The Turnbuckle Tavern

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

Rawdown #190: PLEs On ESPN | Kross And Scarlet Gone? | Fatal 4 Way At Clash In Paris 08/13/2025

Wrestling Tonight: WWE’S $1.6 BILLION ESPN DEAL | TNA EMERGENCE PREVIEW | TRIPLEMANIA & G1 CLIMAX 35 UPDATES 08/12/2025

Wrestling Tonight: WWE’S $1.6 BILLION ESPN DEAL | TNA EMERGENCE PREVIEW | TRIPLEMANIA & G1 CLIMAX 35 UPDATES Welcome to Wrestling Tonight: your weekly deep dive into WWE, AEW, NJPW, TNA, and everything in between. This is Episode 137, and it’s one of the most significant weeks for wrestling’s future we’ve covered all year. WWE has officially signed a landmark five-year, $1.6 billion agreement to bring all U.S. premium live events to ESPN starting in 2026. It’s a media move on par with the original WWE Network launch, but with major implications for what it will cost fans to follow the product year-round. We’ll break down exactly how this changes the wrestling landscape, from pay-per-view access to mainstream visibility. This week, we also set the stage for a huge weekend ahead: TNA Emergence, TripleMania’s first card since WWE acquired AAA, and the latest twists in NJPW’s G1 Climax 35 playoff chase. From title matches to crossover moments, the next seven days could reshape the late-summer calendar. We break it all down: – WWE’s ESPN deal explained: cost, accessibility, and its ripple effect on the industry – TNA Emergence Preview: Trick Williams defends the TNA World Championship against Moose in a card stacked with high-stakes matches – TripleMania in Mexico City: Dominik Mysterio challenges for the AAA Mega Championship, Natalya chases Reina de Reinas gold, and The Judgment Day steps into the AAA ring – NJPW’s G1 Climax 35 update: the playoff picture tightens, standout matches emerge, and the road to the semifinals heats up – Eddie Kingston provides an update on his recovery and return plans – Brooke Hogan speaks candidly on her father’s passing and their relationship – Jonathan Gresham reveals a frightening health scare after suffering two strokes – Paul Heyman weighs in on Brock Lesnar’s return, WWE’s future headliners, and the fallout from the Travis Scott angle – Karrion Kross addresses his WWE contract status and his SummerSlam experience Also this week: 🔥 AEW post–All In updates: injury news, roster moves, and what’s next heading into the fall stretch 💥 A full look ahead at WWE, AEW, NJPW, and TNA programming for the coming week Wrestling is making billion-dollar moves, building toward huge events, and delivering stories on every front and Wrestling Tonight is here to cover every angle. /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/37748580

AEW Dynamite: Darby Terrorizes Death Riders | Kyle Fletcher Wins TNT Championship | Don Callis Unveils New Painting 08/08/2025

Rawdown #189 w/ Jon Bugdon: Brock Returns | Seth Steals The Title | Cena Is Face 08/06/2025

Wrestling Tonight: SUMMERSLAM 2025 FALLOUT | BROCK RETURNS | SETH CASHES IN ON PUNK | CODY SAYS AEW DISRESPECTED HIM 08/05/2025

Wrestling Tonight: SUMMERSLAM 2025 FALLOUT | BROCK RETURNS | SETH CASHES IN ON PUNK | CODY SAYS AEW DISRESPECTED HIM This week on Wrestling Tonight, we break down a landmark weekend in pro wrestling. WWE’s first-ever two-night SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium featured two massive world title changes, a shocking return from Brock Lesnar, and the naming of The Vision. CM Punk’s long-awaited championship win over Gunther was immediately erased by Rollins’ Money in the Bank cash-in, while Cody Rhodes closed out Night Two by defeating John Cena… only to watch Lesnar drop Cena with a post-match F5. We recap the full SummerSlam card, including Naomi’s crafty title defense, the Wyatt Sicks’ chaotic TLC win, a debut performance from Jelly Roll and Rayne Leverkusen's stand out try out. Plus, WWE crowns its first-ever ID Champions, and Triple H joins the U.S. President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition. Over in AEW, Cody Rhodes speaks candidly about his 2022 departure, saying he felt “disrespected” by the company he helped build. Meanwhile, AEW returns to Chicago for Worlds End 2025, as MJF captures the CMLL Light Heavyweight Championship and sets up a collision course with AEW World Champion Hangman Page. We also update the G1 Climax 35 standings as Yuya Uemura continues his rise, Zack Sabre Jr. surges in B Block, and contenders like Boltin Oleg, Drilla Moloney, and Takeshita shape the race for the semifinals. Plus: – TNA builds toward Emergence with Trick Williams vs. Moose – AEW Tag Title Eliminator Tournament heats up – Vince McMahon cited for reckless driving after a July 24 accident – Weekly preview for RAW, Dynamite, NXT, Impact, and Collision – Upcoming events: Forbidden Door, Clash in Paris, Victory Road, and more 🎧 Episode 136 is available now. 🧷 Support us at 📱 Follow @TurnbuckleTavern on all platforms for updates and bonus content. Until next week — stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. God luck and good speed. /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/37658250

