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: Grand Slam Mexico | MJF Returns For Andrade | Trios Championship Changes Hands 08/07/2026

Rawdown #239: SummerSlam '26: The Recap Round-Up Fallout Review 08/05/2026

Wrestling Tonight: WWE SUMMERSLAM 2026 NIGHT 1 & 2 REVIEW | ROMAN REIGNS BEATS SETH ROLLINS, KEVIN OWENS RETURNS & OBA FEMI BESTS BROCK LESNAR | 201 08/03/2026

Wrestling Tonight: WWE SUMMERSLAM 2026 NIGHT 1 & 2 REVIEW | ROMAN REIGNS BEATS SETH ROLLINS, KEVIN OWENS RETURNS & OBA FEMI BESTS BROCK LESNAR | 201 Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL and Official Dick Lazer. Use code TAVERN for 20% off at GFUEL.com and DickLazers.com. Episode 201 is headlined by our complete review of WWE SummerSlam 2026 as we're joined by JBugz from Rawdown to break down both nights of WWE's biggest event of the summer. From CM Punk retaining the Undisputed WWE Championship and Oba Femi defeating Brock Lesnar inside Hell in a Cell to Kevin Owens' shocking return, Chelsea Green becoming Interim Women's Champion, Chad Gable finally capturing his first singles championship, and Roman Reigns defeating Seth Rollins to retain the World Heavyweight Championship in the final chapter of their legendary rivalry, we cover every major match, surprise and storyline coming out of Minneapolis. We begin with Night 1, discussing Liv Morgan's successful Women's World Championship defense against Iyo Sky after her first title defense in roughly 100 days, LA Knight, Solo Sikoa and Royce Keys defeating Jacob Fatu and The Usos, Gunther submitting Nick Aldis in his first match back after three years, and Fatal Influence picking up the victory before The Bella Twins shocked everyone by turning on Paige. We also break down CM Punk's dramatic title defense over Cody Rhodes following Randy Orton's surprise return, the controversy surrounding the Night 1 main event, and Oba Femi defeating Brock Lesnar inside Hell in a Cell before receiving Lesnar's public endorsement as the future of WWE. Next, we shift our attention to Night 2 as Kevin Owens made his long-awaited in-ring return following neck surgery and immediately earned an Undisputed WWE Championship opportunity by winning a surprise Fatal Four-Way over Sami Zayn, Finn Bálor and Gunther. We also discuss Baron Corbin capturing the United States Championship from Trick Williams, Chelsea Green winning the Interim WWE Women's Championship in a chaotic Ladder Match, Danhausen defeating Dominik Mysterio in the Human Monies on a Pole Match, Chad Gable finally winning his first WWE singles championship by defeating Penta for the Intercontinental Championship in front of his hometown crowd, and Roman Reigns retaining the World Heavyweight Championship over Seth Rollins in an emotional 33-minute main event that ended with one final Shield fist bump between the longtime rivals. From there, we discuss Triple H's post-show comments, the Randy Orton factor heading into the Undisputed WWE Championship picture, Kevin Owens immediately becoming CM Punk's next challenger, what Roman Reigns' victory means after finally closing the book on his rivalry with Seth Rollins, Oba Femi's continued rise as one of WWE's biggest stars, what the weekend accomplished creatively, where WWE succeeded, where it fell short, and what SummerSlam means for the road ahead. Be sure to support the show and join our Patreon for just $2.99 a month at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for exclusive content. Follow us on social media @TurnbuckleTavern for all the latest updates. Until the following week, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed. /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/42296650

Wrestling Tonight: AEW CONTINENTAL CUP EXPLAINED, FA CUP HISTORY, CONTINENTAL CLASSIC & NIGEL McGUINNESS | 200 07/31/2026

Wrestling Tonight: AEW CONTINENTAL CUP EXPLAINED, FA CUP HISTORY, CONTINENTAL CLASSIC & NIGEL McGUINNESS | 200 Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL and Official Dick Lazer. Use code TAVERN for 20% off at GFUEL.com and DickLazers.com. Episode 200 is headlined by our deep dive into All Elite Wrestling's newly announced Continental Cup as we explain the tournament's format, its inspiration from England's historic Football Association Challenge Cup and what it means for the future of the Continental Championship. Along the way, we explore the history behind the oldest national football competition in the world, examine Tony Khan's connection to English football through Fulham Football Club, discuss Nigel McGuinness entering the tournament ahead of Wembley Stadium and analyze why the Continental Cup is designed to complement rather than replace the Continental Classic. We begin by breaking down the announcement itself, explaining why Jon Moxley's comments on Dynamite created confusion before Collision finally revealed the structure of the Continental Cup. From there, we examine the tournament's sixteen-man single-elimination format, the random draw after every round, Continental Rules and why putting the Continental Championship on the line throughout the tournament creates immediate stakes for every match. Next, we explore the history of the Football Association Challenge Cup, tracing its origins back to 1871 and explaining how random draws, knockout competition and the tradition of "giant-killing" have helped make it one of the most prestigious sporting competitions in the world. We also discuss Tony Khan's decade-long involvement with Fulham Football Club and why the Continental Cup feels like a natural extension of his ties to English football rather than simply another wrestling tournament. From there, we shift our attention back to All Elite Wrestling as we discuss Nigel McGuinness announcing himself for the tournament, why competing for a cup at Wembley Stadium carries unique significance for one of Britain's greatest wrestlers and how his inclusion immediately gives the tournament an emotional connection to the country that inspired it. We then compare the Continental Cup to the Continental Classic, explaining why the two tournaments are fundamentally different despite revolving around the same championship. We also examine how New Japan Pro-Wrestling successfully presents both the New Japan Cup every spring and the G1 Climax every summer, rewarding different styles of competition while building annual traditions around the same roster. We discuss how the Continental Championship has evolved since Eddie Kingston won the inaugural Continental Classic, the role of Continental Rules in establishing the title's identity and why adding a second annual tournament could further elevate the championship. Finally, we address one of the biggest criticisms surrounding the announcement: does All Elite Wrestling have too many tournaments and too many prizes? We discuss why that criticism is understandable, why presentation and communication matter just as much as the concept itself, and why the Continental Cup should ultimately be judged by the moments it creates rather than by the fact that it is another tournament. We close by examining what All Elite Wrestling must do over the coming weeks to transform the Continental Cup from an interesting idea into a lasting annual tradition. Be sure to support the show and join our Patreon for just $2.99 a month at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for exclusive content. Follow us on social media @TurnbuckleTavern for all the latest updates. Until the following week, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed. /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/42281110

