaking down an absolutely jam-packed weekend across the wrestling landscape, featuring shocking returns, deathmatch glory, interpromotional clashes, and championship shakeups. WWE Money in the Bank 2025 saw Seth Rollins reemerge atop the men's division by capturing the briefcase in a wild ladder match, while Naomi completed her comeback story with a hard-fought win to secure the women’s briefcase. John Cenahad the match under control but the real story came after, when a hooded attacker laid him out and unmasked as R-Truth, fresh off a reported release just days earlier. Triple H brushed it off post-show, saying only: “It’s all part of the show.” Becky Lynch reclaimed the Women’s IC Championship under dubious circumstances, and Dominik Mysterio narrowly retained the Intercontinental Title against AAA’s Octagon Jr. TNA Against All Odds 2025 delivered major fallout from the Slammiversary build, with Nic Nemeth defending the TNA World Championship in a chaotic three-way, Ash By Elegance continuing her dominance, and Joe Hendry vowing revenge after dropping the Digital Media title. WWE x AAA: Worlds Collide brought dream matches to life in Los Angeles, headlined by El Hijo del Vikingo successfully defending the AAA Mega Championship against Chad Gable in a breathtaking main event. Ethan Page retained the North American Title in a frantic four-way, Legado del Fantasma topped Psycho Clown’s trio, and Stephanie Vaquer & Lola Vice scored a big win over Dalys & Chik Tormenta. Dominik and Octagon Jr.’s post-match brawl set up their MITB showdown. GCW’s Tournament of Survival X finally saw Matt Tremont capture the one prize that had eluded him, running the table in a brutal night of deathmatches and retaining the GCW Ultraviolent Title throughout. Tremont defeated Jimmy Lloyd and Shotzi Blackheart (who made her surprise indie return) in the opening round, Bobby Beverly in the semis, and Otis Cogar in the finals. Shotzi’s deathmatch return turned heads and made a loud statement just weeks after her WWE contract expired. Also covered: Shotzi’s indie schedule heats up with GCW Japan, MLW, PROGRESS, and Hoodslam WWE’s evolving relationship with AAA and the future of cross-promotional events Fan backlash to the R-Truth “release” and whether WWE reversed course in response Subscribe to Wrestling Tonight on YouTube and all podcast platforms, and follow us @TurnbuckleTavern for all the latest headlines across WWE, AEW, NJPW, TNA, GCW, and beyond. /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/36936815

The Turnbuckle Debate #234 06/09/2025

AEW Dynamite- Fyter Fest: Hangman Saves Ospreay | Thekla Has Debut Match | MJF Confronts Ospreay 06/06/2025

Rawdown #182: MITB Preview | What Happens To R-Truth? | John Laurenitis Flips On Vince 06/04/2025

Wrestling Tonight: WWE MONEY IN THE BANK PREVIEW | WWE VS AEW SCHEDULE WAR CONTINUES | AEW DEPARTURES & NJPW BOSJ FINALS 06/03/2025

