The Work Of Wrestling

Professional wrestling is an art. The Work of Wrestling podcast is dedicated to exploring that simple truth. Produced & hosted by Tim Kail.

Summer Slam Review | Night Two 08/03/2026

Summer Slam Review | Night Two Work of Wrestling host Tim Kail reviews night two of Summer Slam. Get a tee-shirt at Subscribe to WOW's Substack at Thanks for listening! /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/42296105

Summer Slam Review | Night One 08/02/2026

Summer Slam Review | Night One Work Of Wrestling host Tim Kail reviews WWE's SummerSlam. He discusses how the event was perfectly fine, and why that's the worst thing it could be. Get a tee-shirt at Subscribe to WOW's Substack at Thanks for listening! /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/42288765

AEW Heels | Women Like Wrestling Too 07/27/2026

AEW Heels | Women Like Wrestling Too Work Of Wrestling host Tim Kail stumbled upon a fascinating thread on Bluesky that detailed the history of AEW's Heels - a program for women and femme-presenting wrestling fans to forge a community and also get exclusive access to AEW talent and other perks for $49/year. In this thread Jislaine (@cholulaconamor.bsky.social) also detailed how these programs have been put on pause following shifts in leadership. With the annual renewal date getting ever closer, and less frequent updates from AEW, this community may be reaching a cross roads. Jislaine joins Tim to discuss the Heels program, it's successes and growth over the past several years, and the effect recent events have had on the Heels membership. Jislaine also reminisces about watching wrestling with her brother as children, opens up about what it was like to grow up watching wrestling during The Attitude Era and how it gave her some "messed up" ideas about women, how she's found a great and diverse community in Heels, and why wrestling fans need to broaden their scope to appreciate the art. To read the thread . Subscribe to The Work of Wrestling on Substack: Get a WOW tee-shirt: Spread the word! Thank you for listening! /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/42211320

It's Sting! A Pro-Wrestling Story By Daniel 07/20/2026

It's Sting! A Pro-Wrestling Story By Daniel This week on The Work Of Wrestling podcast host Tim Kail shares a story submitted by longtime listener, Daniel. Daniel shares why Sting is his wrestling hero, and how Sting's transformation throughout the years reflected Daniel's maturation process. It's a heartwarming story about the power of our chosen heroes. Get a tee-shirt at Subscribe to WOW's Substack at Thanks for listening! /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/42045320

Beyond Babyface And Heel 07/13/2026

Beyond Babyface And Heel Tim Kail believes in a moral binary undergirding the fabric of the universe. What does this mean for the way we process moral dilemmas, and what can professional wrestling teach us about the world? In this wide-ranging moral conversation, Tim Kail explains why he believes the prevailing arguments for subjectivity represent a manipulative force in the culture, and that we need common, moral anchors to bind society together. He discusses how to process wrongdoers, giving people a chance to make ammends, listening to one's inner most self for guidance, and deciding whether to give artists a second chance. He also explores the real reason babyfaces get bood and heels get cheered in the modern era, and why it has nothing to do with the audience's moral desires. Get a tee-shirt at Subscribe to WOW's Substack at Thanks for listening! /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/42043795

New, Free, Weekly Articles Announcement 07/10/2026

New, Free, Weekly Articles Announcement Tim Kail has an announcement: he's going to produce new, free, weekly articles on his Substack. These articles will be about pro-wrestling, art, and writing. He also shares some thoughts on best practices with podcasting, not stretching himself too thin, and the importance of commitment and patience. Get a tee-shirt at Subscribe to WOW's Substack at Thanks for listening! /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/42030095

On Sami Zayn Losing The WWE Championship to CM Punk 07/07/2026

On Sami Zayn Losing The WWE Championship to CM Punk Work of Wrestling host Tim Kail explains the strange emotional space he's in following CM Punk's defeat of Sami Zayn for the WWE Championship. He also briefly shares his thoughts on the July 6 episode of Monday Night Raw. Get a tee-shirt at Subscribe to WOW's Substack at Thanks for listening! /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/41987870