AEW Dynamite: Redemption Fall-Out | Omega And Ospreay Face To Face | Young Bucks Sit Down With Cope/Cage | Trios Titles Change Hands 07/31/2026

Wrestling Tonight: G1 CLIMAX 36 MIDWAY REPORT, ROAD TO WRESTLE KINGDOM, BLOCK STANDINGS & G1 HISTORY | 199 07/30/2026

Wrestling Tonight: G1 CLIMAX 36 MIDWAY REPORT, ROAD TO WRESTLE KINGDOM, BLOCK STANDINGS & G1 HISTORY | 199 Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL and Official Dick Lazer. Use code TAVERN for 20% off at GFUEL.com and DickLazers.com. Episode 199 is headlined by our midway report on G1 Climax 36 as we break down where every wrestler stands after eight nights, analyze the biggest stories shaping this year's tournament, and examine the road to Wrestle Kingdom. Along the way, we dive into the rich history behind New Japan's signature tournament, tracing its roots from the World League, MSG League and IWGP League eras through the birth of the G1 Climax in 1991 and the creation of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship rights certificate. We also examine Konosuke Takeshita's dominant run as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, the emergence of Callum Newman, Boltin Oleg and Drilla Moloney, Gabe Kidd continuing to establish himself as one of wrestling's most compelling personalities, HENARE quietly putting together the best tournament of his career, and Zack Sabre Jr.'s shocking struggles just one year after winning the G1. We begin by looking at the history behind New Japan's annual summer tournament, from Antonio Inoki's dominance of the World League, MSG League and IWGP League through the World Cup Tournament in 1989, the one-year hiatus in 1990 and the debut of the G1 Climax in 1991. From there, we examine how the reward for winning the tournament evolved over the next two decades, discussing why early G1 winners didn't always receive the same prize, how some champions entered and won the tournament while already holding the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, why Yuji Nagata remains the only G1 winner never to challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, and how New Japan ultimately created the IWGP Heavyweight Championship rights certificate to establish the modern Road to Wrestle Kingdom. We then break down the certificate era from 2012 through 2025, following Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tetsuya Naito, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi and others as they defended their Wrestle Kingdom opportunities before January 4. We also discuss Jay White becoming the first wrestler to steal the rights certificate from a G1 winner, Zack Sabre Jr. and Konosuke Takeshita cashing in their title opportunities before Wrestle Kingdom, and how those decisions reshaped the modern tournament. We also preview the field for G1 Climax 36, New Japan opening the tournament in the United States for just the second time, and the unfortunate concussion that forced Shota Umino to withdraw before block play was complete. From there, we shift our attention to the action inside the ring as we recap Nights 5 through 8 of G1 Climax 36. We discuss Callum Newman scoring the biggest victory of his career over Zack Sabre Jr., Drilla Moloney's rise to the top of B Block while also signing a multi-show agreement with PRODUCE Wrestling, Konosuke Takeshita continuing to look every bit like the tournament favorite, Great-O-Khan's controversial victory over Hirooki Goto, SANADA's creative count-out win over Jake Lee, Yota Tsuji rebuilding momentum after an 0-2 start, HENARE becoming the first wrestler to reach eight points, and Gabe Kidd delivering one of the tournament's most memorable moments after defeating Zack Sabre Jr. and declaring he planned to win G1 Climax 36 "for my cardio" before entering what he called "a real tournament," the AEW Continental Classic. We wrap up by examining where both blocks stand heading into the second half of the tournament. We discuss Takeshita separating himself atop A Block while Yota Tsuji, Boltin Oleg and Ryohei Oiwa continue their pursuit, the three-way tie between HENARE, Drilla Moloney and Gabe Kidd atop B Block, Callum Newman's breakout performance, Zack Sabre Jr.'s uphill climb to stay alive, the impact of Shota Umino's walkover losses on the standings, and the biggest matches and storylines to watch as the race toward the G1 playoffs and Wrestle Kingdom enters its most important stretch. Be sure to support the show and join our Patreon for just $2.99 a month at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for exclusive content. Follow us on social media @TurnbuckleTavern for all the latest updates. Until the following week, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed. /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/42267645

Rawdown #238: Summerslam '26 Preview 07/29/2026

Wrestling Tonight: AEW REDEMPTION FALLOUT, BAYLEY'S WWE FUTURE, RAQUEL WINS IC TITLE, CRUZ MONTANA DEBUTS & AEW PODCAST NETWORK UPDATE | 198 07/28/2026

Wrestling Tonight: AEW REDEMPTION FALLOUT, BAYLEY'S WWE FUTURE, RAQUEL WINS IC TITLE, CRUZ MONTANA DEBUTS & AEW PODCAST NETWORK UPDATE | 198 Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL and Official Dick Lazer. Use code TAVERN for 20% off at GFUEL.com and DickLazers.com. Episode 198 is headlined by the fallout from AEW Redemption as Kenny Omega retained the AEW World Championship before shocking Will Ospreay in the closing moments of the show, Willow Nightingale captured the AEW Women's World Championship, Andrade became the new AEW National Champion, and Tony Khan provided the first meaningful update in months on the long-awaited AEW Podcast Network. We also break down a newsworthy edition of Monday Night Raw that crowned a new champion, featured Ryan Garcia joining Judgment Day, and further reshaped the road to WWE's biggest weekend of the summer. We begin with AEW Redemption, reviewing every major match and angle from Montreal. We discuss Speedball Mike Bailey winning the opening ladder match to earn an AEW International Championship opportunity, The Young Bucks defeating Death Riders after Will Ospreay refused to become the monster Jon Moxley wanted him to be, Kyle Fletcher retaining the International Championship against Bandido in another Match of the Year contender, Andrade defeating Mark Davis to capture the AEW National Championship, Chris Jericho and Tommaso Ciampa delivering one of the most violent matches in AEW history, Willow Nightingale dethroning Thekla to become AEW Women's World Champion, Maya World shocking Hikaru Shida to win the TBS Championship, Cage & Cope retaining the AEW World Tag Team Championship before The Young Bucks officially challenged them for All In, and Kenny Omega surviving Kevin Knight before attacking Will Ospreay after Ospreay rejected the Death Riders and officially set the stage for Wembley. We also share our full match grades and biggest takeaways from AEW's newest pay-per-view. We also break down everything Tony Khan revealed during the Redemption media scrum, including the long-awaited update on the AEW Podcast Network, why Redemption was designed to launch the road to All In, improvements regarding international visa issues, new interactive fan experiences planned for Wembley, his comments about Kenny Omega's importance to AEW, the latest on Mistico's recovery ahead of Grand Slam Mexico, and why he intentionally structured Redemption to conclude before midnight Eastern. Over in WWE, we recap a headline-filled Monday Night Raw as Raquel Rodriguez captured the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship, earning her first singles championship on the main roster with help from Roxanne Perez and adding even more gold to Judgment Day. We also discuss Bron Breakker and Austin Theory brutally writing Otis off television, Ryan Garcia's shocking arrival and alliance with Judgment Day, YouTube TV subscribers now receiving access to ESPN Unlimited and WWE Premium Live Events, and the latest developments across Raw as WWE continues building momentum toward its biggest event of the summer. We then turn our attention to two of wrestling's biggest developing stories as Bayley openly reflects on her career while her WWE contract reportedly nears its expiration, fueling even more speculation about her long-term future and the possibility of joining Mercedes Moné in AEW. We also discuss former TNA World Champion Mike Santana officially becoming Cruz Montana in NXT, the emotional story behind the new name honoring his late father, and what his arrival could mean for WWE's future. From there, we preview the week ahead across professional wrestling, including AEW Dynamite featuring Willow Nightingale's championship celebration, The Conglomeration defending the AEW World Trios Championship, Adam Copeland and Christian Cage sitting down with The Young Bucks ahead of All In, Rhino appearing live, NXT featuring Myles Borne defending the North American Championship and Cruz Montana addressing the NXT Universe for the first time, TNA Impact headlined by Nic Nemeth defending the TNA World Championship against Jeff Hardy, Mustafa Ali defending the TNA International Championship, Knockouts Television Championship tournament action, plus AEW Collision, WWE SmackDown, AAA on Fox, NWA Powerrr, and a look ahead at the biggest matches coming up across the wrestling calendar. Be sure to support the show and join our Patreon for just $2.99 a month at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for exclusive content. Follow us on social media @TurnbuckleTavern for all the latest updates. Until the following week, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed. /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/42246655