AEW Dynamite: MJF Out Of Hurt Syndicate | Hangman Defeats Mox Again | Christian Addresses Cope And Patriarchy 08/01/2025

Rawdown #188: Hulkamania For Life | Summerslam Preview 07/31/2025

Wrestling Tonight: HULK HOGAN PASSES AWAY AT 71 | SUMMERSLAM 2025 PREVIEW | G1 CLIMAX SHAKE-UP & TNA’S NEXT TV DEAL 07/29/2025

Wrestling Tonight: HULK HOGAN PASSES AWAY AT 71 | SUMMERSLAM 2025 PREVIEW | G1 CLIMAX SHAKE-UP & TNA’S NEXT TV DEAL Welcome to Wrestling Tonight: Chad returns with Acefield Retro for your weekly deep dive into WWE, AEW, NJPW, TNA, and everything in between. On July 24, 2025, the wrestling world lost its most recognizable icon. Terry Bollea, Hulk Hogan passed away at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy as towering as his persona. From Saturday morning cartoons to WrestleMania main events, Hogan was the face that launched wrestling into pop culture. But his story is as complicated as it is influential. This week, we reflect on the full scope of Hogan’s life, the glory, the controversy, and the impact that can still be felt across every locker room in the world. WWE opened SmackDown with a ten-bell salute. NJPW honored him during G1 Climax. TNA, where he wrestled his final match, dedicated an entire broadcast in his memory. And yet, as the tributes poured in, so did the uncomfortable reminders of the man behind the myth. We break it all down: – The reverence and reckoning: how fans, wrestlers, and promoters are responding – Hogan’s final weeks, his real cause of death, and conflicting reports that preceded it – A career that spanned generations — from Hulkamania to the nWo and beyond – A legacy not easily defined, but impossible to ignore Also this week: 🔥 WWE SummerSlam 2025 Preview – The full two-night card is set, and the tag titles will hang high in a six-team TLC war. We look at every match, from Punk vs. Gunther to Cena vs. Rhodes, and why WWE canceled its late-night crossover event. 💥 G1 Climax Update – Konosuke Takeshita vs. Shingo Takagi delivers a show-stealer, but Gabe Kidd’s injury forces his tournament withdrawal. With B Block tightening, the road to the semifinals just got more unpredictable. 👑 Triplemania Shake-Up – Dominik Mysterio stuns the AAA crowd, inserting himself into the Mega Championship match. Plus: El Grande Mexicano debuts, and Natalya steps into the AAA ring. 🦴 Slammiversary Fallout – Moose may be sidelined after a scary bump during his title defense. What does this mean for TNA’s summer plans and its rising stars like Leon Slater? 📺 AEW’s Wild Summer Continues – Page vs. Moxley II is official for Dynamite with no one allowed ringside. Will Ospreay opens up about a real injury, and MJF is headed to Arena Mexico for a CMLL title challenge. /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/37567550

AEW Dynamite: Hangman And Mox Rematch Set | MJF And Hurt Syndicate Having Problems | RIP Hulkamania 07/25/2025

Rawdown #187: Roman Confronts Heyman | Is Cody Turning Heel? | WWE/TNA 07/23/2025

Wrestling Tonight: TNA SLAMMIVERSARY FALLOUT, SETH ROLLINS INJURY UPDATE & TONY KHAN REVEALS ‘DOUBLE-CROSS’ BY AAA 07/22/2025

Wrestling Tonight: TNA SLAMMIVERSARY FALLOUT, SETH ROLLINS INJURY UPDATE & TONY KHAN REVEALS ‘DOUBLE-CROSS’ BY AAA Welcome to Wrestling Tonight, your weekly deep dive into everything happening across WWE, AEW, NJPW, TNA, and more. This is Episode 134, and we’re coming off one of the most eventful weekends of the summer. We start with the fallout from TNA Slammiversary 2025, where AJ Styles returned to the company he helped build. While the Phenomenal One didn’t compete, his appearance marked a symbolic homecoming — and perhaps the beginning of something bigger. We break down what his involvement means for the WWE–TNA partnership, what’s next for Trick Williams and Jacy Jayne after defending their titles, and how TNA continues to evolve as a major player in the current wrestling landscape. Then — Goldberg is done staying quiet. The Hall of Famer is furious over how WWE handled his final match, venting on the Ariel Helwani Show about being cut off, ignored, and given no real send-off. With his NDA reportedly set to expire in two weeks, we dig into what Goldberg hinted at — and whether WWE might be bracing for a scorched-earth response. Meanwhile in AEW, Tony Khan opens up about feeling double-crossed by AAA during the infamous 2022 tag title switch involving FTR and Dragon Lee. We revisit the moment, what really happened behind the scenes, and why this revelation — combined with AEW’s growing relationship with CMLL — signals a full pivot away from AAA in the wake of WWE’s pending acquisition. Also on the show: G1 Climax 35 is underway, and early results have already flipped expectations. We’ve got upsets, injuries, and surprise leaders in both blocks. Seth Rollins’ knee injury raises more questions — is it legit or storyline misdirection ahead of a surprise cash-in? Jelly Roll slams Logan Paul through a desk on Jimmy Kimmel Live as SummerSlam hype hits a new level CM Punk praises Triple H, reflects on creative freedom, and previews his title clash with Gunther Roman Reigns returns to Raw, but what’s really motivating the One True Chief? KENTA wins the GHC Heavyweight Title at NOAH’s 25th Anniversary, setting up a legacy rematch with Marufuji Plus: Omega & Ospreay’s time off, WWE’s new severance policy, and more /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/37493790