In 100 Years... 07/06/2026

In 100 Years... What will professional wrestling be like in 100 years? That's the question at the heart of this episode where Tim explores the roles technology, social upheaval, climate change, shifts in government, and cultural consolidation all play in the production of pro-wrestling. Get a tee-shirt at Subscribe to WOW's Substack at Thanks for listening! /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/41717595

We Have Something Called Professional Wrestling 07/01/2026

We Have Something Called Professional Wrestling Work of Wrestling host Tim Kail explains how and why Sami Zayn's Championship victory has so thoroughly inspired and uplifted him. He waxes philosophic on the signficance of being alive at this particular point in history, and how it's incumbent upon us to cherish being alive here and now. Listen to . Visit Mith Gifs Substack: Visit WOW's Substack: Get a tee shirt: Thanks for listening! /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/41915385

A Constructive Critic 06/30/2026

A Constructive Critic Tim Kail watched the first and last segment of the latest episode of Raw, and he has some constructive criticisms for WWE. From attempting to book the "perfect" Oba Femi push to Seth Rollins sudden involvement in the main event title scene as we head toward Summer Slam, Tim offers a few simple thoughts on how to maximize the good and minimize the bad. Get a tee-shirt at Subscribe to WOW's Substack at /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/41901910

"Forever...Sami Zayn, WWE Champion!" 06/29/2026

"Forever...Sami Zayn, WWE Champion!" In this bonus edition of the podcast host Tim Kail talks a little bit more about what it means for Sami Zayn to have achieved his goal of becoming WWE Champion. Get a tee-shirt at Subscribe to WOW's Substack at Thanks for listening! /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/41855005

Night Of Champions Review (2026) 06/29/2026

Night Of Champions Review (2026) Tim Kail reviews WWE's latest premium live event, Night of Champions. He critiques Jey's "soft" offense, praises Iyo Sky's selling, examines how Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker over-delivered in their non-title match, skewers Michael Cole and Corey Graves' statements about Jade Cargil and Tiffany Straton, and then basks in the joy of Sami Zayn's championship victory. Subscribe to WOW's Substack at Get a tee-shirt at Thanks for listening! /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/41850705

Because We Have To 06/25/2026

Because We Have To A question has been nagging Tim Kail for several days: why do I make art? He explains why this question is not necessarily helpful to the artist. In the interest of unberdening himself he arrives at a surprisingly simple answer to the question, rooted in practicality rather than some higher purpose. Subscribe to WOW's Substack: Get a tee-shirt! Thanks for listening! /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/41800475

When We Grow Up 06/22/2026

When We Grow Up Tim Kail journeys back to his childhood when, in elementary school, he was asked to write down what he wanted to be when he grew up. Inspired by the film As Good As It Gets, he wrote down that he wanted to be a writer who lived in New York. In reflecting upon that goal, he realized how he managed to make it not far off the mark. He explores how he hasn't yet attained what he initally meant in writing that goal down, but how he's gotten "on the board" even if he didn't hit a bullseye. He then examines what he'd write down today, and why he's setting his sights high, becoming a bestselling author who no longer needs a day job by the time he's fifty. And he encourages you to do the same, no matter your age, in what is an uplifting episode. Subscribe to his Substack at . Get a tee-shirt at . Thank you for listening! /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/41684090

Forty 06/19/2026

Forty It's June 19th, 2026 and Tim Kail is now forty years old. He reflects upon this milestone, charting the decades of his life through the lens of art, friendship, pain, and love. Subscribe to Tim's Substack: Get yourself a tee-shirt: Thanks for listening! /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/41699140