Wrestling Tonight: WWE SUMMERSLAM 2026 PREVIEW MEGASODE, TOP 5 SUMMERSLAM MOMENTS & MORE | 197 07/25/2026

Wrestling Tonight: WWE SUMMERSLAM 2026 PREVIEW MEGASODE, TOP 5 SUMMERSLAM MOMENTS & MORE | 197 Episode 197 of Wrestling Tonight is LIVE! Acefield Retro is joined by JBugz of The Rawdown for our biggest SummerSlam preview of the year as we break down everything you need to know before WWE’s biggest event of the summer. SummerSlam 2026 takes place across two nights on August 1 and August 2 from U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. We go match by match through the full card, examining every rivalry, every championship picture, and every storyline that has brought WWE to one of the most anticipated premium live events of the year. We dive deep into Roman Reigns defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Seth Rollins as their decade-long rivalry reaches another defining chapter. We also break down CM Punk defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes, Oba Femi colliding with Brock Lesnar inside Hell in a Cell, Liv Morgan defending the Women’s World Championship against Iyo Sky, Chad Gable challenging Penta for the Intercontinental Championship in his hometown, the latest chapter in The Bloodline civil war, Nick Aldis stepping into a WWE ring for the first time, Danhausen’s bizarre $100,000 showdown with Dominik Mysterio, the Interim WWE Women’s Championship Ladder Match, Sami Zayn’s road back to the world title picture, and every other announced match on the SummerSlam card. We also count down our Top 5 Greatest SummerSlam Moments of All Time, revisiting the unforgettable matches, shocking twists, emotional victories, legendary returns, and defining moments that helped make SummerSlam “The Biggest Party of the Summer.” Plus, we share plenty of honorable mentions and debate which moments deserve a place among the greatest in WWE history. If you’re getting ready for SummerSlam weekend, this is your complete guide to every major story heading into Minneapolis. As always, we’d love to hear from you. What are your Top 5 SummerSlam moments of all time? Which match are you most excited for this year, and what are your biggest predictions for SummerSlam 2026? Let us know in the comments! Turnbuckle Tavern is proudly powered by G FUEL, the clean, zero-sugar, zero-crash energy formula built for wrestling fans, gamers, creators, and anyone looking to stay energized. Save 20% on your order at with promo code TAVERN. We’re also sponsored by Official Dick Lazers. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate prank gift or just want to be the funniest person in the room, head over to and use promo code TAVERN to save 20% on your order. /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/42211505

AEW Dynamite: Redemption Go-home Episode | Kevin Knight Stands Tall Over Omega | Trouble In The Callis Family? 07/24/2026

Wrestling Tonight: WWE RADIO'S REAL STRATEGY, BUSTED OPEN & THE FUTURE OF WRESTLING COVERAGE | 196 07/23/2026

Wrestling Tonight: WWE RADIO'S REAL STRATEGY, BUSTED OPEN & THE FUTURE OF WRESTLING COVERAGE | 196 Episode 196 of Wrestling Tonight is LIVE! WWE and SiriusXM have officially launched WWE Radio, replacing Pro Wrestling Nation with a 24/7 company-branded channel featuring live Premium Live Event commentary, WWE podcasts, Superstar interviews and Busted Open Radio as the centerpiece of its daily lineup. On the surface, it looks like another major media expansion for WWE. But does it represent something much bigger? This week, we're dedicating the entire episode to breaking down what WWE Radio really means for the future of wrestling media. We examine how the launch changes the perception of Busted Open, Jim Ross' recent criticism that the show had become a "WWE infomercial," and whether an official WWE-branded platform can still be viewed as an independent voice covering the wrestling industry. From there, we dive into WWE's broader media strategy, exploring how the company continues to expand its influence through television, podcasts, streaming, partnerships and now national radio. We also discuss WWE's ongoing counterprogramming of AEW, including Dave Meltzer's recent comments, the fan reaction across the wrestling community, and whether these scheduling decisions are about winning individual weekends or strengthening WWE's long-term position within the industry. Finally, we take a deeper look at the larger media conversation. How does company-controlled media differ from independent journalism? Can promotional platforms also provide objective analysis? And what happens when one company increasingly controls not only the biggest wrestling product, but also more of the platforms discussing it? Join us for one of the most in-depth conversations we've ever had as we examine WWE Radio, media influence, editorial independence and the future of wrestling coverage. Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL and Official Dick Lazer. Use code TAVERN for 20% off at GFUEL.com and DickLazers.com. /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/42197865

Rawdown #237: If You're Not First, You're Last: The SNME Review And Fallout 07/22/2026

Wrestling Tonight: WHY WWE IS TAKING OVER NEW YORK FOR WRESTLEMANIA 43, WAS BRON BREAKKER SUPPOSED TO WIN THE ROYAL RUMBLE? & AEW REDEMPTION PREVIEW | 195 07/21/2026