The Turnbuckle Debate #240 07/21/2025

AEW Dynamite: ALL IN Fallout | Hangman Dethrones Mox As AEW Champion | Toni Storm Retains Against Mercedes | Young Bucks Lose EVP Title | Cope/Darby/Danielson Return 07/18/2025

Rawdown #186: Naomi Cashes In | Seth Rollins Injured | Roman Reigns Returns! 07/17/2025

Wrestling Tonight: AEW ALL IN: TEXAS FALLOUT | HANGMAN REIGNS AGAIN | ROLLINS INJURED | NXT GAB & WWE SNME RECAP 07/15/2025

Wrestling Tonight: AEW ALL IN: TEXAS FALLOUT | HANGMAN REIGNS AGAIN | ROLLINS INJURED | NXT GAB & WWE SNME RECAP Episode 133 of Wrestling Tonight delivers an in-depth look at one of the most emotionally resonant and narratively significant weekends in professional wrestling in recent memory. At the epicenter was AEW All In: Texas, a six-hour showcase of brutality, catharsis, and renewal that drew over 25,000 fans to Globe Life Field and pushed AEW’s creative ambition to new heights. The main event saw Hangman Adam Page reclaim the AEW World Championship in a Texas Death Match against Jon Moxley—a match soaked in blood, symbolism, and emotional weight. With broken glass, barbed wire, and chain-assisted violence, Page not only overcame Moxley but rewrote his own legacy. No longer haunted by doubt, Hangman’s second title reign began surrounded by surprising allies—Swerve Strickland, Bryan Danielson, and Darby Allin—each playing a role in this violent resurrection. Elsewhere, Kazuchika Okada unified two of AEW’s top singles titles, defeating Kenny Omega in their first singles bout in six years. But the match’s integrity was once again compromised by Don Callis, whose interference robbed Omega of a clean opportunity. Toni Storm handed Mercedes Moné her first AEW singles loss in a dramatic, character-driven clash. Dustin Rhodes captured the TNT Title in his home state after Adam Cole emotionally vacated the belt, and MJF earned a future AEW World Title shot by surviving one of the deepest Casino Gauntlet fields in company history. In a match with long-term implications, Will Ospreay and Swerve Strickland defeated The Young Bucks, officially stripping them of EVP status and signaling a broader shift in AEW’s power structure. Meanwhile, WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event XL offered its own landmark moment as Goldberg wrestled the final match of his 28-year career, falling to Gunther via technical submission. With echoes of WCW and real-time tears from friends and family, it was a farewell steeped in emotion, legacy, and consequence. Elsewhere on the card, Seth Rollins appeared to suffer a knee injury during a moonsault attempt against LA Knight—causing a hush over the crowd as officials briefly entered the ring before Knight capitalized to secure a win. The extent of Rollins’ injury remains unclear but could alter WWE’s title picture heading into SummerSlam. Randy Orton defeated Drew McIntyre with a signature RKO after Logan Paul and Jelly Roll clashed at ringside, igniting a likely tag match in the weeks ahead. And in the U.S. Title match, Solo Sikoa retained over Jimmy Uso thanks to interference from Tama Tonga—only to be confronted afterward by a returning Jacob Fatu, injecting new blood into the crumbling remains of The Bloodline. In NXT, The Great American Bash: Atlanta served as a creative cornerstone for the brand. Oba Femi retained the NXT Championship in a stiff, international showcase against NOAH’s Yoshiki Inamura, while Ethan Page narrowly survived a star-making performance by Ricky Saints in a wild Falls Count Anywhere match. Sol Ruca and Je’Von Evans scored meaningful victories, and in a significant cross-promotional moment, Trick Williams, Joe Hendry, and Mike Santana signed the contract for their TNA World Title triple threat at Slammiversary, adding gravity to WWE’s growing collaboration with TNA. From Hangman’s bloody redemption to Rollins’ uncertain status, from Goldberg’s goodbye to the rise of AEW’s next chapter, Wrestling Tonight captures a weekend where every promotion moved its pieces forward—and where the past, present, and future collided with force. /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/37390540

The Turnbuckle Debate #239 07/14/2025

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

The Turnbuckle Tavern

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