Sami Zayn vs Johnny Knoxville Match Commentary 06/15/2026

Sami Zayn vs Johnny Knoxville Match Commentary It's time for another real-time match commentary! This week, host Tim Kail provides commentary to the modern classic, Sami Zayn vs Johnny Knoxville at WrestleMania 38. Tim discusses Knoxville's sincerity, Sami's focus, and the fascinating way this match exists as an advertisement for a movie and great art simultaneously. Then, in the outro, Tim examines why he belives "no one is over today", and why the common criticisms by veteran wrestlers and journalists fail to capture the reality of WWE's failing creative apparatus. Get a tee-shirt at . Subscribe to WOW's Substack at . Thank you for listening! /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/41582025

Shiny Objects 06/11/2026

Shiny Objects Tim Kail has something he needs to get off his chest when it comes to the "Fu%! ICE" chants at AEW Dynamite, more specifically how they're praised on social media. Are you registered to vote? If not go here: Check your registratoin status here: Start a subscription at your local newspaper. Support organizations like PETA, Planned Parenthood, The Trevor Project, The Innocence Project, or the NAACP LDF. Set up monthly donations to a charity that aligns with your values. /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/41607985

Days Like This 06/08/2026

Days Like This It's been a difficult week with a variety of trials and tribulations that Tim needs to get off his chest. Support The Work of Wrestling by giving it a five star rating and review in Apple Podcasts, buying a tee-shirt at , or subscribing to WOW's Substack at . /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/41569145

Clash In Italy Review (2026) 06/01/2026

Clash In Italy Review (2026) This week Tim Kail reviews WWE's latest premium live event, Clash In Italy. Tim discusses what makes Gunther such a perfect heel, why Cody Rhodes is being rejected by a contingent of the WWE fanbase, Rhea Ripley's excellent display of vulnerability, the explosiveness of Oba Femi vs Brock Lesnar, understanding what they're going for with Sol Ruca but not really feeling it, and the results of Tribal Combat (or what could have been between Jacob Fatu and Roman Reigns). The first Work Of Wrestling Newsletter is available now for paid subscribers. To sign up, visit: . If you'd like to show your support with a tee-shirt visit: Thank you for listening! /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/41489205

Double Or Nothing Review (2026) 05/25/2026

Double Or Nothing Review (2026) This week Work Of Wrestling host Tim Kail reviews AEW's latest pay-per-view, Double Or Nothing. Tim explains why he thought this was an uneven show with a couple really high highs, but a few unfortunate lows. Subscribe to The Work Of Wrestling Substack at . Follow on social media @WorkOfWrestling. Get a tee shirt at . /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/41412365

Substack Announcement 05/23/2026

Substack Announcement Greetings, one and all. Work Of Wrestling host Tim Kail has an announcement - he's created a Work Of Wrestling Substack! Listen to him explain how he's going to create a monthly newsletter for WOW's most ardent fans. Subscribe to his Substack here: /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/41401085

Macho Men 05/18/2026

Macho Men Is it okay for men to cry? This is the question that sparked this episode of The Work Of Wrestling podcast. Tim shares some words of wisdom from The Macho Man Randy Savage before offering his own perspective on masculine crying. He explains the value of being in touch with one's emotions, really allowing one's self to feel things, and why men are so angry all the time. Show your support for The Work Of Wrestling by purchasing a new tee shirt at Follow on social media @WorkOfWrestling. /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/41232470

Backlash Review (2026) 05/11/2026

Backlash Review (2026) This week Tim Kail reviews WWE's premium live event, Backlash. Topics include fleshing out the Bron Breakkker character, Trick Williams being grown in a WWE Superstar lab, Sami Zayn's complex (and grim) status in WWE, Kit Wilson as a poor substitute for Tyler Breeze, Danhausen simply not being a character that appeals to Tim's tastes, why Asuka vs Iyo Sky felt like it was missing something, John Cena announcing a new event and a new championship, and Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu delivering a stellar main event. Follow on social media @WorkOfWrestling. Get a tee-shirt at /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/41236845