Wrestling Tonight: WHY WWE IS TAKING OVER NEW YORK FOR WRESTLEMANIA 43, WAS BRON BREAKKER SUPPOSED TO WIN THE ROYAL RUMBLE? & AEW REDEMPTION PREVIEW | 195 Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL and Official Dick Lazer. Use code TAVERN for 20% off at GFUEL.com and DickLazers.com. Episode 195 is headlined by WWE Unreal Season 3 pulling back the curtain on one of the company's biggest creative decisions as Triple H reveals Bron Breakker was originally planned to win the 2026 Royal Rumble, the fallout from Saturday Night's Main Event at Madison Square Garden, growing speculation surrounding Tom Brady's WWE future, AEW's inaugural Redemption pay-per-view, and a dramatically reshaped G1 Climax 36 after four nights of tournament action. We begin in WWE with the fallout from Saturday Night's Main Event as CM Punk and Cody Rhodes preserved their SummerSlam Undisputed WWE Championship showdown after defeating Gunther and Sami Zayn in a controversial main event. We break down Nick Aldis' decisive involvement, why Gunther has every reason to feel robbed, and how WWE protected its SummerSlam main event while leaving unresolved issues between all four competitors. We also discuss Fatal Influence capturing the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship, Lyra Valkyria taking her rivalry with Bayley to an even darker place following a vicious post-match assault, Danhausen defeating JD McDonagh with memorable assistance from NBA Champion Karl-Anthony Towns, Trick Williams retaining the United States Championship over Laredo Kid, Oba Femi sending another warning to Brock Lesnar before Hell in a Cell, Roman Reigns closing the show alongside NBA Champion Jalen Brunson before a confrontation with Seth Rollins and Tyrese Haliburton, and why the celebrity-heavy closing segment made for an unusual ending after the night's biggest wrestling match had already concluded. We also examine the show's impressive Google Trends performance and how Madison Square Garden once again delivered one of the strongest Saturday Night's Main Event performances of the modern era. We then shift to WWE Unreal Season 3 as Netflix's behind-the-scenes series reveals Bron Breakker was originally scheduled to win the 2026 Royal Rumble before WWE changed course. We discuss Triple H's concerns over whether Breakker was ready for the pressure that comes with winning WWE's biggest annual match, whether fans would accept the push, and how Breakker's hernia injury the following night ultimately changed the trajectory of his WrestleMania season. We also examine John Cena's candid stories from his farewell tour, including why he refused to perform Rey Mysterio's 619 during his final match with AJ Styles at Crown Jewel, the handwritten introduction he personally gave Alicia Taylor honoring Styles' legendary career across TNA, NJPW and WWE, and why that unscripted tribute unexpectedly landed Cena in trouble with WWE management. We also discuss reports that Tom Brady and WWE are engaged in ongoing conversations following Brady's recent confrontations with Logan Paul at Fanatics Fest and the FIFA World Cup Final. We examine how Brady's relationship with Fanatics, his comments about potentially wrestling, and his ties to WWE could make an eventual appearance a realistic possibility. We also cover popular streamer N3on's public apology to Penta after accidentally livestreaming the Intercontinental Champion without his mask at Fanatics Fest, plus the latest legal development as Janel Grant's lawsuit against Vince McMahon and WWE officially moves into private arbitration. Over in AEW, we preview the inaugural Redemption pay-per-view from Montreal as the Bell Centre hosts its first-ever AEW pay-per-view event. We break down Kenny Omega defending the AEW World Championship against Kevin Knight, Kyle Fletcher defending the International Championship against Bandido, Mark Davis putting the National Championship on the line against Andrade El Ídolo, Adam Copeland and Christian Cage defending the AEW World Tag Team Championship against Claudio Castagnoli and PAC, Thekla defending the AEW Women's World Championship against Willow Nightingale, Hikaru Shida defending the TBS Championship against Maya World, Jon Moxley and Will Ospreay joining forces against The Young Bucks, Chris Jericho facing Tommaso Ciampa in a No Holds Barred Match, and the Rougeau wrestling dynasty celebration scheduled for the pre-show. From there, we head to AAA, where Rey Mysterio has officially launched the tournament to crown a new AAA Latin American Champion following El Hijo del Vikingo's injury. We discuss El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. becoming the first qualifier for the TripleManía 34 championship match, preview the remaining qualifying matches, and break down La Hiedra and Laredo Kid earning a AAA World Mixed Tag Team Championship opportunity against Lola Vice and Mr. Iguana as Verano de Escándalo rapidly approaches. Over in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, G1 Climax 36 has become even more unpredictable after four nights of tournament action. We recap Hirooki Goto's victory over IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji, Yuya Uemura's career-defining upset of Zack Sabre Jr., Ren Narita shocking Callum Newman, Gabe Kidd rebounding after his opening-night loss, and then break down Night Four as Oleg Boltin scored a statement victory over Shingo Takagi, SANADA handed Tsuji another costly defeat, Jake Lee knocked off Goto to erase his undefeated record, and Konosuke Takeshita and Ryohei Oiwa continued their impressive tournaments. We examine why A Block has transformed into a five-way tie for first place while B Block remains just as competitive heading into the next round of matches. Plus, we preview the week ahead across professional wrestling, including Monday Night Raw featuring Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins face-to-face, Oba Femi confronting Brock Lesnar, Sol Ruca defending the Women's Intercontinental Championship against Raquel Rodriguez, and Joe Hendry and Danhausen's concert. We also preview AEW Dynamite, TNA Impact, WWE SmackDown, AEW Collision, AAA on Fox, NWA Powerrr, and continue looking ahead to SummerSlam as CM Punk defends the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns battles Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship, Brock Lesnar collides with Oba Femi inside Hell in a Cell, Penta defends the Intercontinental Championship against Chad Gable, and several more blockbuster matches continue taking shape. Be sure to support the show and join our Patreon for just $2.99 a month at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for exclusive content. Follow us on social media @TurnbuckleTavern for all the latest updates. Until the following week, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed. /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/42174390

AEW Dynamite: Hangman Adam Page Returns On Collision | Kenny Omega Championship Win Celebration | Painmaker And Ciampa Set To Meet At Redemption 07/17/2026

Rawdown #236: Cody Rhodes VS CM Punk At Summer Slam And Another Bloodline Civil War 07/15/2026

Wrestling Tonight: SATURDAY NIGHT'S MAIN EVENT RETURNS TO MSG, CM PUNK SPEAKS OUT, BARON CORBIN RETURNS & G1 CLIMAX BEGINS | 194 07/14/2026