Wrestling Tonight: WWE MONEY IN THE BANK PREVIEW | WWE VS AEW SCHEDULE WAR CONTINUES | AEW DEPARTURES & NJPW BOSJ FINALS Welcome to Episode 127 of Wrestling Tonight! This week, we’ve got a loaded rundown of the wrestling landscape—everything from WWE’s stacked Money in the Bank lineup to AEW’s shifting roster and the high-stakes finals of NJPW’s Best of the Super Juniors. Plus, we dig into WWE’s continued schedule posturing, the latest on SmackDown’s expanded format, and the bittersweet farewell to a hardcore legend. Money in the Bank Preview – Seth Rollins, Solo Sikoa, LA Knight, and others climb toward championship destiny in the Men’s MITB – Rhea Ripley, Giulia, Naomi, and more headline the Women’s MITB – Cena & Logan Paul vs. Cody & Jey, and Becky Lynch challenges Lyra Valkyria for the Intercontinental Women’s Title We break down the card, matchups, and who’s poised for a breakout summer. SmackDown's Third Hour Stays—for Now Despite repeated promises from Triple H that the third hour of SmackDown was “temporary,” WWE and USA Network are moving forward with the three-hour format indefinitely. The change, initially framed as an “experiment,” now looks like a ratings-driven decision, with no clear end date in sight. While a rollback to two hours is still technically on the table for the fall, fans are once again seeing the gap between creative promises and corporate outcomes. 🇯🇵 BOSJ 32 Finals: Fujita def. YOH to win and earn a shot of El Desperado We talk NJPW’s Best of the Super Juniors final from June 1 between YOH and Kosei Fujita. When will Fujita take on El Desperado? WWE vs AEW: Schedule Tensions Escalate NXT Great American Bash will now go head-to-head with AEW All In: Texas. WWE continues its weekend stacking strategy, scheduling major events in the same time slot as AEW pay-per-views for the second time in a month. Is this a competitive move—or creatively detrimental? AEW Roster Shakeups Abadon, Bear Bronson, and Mariah May exit AEW, with May rumored to be WWE-bound. We discuss what these moves mean for AEW’s long-term plans and WWE’s ongoing recruitment of AEW talent. And More: – Title changes on NXT with Ethan Page and Jacy Jayne – Freedom Ramsey leaves the WWE ID program – Bloodsport 14 announced for August – Daisuke Sekimoto injury update 🎧 Subscribe now and don’t miss a beat. Follow us on social @turnbuckletavern and join our Patreon at patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern—just $2.99/month for bonus shows, exclusive takes, and unfiltered content. Until Monday, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens—stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. God luck and good speed. /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/36806220

The Turnbuckle Debate #233 06/02/2025

AEW Dynamite: Double Or Nothing Fallout | Hangman/Swerve/Ospreay Open The Show | Mercedes And Toni Storm Face To Face 05/30/2025

Rawdown #181: WrestleMania NOT In NOLA | SNME And Battleground Review | MITB Qualifiers Continues 05/28/2025

Wrestling Tonight: AEW DOUBLE OR NOTHING FALLOUT, TRICK WINS TNA TITLE AT BATTLEGROUND, WRESTLEMANIA MOVES FROM NOLA, SNME AFTERSHOCKS & WWE’S COUNTER PROGRAMMING PLAYBOOK 05/27/2025

Wrestling Tonight: AEW DOUBLE OR NOTHING FALLOUT, TRICK WINS TNA TITLE AT BATTLEGROUND, WRESTLEMANIA MOVES FROM NOLA, SNME AFTERSHOCKS & WWE’S COUNTER PROGRAMMING PLAYBOOK Welcome to Episode 126 of Wrestling Tonight. This week, we break down a full slate of major events across AEW, WWE, TNA, and NJPW. AEW’s Double or Nothing featured strong in-ring performances and key storyline developments. Hangman Page defeated Will Ospreay in a clean main event to win the Owen Hart Cup and earn a shot at Jon Moxley at All In: Texas. Anarchy in the Arena brought its usual level of spectacle, with Team Swerve overcoming The Death Riders and The Young Bucks. Mercedes Moné, Ricochet, Toni Storm, and FTR also notched meaningful wins. Tony Khan closed the weekend with updates on AEW’s creative direction, backstage culture, and the announcement of All Out heading to Toronto. Over at NXT Battleground, Trick Williams pinned Joe Hendry to become the new TNA World Champion, marking the first time that title has changed hands at a WWE event. Stephanie Vaquer retained against Jordynne Grace in a hard-fought match, while Oba Femi and Sol Ruca continued their respective title reigns. On Saturday Night’s Main Event, Cody Rhodes returned to confront John Cena and Logan Paul, setting up a major tag match for Money in the Bank. Damian Priest defeated Drew McIntyre in a steel cage match, and Bronson Reed aligned with Seth Rollins to form a new trio with Bron Breakker. We also look at TNA’s Under Siege, where Masha Slamovich retained the Knockouts Title, Spitfire disbanded, and Mustafa Ali’s faction showed signs of tension. Plus: WrestleMania 42 officially moves from New Orleans to Las Vegas, and we examine WWE’s continued pattern of counter-programming AEW’s major events. Also in this episode: Best of the Super Juniors tournament standings, Darby Allin’s Mount Everest summit, and what AEW’s expanding international calendar means going forward. 🎧 Subscribe and follow @turnbuckletavern. Bonus content and early episodes available at patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern. /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/36714380