When Push Comes To Shove 05/08/2026

When Push Comes To Shove In this special BONUS edition of The Work Of Wrestling podcast host Tim Kail explains why he has decided to purchase, watch, and review WWE's upcoming premium live event, Backlash. He goes into detail about his hypocrisy, the gradual realization of his values, and the moment of clarity he experienced when he watched Roman Reigns vs CM Punk after purchasing a $45/month bundle to ESPN, Disney, and Hulu. Follow on social media @WorkOfWrestling. Buy a tee-shirt at /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/41195295

A Full House 05/05/2026

A Full House In this special BONUS edition of The Work Of Wrestling podcast host Tim Kail once again shares what he liked about Monday Night Raw. He examines the Jacob Fatu/Roman Reigns rivalry and why it's emotionally impactful. He discusses some of the new scenes WWE is producing like the sit down exchange between Asuka and Iyo Sky. And then he contemplates buying Backlash (seeking insight from listeners on what it might mean to do so). Follow on social media @WorkOfWrestling. Buy tee-shirts at /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/41153120

Reality's Tail 05/04/2026

Reality's Tail This week Work Of Wrestling host Tim Kail examines the role of motivation in the artist's life. First, he argues why you should stop listening to motivational speakers, successul celebrities, and social media gurus about motivation. Next, he explains how he's baked his artistic practice into his daily life thus removing the need to stay constantly motivated. Then he argues the artist examine their relationship with competition, and find a more sustainable fuel for the creative engine. And, finally, he discusses the ultimate motivating force, how artists are like explorers attempting to better comprehend the splendor of the real world. Follow on social media @WorkOfWrestling. Give the podcast a five star rating and review in Apple Podcasts. Music provided by Premium Beat. /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/41050160

Well Done, WWE 04/28/2026

Well Done, WWE For this special bonus episode of The Work Of Wrestling podcast Tim Kail dissects various scenes, matches, and moments from the latest Monday Night Raw that he genuinely enjoyed. Topics include Roman Reigns being a master of his character, WWE trying new things with "scenes" throughout Raw, the welcome simplicity of Jacob Fatu's motivations, why three-dimensional characters are more important than "defending champions", why WWE should present itself as a sports league where the absolute best athletes come to compete for fame and future, and the awesomeness of Oba Femi. Follow on social media @WorkOfWrestling. Music provided by Premium Beat. /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/41043415

The Innocent Wrestling Fan with Michael Cascio 04/27/2026

The Innocent Wrestling Fan with Michael Cascio This week Work of Wrestling host, Tim Kail, is joined by longtime listener and fellow podcaster Michael Cascio. This is a great conversation between two passionate wrestling fans about an assortment of wrestling-related issues. Topics include feeling obligated to watch WWE, protecting one's fandom of wrestling, not following wrestling journalists to dismantle the joy inherent in the medium, the three kinds of wrestling fans, striving to return to innocence, WWE’s sense of entitlement and AEW's consistent striving for new fans, and the importance of having a conversation in our polarized world. Visit to listen to Mike's podcast. /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/41016085

Mania 04/20/2026

Mania Warning: This episode contains descriptions of thoughts of suicide. Why is WrestleMania the perfect name for...well...WrestleMania? Work Of Wrestling host Tim Kail answers that question as only he can, with a moving story about his second manic-depressive episode in the Fall of 2020. Tim's story reveals the unvarnished reality of clinical mania, how his enthusiasm for life felt like a psychedelic high, why he became obsessed with ancient religions, and what led to this shorter, milder experience of psychosis. If you are in need of emotional support call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Music provided by Premium Beat. /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/40919375

Sending A Message 04/19/2026

Sending A Message For the first time in eleven years Work Of Wrestling host Tim Kail will not be watching or reviewing WrestleMania. In this special bonus edition of the podcast he explaines why, in detail. He also examines the divisive nature of WWE's business practices, how the company has transformed into a boutique tourist trap, and the destructive role social media plays in nudging us toward political and philosophical polarization. Follow on social media @WorkOfWrestling. Music provided by Premium Beat. /episode/index/show/wowpod/id/40923470

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