Wrestling Tonight: SATURDAY NIGHT'S MAIN EVENT RETURNS TO MSG, CM PUNK SPEAKS OUT, BARON CORBIN RETURNS & G1 CLIMAX BEGINS | 194 Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL and Official Dick Lazer. Use code TAVERN for 20% off at GFUEL.com and DickLazers.com. Episode 194 is headlined by the return of Saturday Night's Main Event to Madison Square Garden, CM Punk's candid comments about WWE's backstage culture, the surprise return of Baron Corbin, and the official start of NJPW's G1 Climax 36 as one of wrestling's biggest weeks of the summer unfolds. We begin in WWE, where CM Punk sat down with Stephanie McMahon for one of his most revealing interviews since becoming Undisputed WWE Champion. Punk discusses why he believes WWE needs to do a better job providing constructive feedback to its talent, why too many wrestlers care more about social media reactions than live crowd responses, and why both performers and producers share responsibility for developing the next generation. We also discuss Punk's praise for WWE's current leadership, why he hopes future wrestlers work fewer dates while making more money than previous generations, and his emotional reflections on winning the Undisputed WWE Championship in his hometown of Chicago. Plus, Punk explains why watching John Cena and AJ Styles retire has motivated him to continue wrestling at the highest level as he prepares for SummerSlam. We also preview Saturday Night's Main Event XLV, as WWE brings one of its most historic television franchises back to Madison Square Garden for the first time since 2007. We look at the show's rich history dating back to 1985, how it became one of the defining programs of wrestling's boom period, and why WWE continues embracing its classic presentation today. We also preview CM Punk and Cody Rhodes taking on Gunther and Sami Zayn, Bayley facing Lyra Valkyria, Danhausen battling JD McDonagh in a No Disqualification Match, the Bella Twins defending the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship, and Roman Reigns' appearance alongside 2026 NBA Champion Jalen Brunson at The World's Most Famous Arena. We also discuss the surprise return of Baron Corbin, who made his first WWE television appearance since his release at the end of 2024 by attacking Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams on SmackDown. Corbin laid out both men with End of Days before holding the United States Championship high above his head, immediately establishing himself as a new challenger. We also examine Corbin's run on the independent scene as Bishop Dyer, his MLW Tag Team Championship reign alongside Donovan Dijak, and his brief AEW appearance earlier this year before returning to WWE. Roman Reigns also had plenty to say following Monday's heated contract signing with Seth Rollins. After Rollins stood tall by delivering a Stomp on Raw, Reigns fired back on social media, claiming every major accomplishment of Rollins' career happened because of him while warning that The Bloodline could "end" him for the disrespect. We discuss the latest chapter in one of WWE's greatest rivalries and what it means heading into their World Heavyweight Championship match at SummerSlam. We also discuss the latest speculation surrounding Bayley's WWE future after Mercedes Moné once again fueled rumors with another social media tease. Following Bayley's Raw confrontation with Lyra Valkyria, Moné posted an hourglass GIF just weeks after sharing a WrestleDream graphic featuring herself against Bayley under her real name, Davina Rose. We discuss why fans continue to speculate about Bayley's future while emphasizing that there is currently no confirmation she is leaving WWE or signing with AEW. Over in AEW, one of the biggest stories isn't happening inside the ring but in the courtroom. Paramount Skydance's proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery is facing a major legal challenge after a coalition of 12 state attorneys general filed a federal antitrust lawsuit seeking to block the merger. Led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, the states argue the deal would combine two of Hollywood's five largest studios, reducing competition while leading to higher prices, fewer theatrical releases, and less content. Paramount maintains the merger is pro-competitive, expects to receive final European Union approval on July 22, and is still targeting a September closing despite the lawsuit. We discuss why the case could have long-term implications for AEW, whose multi-year media rights agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery includes Dynamite on TBS, Collision on TNT, and streaming on Max. While nothing changes for AEW today and its current television deal remains fully intact, the lawsuit creates uncertainty surrounding the future ownership of AEW's broadcast partner and what that could mean whenever the company's next media rights negotiations begin. Over in AEW, the company heads to Boston riding significant momentum after Beach Break delivered its largest television audience in years. We break down Wrestlenomics reporting that Beach Break averaged 773,000 viewers, up 22 percent from the previous week while finishing No. 4 on cable in the key demographic. We also discuss Fightful Select's report that AEW officials were thrilled with both the television numbers and Kenny Omega versus MJF, along with confirmation that the match's memorable table spot paid tribute to Mick Foley's iconic Mankind bump. Looking ahead to Dynamite, Kenny Omega celebrates becoming a two-time AEW World Champion as AEW continues building toward Redemption later this month, while WrestleTix reports Boston ticket sales have climbed to 2,628 distributed. We also discuss Hangman Page's emotional return to AEW Collision after nearly four months away. Reflecting on his inability to ever challenge for the AEW World Championship again following his Revolution loss to MJF, Page made it clear he's turning his attention toward new goals, teasing future pursuits of Kevin Knight's TNT Championship and Kyle Fletcher's International Championship as he begins the next chapter of his AEW career. From there, we head to New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where G1 Climax 36 is officially underway. We recap opening night from Chicago as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji defeated Konosuke Takeshita in the main event to earn his first two tournament points alongside Jake Lee, Yuto-Ice, Hirooki Goto, Ryohei Oiwa, Aaron Wolf, OSKAR, Zack Sabre Jr., and Callum Newman. We discuss the early standings, Gabe Kidd's visa-related absence, the history and prestige of the G1 Climax, and preview another loaded weekend of tournament action. Plus, we preview the week ahead across professional wrestling, including AEW Dynamite featuring Kenny Omega's World Championship Celebration, NXT, AAA on FOX, AEW Collision, TNA Impact, the opening week of G1 Climax 36, Saturday Night's Main Event from Madison Square Garden, and everything else to watch across WWE, AEW, NJPW, TNA, AAA, and the NWA. Be sure to support the show and join our Patreon for just $2.99 a month at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for exclusive content. Follow us on social media @TurnbuckleTavern for all the latest updates. Until the following week, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed. /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/42089525

AEW Dynamite- Beach Break: Omega Wins His Second AEW Championship | Jack Perry Re-Signs With AEW | Mick Foley Threatens Don Callis 07/10/2026

Rawdown #235: CM Punk Returns And Does Something He Used To Complain About 07/08/2026

Wrestling Tonight: CM PUNK STUNS CHICAGO TO WIN THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP, OBA FEMI'S SUMMERSLAM PLAN REVEALED, AEW BEACH BREAK & WWE ID CONTROVERSY | 193 07/07/2026