The Turnbuckle Debate #232 05/26/2025

AEW Dynamite: Double Or Nothing Go-Home Episode | Hangman And Ospreay Face To Face | MJF Signs With Hurt Syndicate | Anarchy In The Arena Mayhem To Close Show 05/23/2025

Rawdown #180: SNME Preview | MITB Qualifiers Begin | Zoey Stark Injury 05/21/2025

Wrestling Tonight: AEW DOUBLE OR NOTHING 2025 PREVIEW | ANARCHY IN THE ARENA RETURNS | NXT BATTLEGROUND, TNA UNDER SIEGE & WWE SNME PREVIEW | THE LEGACY OF SABU 05/20/2025

Wrestling Tonight: AEW DOUBLE OR NOTHING 2025 PREVIEW | ANARCHY IN THE ARENA RETURNS | NXT BATTLEGROUND, TNA UNDER SIEGE & WWE SNME PREVIEW | THE LEGACY OF SABU Welcome to Episode 125 of Wrestling Tonight! This week, we’re diving into a massive weekend for pro wrestling with a double-header of marquee events: AEW’s Double or Nothing and WWE’s NXT Battleground. We’ve got full previews, card breakdowns, and story-driven analysis for both shows—plus a look ahead to Saturday Night’s Main Event and the continuing fallout from Backlash. 🔵 On the AEW side, we break down a stacked Double or Nothing card featuring: – Will Ospreay vs. Hangman Page and Mercedes Moné vs. Jamie Hayter in the Owen Hart Cup Finals – Toni Storm vs. Mina Shirakawa for the AEW Women’s World Title – A violent Stretcher Match between Ricochet and Mark Briscoe – The in-ring return of Nigel McGuinness, teaming with Daniel Garcia to take on FTR – Tag Title clash: The Hurt Syndicate vs. The Sons of Texas And in the main event spotlight: Anarchy in the Arena 2025 returns with rumored teams featuring Swerve, Omega, Willow, and Samoa Joe vs. The Young Bucks, Moxley, and Gabe Kidd. We explore the lineup possibilities, the NJPW crossover, and whether AEW will again push the boundaries of mixed-gender chaos. 🟣 Then, we shift to WWE and preview NXT Battleground, headlined by: – Oba Femi vs. Myles Borne for the NXT Championship – Stephanie Vaquer vs. Jordynne Grace, as TNA and NXT collide – Joe Hendry vs. Trick Williams for the TNA World Title – Plus: Tony D vs. Stacks in a match with family ties on the line We also take a look ahead to Saturday Night’s Main Event, with John Cena’s farewell run continuing, Jey Uso defending against Logan Paul, and CM Punk teaming with Sami Zayn. 🕊️ And in a more somber moment, we reflect on the passing of Sabu, the hardcore icon who forever changed the style and spirit of pro wrestling. From his ECW legacy to his final match, and Rob Van Dam’s powerful defense of Sabu’s choices, we honor his memory while addressing the controversy that’s followed. 🎌 Also in this episode: – Full Best of the Super Juniors 32 results and standings through Night 6 – AEW’s viewership spike for Beach Break and their mysterious new Idrinq sponsorship – Contract updates for Willow Nightingale and the health of Jim Ross – WWE’s ticket pricing strategy, the future of the Peacock deal, and the $7M site fee for SummerSlam – Outside the ring: Hulk Hogan’s Hooters IP bid,, and TNA’s updated stance on blood and violence It’s a jam-packed week across AEW, WWE, NJPW, and TNA—one of the biggest wrestling weekends of the year, and we’re here to guide you through it all. 🎧 Subscribe now and don’t miss a beat. Follow us on social @turnbuckletavern and support the show for exclusive content at patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern — just $2.99/month gets you bonus shows, unfiltered takes, and more. Until Monday: stay out of the alley—and away from the pork and beans. God luck and good speed. /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/36618715

The Turnbuckle Debate #231 05/19/2025

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