Wrestling Tonight: CM PUNK STUNS CHICAGO TO WIN THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP, OBA FEMI'S SUMMERSLAM PLAN REVEALED, AEW BEACH BREAK & WWE ID CONTROVERSY | 193 Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL and Official Dick Lazer. Use code TAVERN for 20% off at GFUEL.com and DickLazers.com. Episode 193 is headlined by one of the most shocking championship changes of the year as CM Punk reclaimed the Undisputed WWE Championship in his hometown of Chicago, major backstage reports revealed WWE's long-term plans for Oba Femi, AEW prepares for Beach Break, and questions continue to surround WWE's handling of its ID program. We begin in WWE, where CM Punk stunned Chicago by defeating Sami Zayn in a surprise Raw main event to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion. After Cody Rhodes was attacked backstage by Gunther before his scheduled title match, Punk stepped in as the replacement challenger and defeated Zayn in a thrilling 20-minute championship match, ending Sami's reign after just nine days. We discuss Punk capturing his eighth recognized WWE/World Championship, his emotional 2011-inspired celebration through the crowd, the refrigerator callback on Instagram, and what this title change means heading into SummerSlam for Cody Rhodes, Gunther, Roman Reigns, and the rest of WWE's main event picture. We also break down reports that WWE's decision to have Oba Femi give up the World Heavyweight Championship opportunity he earned through King of the Ring was the plan from the very beginning. According to Dave Meltzer, WWE wants to build Femi vs. Roman Reigns into the biggest match possible rather than rushing it at SummerSlam. Instead, Femi will face Brock Lesnar inside Hell in a Cell in the deciding match of their trilogy while Reigns defends the World Heavyweight Championship against Seth Rollins. We discuss the reported long-term strategy, whether WWE made the right decision, and what it says about how highly the company views Oba Femi. We also examine the growing criticism surrounding WWE's ID program after reports that scheduling changes to Evolve tapings and communication issues forced independent wrestlers to cancel previously scheduled bookings. Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez both detailed the challenges facing WWE ID talent, who are reportedly expected to secure regular high-profile independent bookings while remaining available for WWE commitments. We discuss why some independent wrestlers are reportedly questioning whether signing a WWE ID deal is actually beneficial. Plus, we discuss reports that Sheamus is nearing the end of his WWE run after reportedly declining both a contract extension and a restructured deal. We look back at the career of the former WWE Champion, Royal Rumble winner, Money in the Bank winner, and King of the Ring winner, and discuss what could be next if his nearly 20-year run with WWE comes to an end. We also discuss the continued crossover between WWE and AAA after the AAA World Tag Team Champions, The War Raiders, challenged WWE Tag Team Champions Damian Priest and R-Truth to a winner-take-all championship match featuring both companies' tag team titles. Over in AEW, we preview Dynamite: Beach Break from Clearwater, Florida, where MJF defends the AEW World Championship against Kenny Omega in one of the biggest television main events of the year. With Omega permanently losing his ability to challenge for the championship if he comes up short, we discuss the enormous stakes, Konosuke Takeshita defending the International Championship against Kyle Fletcher, the Women's Casino Gauntlet Match, Chris Jericho facing Tommaso Ciampa, and AEW's first-of-its-kind partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery and Twitch featuring Agent00 and CashNastyGaming. We also look at the latest business news surrounding AEW as Beach Break has distributed 2,686 tickets according to WrestleTix, while All In has reached 26,915 tickets distributed for Wembley Stadium with just over 55 days remaining. We discuss the latest All In build, Mercedes Moné and Will Ospreay's championship opportunities, and Tony Khan officially bringing All Out back to the Chicago area on September 26 while explaining why the event will remain separate from Labor Day weekend. From there, we head to New Japan Pro-Wrestling as the field for G1 Climax 36 is officially complete. Ryohei Oiwa and OSKAR claimed the final tournament spots, Chicago prepares to host opening night this weekend, and we preview one of wrestling's most prestigious tournaments as 20 competitors begin their pursuit of an IWGP World Heavyweight Championship opportunity. Plus, we preview the week ahead across professional wrestling, including AEW Beach Break, TNA Impact featuring multiple championship matches and the Knockouts Television Championship Tournament, CM Punk's first SmackDown appearance as Undisputed WWE Champion, NJPW G1 Climax opening weekend in Chicago, WWE Saturday Night's Main Event from Madison Square Garden, and everything else to watch this week across WWE, AEW, TNA, NJPW, AAA, and the NWA. Be sure to support the show and join our Patreon for just $2.99 a month at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for exclusive content. Follow us on social media @TurnbuckleTavern for all the latest updates. Until the following week, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed. /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/41996345

AEW Dynamite: Forbidden Door Fallout | MJF VS Omega Set For Beach Break | If Omega Loses, He Can Never Challenge For The AEW Title Again 07/05/2026

Wrestling Tonight: SAMI ZAYN WINS THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP, WILL OSPREAY PUNCHES HIS TICKET TO ALL IN, TNA SLAMMIVERSARY FALLOUT & KENDAL GREY STUNS NXT | 192 07/01/2026

Wrestling Tonight: SAMI ZAYN WINS THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP, WILL OSPREAY PUNCHES HIS TICKET TO ALL IN, TNA SLAMMIVERSARY FALLOUT & KENDAL GREY STUNS NXT | 192 Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL and Official Dick Lazer. Use code TAVERN for 20% off at GFUEL.com and DickLazers.com. Episode 192 is all about one of the biggest wrestling weekends of the year as WWE, AEW, TNA, and NXT all delivered major shows that set the stage for SummerSlam, All In, and beyond. We kick things off with WWE Night of Champions, where Sami Zayn finally climbed the mountain and won the Undisputed WWE Championship in a thrilling triple threat against Cody Rhodes and Gunther. Was this the right time to crown Sami? Where do Cody and Gunther go from here? We also break down Oba Femi winning King of the Ring, IYO SKY becoming Queen of the Ring, Seth Rollins surviving Bron Breakker inside a steel cage, and the rest of the night's biggest moments. Then it's on to AEW Forbidden Door, where Will Ospreay defeated Swerve Strickland to punch his ticket to All In against MJF. Has AEW finally found its defining long-term story with Ospreay? We also discuss Kenny Omega vs. Zack Sabre Jr., Mercedes Moné earning another title shot, Jon Moxley, Team Briscoe, and everything that made Forbidden Door one of the year's best shows. From there, we celebrate TNA Slammiversary's 25th anniversary, including Nic Nemeth regaining the TNA World Championship. Is this the right direction for TNA as the company heads into its next chapter? We also recap NXT Great American Bash, where Kendal Grey stunned Lola Vice to win the NXT Women's Championship. Is she ready to be the face of the division? Finally, we preview the week ahead, including MJF vs. Mark Briscoe, the first-ever Survival of the Fittest Match for the TBS Championship, WWE title matches, AAA, NXT, TNA, and much more. Join us on Patreon for just $2.99/month at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for exclusive content, and follow @TurnbuckleTavern on social media. Until the following week, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed. /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/41926395

Rawdown #234: SAMI ZAYN IS WWE CHAMPION!!!??? | SUMMERSLAM'S HEATIN' UP 07/01/2026

AEW Dynamite: Forbidden Door Go-Home Episode | Team MJF And Team Briscoe Brawl | Omega And ZSJ Have Words 06/26/2026

Wrestling Tonight: WWE NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS TRIPLE THREAT SET, AEW FORBIDDEN DOOR TAKES SHAPE, TNA SLAMMIVERSARY SHAKEUP CONTINUES, PAUL HEYMAN PRAISES AEW & G1 CLIMAX UPDATES | 191 06/24/2026

Wrestling Tonight: WWE NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS TRIPLE THREAT SET, AEW FORBIDDEN DOOR TAKES SHAPE, TNA SLAMMIVERSARY SHAKEUP CONTINUES, PAUL HEYMAN PRAISES AEW & G1 CLIMAX UPDATES | 191 Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL and Official Dick Lazer. Use code TAVERN for 20% off at GFUEL.com and DickLazers.com. Episode 191 is headlined by a massive week across WWE, AEW, TNA Wrestling, and NJPW as Night of Champions, Forbidden Door, Slammiversary, and G1 Climax continue to take shape. We begin in WWE, where Sami Zayn's controversial actions as special guest referee have led to a WWE Championship Triple Threat between Cody Rhodes, Gunther, and Sami Zayn at Night of Champions. We break down the fallout and preview the rest of the card, including Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker inside a steel cage, the King and Queen of the Ring Finals, Trick Williams defending the United States Championship against Ricky Saints, and Tiffany Stratton facing Jade Cargill. Over in AEW, we discuss reports that multiple AEW, NJPW, and CMLL talents still don't know their Forbidden Door plans, Gabe Kidd's expected involvement, and the unique way the event continues to come together. We also preview a loaded card featuring Swerve Strickland vs. Will Ospreay, Mercedes Moné vs. Maya World, Kenny Omega vs. Zack Sabre Jr., Jon Moxley vs. Bandido, PAC vs. Shota Umino, and more. The women's division remains a major focus as Kris Statlander joins Hikaru Shida and Persephone in the first-ever Survival of the Fittest Match to crown a new TBS Champion following Willow Nightingale's injury. We also discuss Tony Khan naming Thekla, Kevin Knight, Kyle Fletcher, and Mercedes Moné among AEW's modern pillars. In TNA Wrestling, we examine the company's ongoing restructuring following the departures of Tommy Dreamer, Sami Callihan, and Tessa Blanchard. We discuss Matt Hardy's defense of TNA President Carlos Silva, the latest creative rumors involving Delirious, Eric Tompkins, and Road Dogg, and whether the promotion is entering a new era. We also preview Slammiversary, headlined by Mike Santana challenging Nic Nemeth for the TNA World Championship. Over in NJPW, Aaron Wolf and Yuto-Ice officially qualify for G1 Climax 36 as the tournament field continues to take shape. We discuss NJPW's continued investment in its next generation of stars and what it means for the company's future. Plus, Paul Heyman praises AEW's impact on wrestler compensation and the industry at large, Mystery Wrestling's Infinite Rumble sets a new fundraising record, Josh Barnett responds to Bully Ray's criticism of Jon Moxley, and we discuss why Moxley remains one of wrestling's most polarizing figures. Be sure to support the show and join our Patreon for just $2.99 a month at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for exclusive content. Follow @TurnbuckleTavern on social media for all the latest updates. Until the following week, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed. /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/41798005

Rawdown #233: Night of Champions Preview 06/24/2026

AEW Dynamite: Swerve And Ospreay Trade Words | Mercedes Moves On To Owen Finals | MJF And Briscoe Set Their Teams 06/22/2026

Wrestling Tonight: JANEL GRANT CASE FUELS VINCE REHAB TOUR TALK, CM PUNK RETURN UPDATE, RHEA RIPLEY SCARE, DREAMER OUT, TESSA GONE & TNA SHAKEUP | 190 06/17/2026

Wrestling Tonight: JANEL GRANT CASE FUELS VINCE REHAB TOUR TALK, CM PUNK RETURN UPDATE, RHEA RIPLEY SCARE, DREAMER OUT, TESSA GONE & TNA SHAKEUP | 190 Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL and Official Dick Lazer. Use code TAVERN for 20% off at GFUEL.com and DickLazers.com. Episode 190 is headlined by a major development in Janel Grant’s lawsuit against Vince McMahon and WWE, as all parties have received approval to move the case toward private arbitration. We discuss what the canceled June 16 hearing, the July 10 status report, and the potential move to confidential arbitration could mean, not just legally but publicly, as questions grow about whether WWE and TKO may eventually test the waters for a Vince McMahon rehabilitation tour. We also break down CM Punk’s expected WWE return. Punk has been announced for FanaticsFest on July 19, reports continue to point toward a return on or before the July 6 Raw near Chicago, and Dave Meltzer reports WWE’s current plan is for Punk to join the SmackDown roster. We examine the teased Cody Rhodes program, why creative changes delayed his return, and what it could mean for SummerSlam. Rhea Ripley is dealing with issues both inside and outside the ring. WWE revealed that the Women’s Champion is being evaluated for a knee injury suffered in Italy, while Ripley also opened up about fans crossing major boundaries, including showing up at her home and one person obtaining her personal phone number after being unable to purchase SmackDown tickets. On the AEW side, we look at ticket sales for Redemption in Montreal and Grand Slam Mexico, with both events showing encouraging early momentum. Redemption has distributed 4,782 tickets and is already approaching AEW’s previous Bell Centre number, while Grand Slam Mexico sits at 5,146 tickets distributed, well above AEW’s current 2026 attendance average. We also cover NJPW Dominion 2026, where five championships changed hands. Yota Tsuji regained the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Shota Umino captured the IWGP Global Championship, YOH became the 100th IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Aaron Wolf reclaimed the NEVER Openweight Championship, and Great O Khan and HENARE captured the IWGP Tag Team Championships. Plus, Gabe Kidd returned and immediately inserted himself into the title picture. The road to G1 Climax 36 is now set as NJPW finalizes its play in matches. We discuss Aaron Wolf’s rapid rise, the final qualifying matches, and how the field is shaping up before the tournament begins July 11 in Chicago. John Cena also shares new details on the planned John Cena Classic, including WWE’s version of an All Star Game, a new championship, fan voting, cross brand exhibition matches, and the possibility, however unlikely, of one more match. Plus, UFC Freedom 250 becomes one of the strangest stories of the year. The FBI says it foiled an alleged attack plot targeting the White House event, Dana White publicly criticized Josh Hokit’s remarks about Michelle Obama, Roman Reigns, Nick Khan, Paul Levesque, Shane McMahon, and Declan McMahon were all in attendance, and Daniel Cormier found himself at the center of a bizarre social media controversy involving Eric Trump. From there, we head to TNA, where the company is undergoing major changes. Tessa Blanchard has been granted her release after reportedly declining an exclusive contract offer, while longtime creative figure Tommy Dreamer has mutually parted ways with the promotion after nearly a decade in leadership and creative roles. We break down the reported wrestling politics involving TNA, WWE, AAA, CMLL, and AEW that may have contributed to Blanchard’s departure, discuss Dreamer’s exit and his impact on the company behind the scenes, examine the reports linking Road Dogg to a potential role in TNA’s creative future, and explore what these departures could mean for the company’s direction moving forward. We also preview the week ahead, including Cody Rhodes defending the WWE Championship against Gunther with Sami Zayn as special guest referee, Charlotte Flair facing Liv Morgan in the Queen of the Ring semifinals, Mercedes Moné battling Hazuki in the Owen Hart Tournament, AEW’s continued build toward Forbidden Door, and a loaded slate of action from NJPW, TNA, and more. Be sure to support the show and join our Patreon for just $2.99 a month at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for exclusive content. Follow us on social media @TurnbuckleTavern for all the latest updates. Until the following week, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed. /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/41683830

Rawdown #232: Danhausen is the King of New York 06/17/2026

AEW Dynamite Summer Blockbuster: Swerve Advances To Owen Hart Tournament Finals | Mark Briscoe Challenges MJF And 5 Friends To A Cage Match 06/12/2026

Wrestling Tonight: THE "RECKLESS" CM PUNK RUMOR CHAOS, ARIEL CALLED WWE “SOULLESS,” MONEY IN THE BANK MOVES AGAIN & AEW ALL IN SALES LAG | 189 06/10/2026

Wrestling Tonight: THE "RECKLESS" CM PUNK RUMOR CHAOS, ARIEL CALLED WWE “SOULLESS,” MONEY IN THE BANK MOVES AGAIN & AEW ALL IN SALES LAG | 189 Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL — the clean, zero-sugar, zero-crash energy formula that keeps you locked in for the main event. Whether it’s a late-night pay-per-view, a marathon gaming session, or just getting through your day, G FUEL has you covered. Right now, you can save 20% instantly with code TAVERN at checkout at GFUEL.com. Fuel up, save big, and always… keep it Tavern. Turnbuckle Tavern is also proudly powered by the one-of-a-kind Official Dick Lazer — a wild, over-the-top gag gift that’s guaranteed to get a reaction. With the flip of a switch, it projects five laser images, and it also features a red-dot laser with over 1,000 feet of range, plus a flashlight and blacklight, all packed into a sleek, USB-C rechargeable pen weighing just 1.4 ounces. It’s perfect for pranking coworkers, lighting up parties, college dorm antics, or just being the funniest person in the room. Head to DickLazers.com and use code TAVERN for 20% off your order today. Light up the room, get some laughs, and always… keep it Tavern. Episode 189 is headlined by the wild week of rumors surrounding CM Punk’s WWE status. We break down the online speculation, Sean Ross Sapp addressing the “reckless speculation,” Fightful Select pushing back on claims that Punk wanted out or was asked to take a pay cut, and PWInsider reporting that Punk is expected back on WWE television in the coming months with new merchandise being prepared. We also discuss Ariel Helwani’s blunt criticism of WWE under TKO, including his comments calling the current product “soulless,” his issues with WrestleMania, his disappointment in the John Cena retirement tour, and his belief that WWE may have creatively peaked with Cody Rhodes defeating Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. From there, we get into the latest legal and business stories surrounding WWE. A settlement agreement in principle has been reached in the WWE shareholder lawsuit, cancelling the Delaware Chancery Court trial that was expected to feature testimony from Vince McMahon, Nick Khan, Paul Levesque, Mark Shapiro, Ari Emanuel, and others. We also cover WWE moving Money in the Bank again, with the show now set for October 10 in New Orleans, while September 6 will instead feature a special Sunday edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta. The road to Night of Champions is also heating up as the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments continue. Je’Von Evans, Dominik Mysterio, and Oba Femi have advanced on the men’s side, while Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, and IYO SKY are moving forward in the women’s bracket. We also discuss Cody Rhodes and Gunther running it back for the Undisputed WWE Championship on the June 19 episode of SmackDown, with Gunther set to choose the stipulation. On the AEW side, we look at All In 2026 ticket sales lagging behind previous Wembley Stadium events, MJF’s hyperextended knee injury and why AEW still expects to use him, and the growing movement around the vacant TBS Championship with Hikaru Shida, Kris Statlander, Mina Shirakawa, Harley Cameron, Zayda Steel, and Queen Aminata all declaring for Survival of the Fittest qualifiers. We also dive into Stardom’s major presence in North America. Syuri, Hazuki, Ranna Yagami, and Fuwa-chan will miss the 2026 5 Star Grand Prix due to excursions, while Syuri challenges Athena for the ROH Women’s World Championship at Global Wars Cincinnati and Hazuki prepares to face Mercedes Moné in the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament semifinals. Plus, AAA officially announces Verano de Escándalo for July 25 in Aguascalientes, NJPW finalizes a loaded Dominion card headlined by Callum Newman vs. Yota Tsuji, YOH challenging DOUKI, and Konosuke Takeshita defending against SANADA, TNA confirms Nic Nemeth will call his shot at Slammiversary as Steve Maclin and Myla Grace exit the company, Fetty Wap gets involved in light tube chaos at GCW Tournament of Survival, HOOK prepares for his GCW debut and World title shot, and NXT sets multiple title matches for Great American Bash. Be sure to support the show and join our Patreon for just $2.99 a month at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for exclusive content. Follow us on social media @TurnbuckleTavern for all the latest updates. Until the following week, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed. /episode/index/show/turnbuckletavern/id/41605840

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