The Ringer Wrestling Show

Ben Cruz, Khal Davenport, and Brian H. Waters begin the show with an essential question: When was the last time your partner looked at you with the same concern that Samantha Irvin looked at Ricochet last night? Then, they welcome Ringer Wrestling tribal chief David Shoemaker for Raw Is Headlines, during which the guys discuss whether WWE is leaning too far into non-wrestling-related Liv Morgan story lines, if Bron Breakker is the biggest heel in WWE right now, and the absence of Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, and Jey Uso last night on ‘Raw.’ Then, in They Said What?!, a listener asks a question about Uncle Howdy. And, before finishing off with an ‘NXT’ preview, the guys ask Shoemaker whether we’ve seen the last of Ricochet in WWE, as well as what his ceiling in AEW would be should he sign there.For an opportunity to have your hot take featured on They Said What?!, leave a voicemail at (202) 417-8160 or send an email to RingerWrestling@gmail.com.CHAPTERS: Intro (00:00) The way Samantha Irvin looked at Ricochet last night (01:22) WWE’s Liv Morgan story lines (06:20) Finn Bálor’s slight of hand trick (15:38) Is Bron Breakker the biggest heel in WWE right now? (22:50) No Gunther, Jey Uso, or Ludwig Kaiser last night (31:15) Will Ricochet ever appear on ‘Raw’ again? (36:16) They Said What!? (43:30) Ricochet’s potential in AEW (50:40) ‘NXT’ preview (57:29) Hosts: Ben Cruz, Khal Davenport, and Brian H. Waters Guest: David Shoemaker Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David and Kaz kick off the week by discussing reports surrounding Ricochet’s departure from WWE, what his options could be, and how he could possibly reset the market if he becomes a free agent (6:49). Then they discuss NXT Battleground. Kelani Jordan became the first NXT Women's North American Champion (38:13), Roxanne Perez defeated Jordynne Grace (43:25), Trick Williams had his first successful title defense against Ethan Page, and Oba Femi’s future is bright (46:31). They also discuss the possibility of a showdown between Femi and Williams (52:41). Be sure to check out our videos on the Ringer Wrestling TikTok account @RingerWrestling, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David and Kaz look at this weekend’s NXT Battleground. They discuss the WWE-TNA working relationship and the following: The possibility of Jordynne Grace defeating Roxanne for the NXT Women’s Title (10:02) Trick Williams and Black wrestlers in pro wrestling today versus the past (18:55) Ethan Page’s chances of defeating Trick Williams for the NXT Title (26:50) In or Out on long-term title reigns (37:14) They also discuss MJF’s return on AEW Dynamite (58:04) and a few things trending in wrestling news (66:46). Be sure to check out our videos on the Ringer Wrestling TikTok account @RingerWrestling, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On a special bonus episode of 'Ringer Wrestling Worldwide,' Ben, Khal, and Brian welcome NXT’s Jaida Parker ahead of her ladder match for the inaugural NXT women's North American championship. She discusses the following: Preparing for her first ladder match (4:26) Her feud with Michin (5:40) “Black Forces Energy” (13:48) Which futbol team she supports (20:16) For an opportunity to have your hot take featured on They Said What?!, leave a voicemail at (202) 417-8160. Be sure to check out our videos on the Ringer TikTok account @RingerWrestling, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: Ben Cruz, Khal Davenport, and Brian H. Waters Guest: Jaida Parker Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Ben Cruz, Khal Davenport, and Brian H. Waters are joined by Ringer Wrestling tribal chief David Shoemaker to react to last night’s episode of ‘Raw’ and a whole lot more. But before they dive into Raw Is Headlines, Ben tells the guys about his time at the Big Time Wrestling indie show in the Bay Area. Then, they discuss Ludwig Kaiser’s potential, whether Bron Breakker, Braun Strowman, or Otis will have a better calendar year, and Jey Uso’s quest to win ‘Money in the Bank.’ Then, in They Said What?!, the guys listen to a hot take from Kaz on yesterday’s ‘Masked Man Show.’ Plus, the crew takes a call about the fallout of the latest WWE draft. For an opportunity to have your hot take featured on They Said What?!, leave a voicemail at (202) 417-8160 or send an email to RingerWrestling@gmail.com. CHAPTERS: Intro (00:00) Ben’s time at an indie show (01:28) Ludwig Kaiser’s ceiling (05:55) Better calendar year: Bron Breakker, Braun Strowman, or Otis? (15:34) Jey Uso to win ‘MITB’? (25:55) They Said What?! (33:38) Ringer Wrestling hotline call (44:58) The Hot Tag with David Shoemaker (54:03) ‘NXT’ preview (01:00:32) Hosts: Ben Cruz, Khal Davenport, and Brian H. Waters Guest: David Shoemaker Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cold Open Question of the Week: When you look back 20 years from now, who would have had a better NFL career, Brock Lesnar with the Vikings or Gable Steveson with the Bills? (0:35)? David and Kaz look back at the weekend to discuss the following: Kaz’s commentary at Sukeban (5:22) AJ Styles faking his retirement and his continuing feud with Cody Rhodes (8:25) Roman returning and potentially uniting with Cody Rhodes (15:51) Mark Henry not wanting to be the WWE champion after his fake retirement (23:20) WWE’s upcoming free agents: Who is staying and who is leaving (31:34)? They are then joined by NXT champion, Trick Williams, who discusses the following: Working with Sexyy Red (59:00) Ethan Page skipping the line (67:30) Shawn Michaels's Instagram explore page (72:56) Potential crossover matches with TNA Wrestling (77:50) Being Black in pro wrestling right now (80:50) Be sure to check out our videos on the Ringer Wrestling TikTok account @RingerWrestling, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Guest: Trick Williams Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cold Open Question of the Week: What kind of gimmick match would Kaz challenge Paul Pierce in? David and Kaz recap a wild crossover week in pro wrestling, including: Mercedes Moné's first match on AEW Dynamite (7:14) Adam Copeland fractures his tibia and vacates the TNT title (11:16) A Marty Jannetty story you will not hear anywhere else (17:50) Which wrestlers you would NOT want your daughter dating (20:50) Jordynne Grace shows up on NXT (26:54) Sexyy Red makes an appearance on NXT (30:11) Ethan Page says he is not signed to WWE after coming on NXT (33:57) Christopher Daniels is a new AEW on-screen authority figure (47:11) Bron Breakker’s rampage crosses over from his college football days (48:40) Response to critics of the Liv Morgan–Dominik Mysterio kiss (59:47) Be sure to check out our videos on the Ringer Wrestling TikTok account @RingerWrestling, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Cruz, Khal Davenport, and Brian H. Waters are joined by 'Ringer Wrestling' Tribal Chief David Shoemaker on this post-Raw Tuesday to discuss a number of important matters, beginning with an essential question: Why won’t Gunther wear the King of the Ring crown? Then, in Raw Is Headlines, the guys talk about Becky Lynch’s contract status and if and when the fan favorite will make her return to the ring. Meanwhile, with The Man and Rhea Ripley gone for the foreseeable future, who will lead Raw’s women’s division? After that, the guys talk about last night’s kiss between Dom Mysterio and Liv Morgan, which leads to the debut of The Ringer’s Official Infidelity Expert on the program. Plus, Ben asks the guys about their heavyweight championship power rankings in a post-SummerSlam world. And in They Said What?!, the guys take questions about how to get your kids into wrestling, as well as a possible WWE-UFC crossover. For an opportunity to have your hot take featured on They Said What?!, leave a voicemail at (202) 417-8160 or send an email to RingerWrestling@gmail.com. CHAPTERS: Gunther and the crown (00:00) Becky Lynch’s future (12:10) The women’s division (22:24) Liv Morgan kisses Dom Mysterio (26:02) Heavyweight rankings (36:58) They Said What?! (47:24) The Hot Tag with 'The Masked Man' (59:24) NXT preview (01:04:48) Hosts: Ben Cruz, Khal Davenport, and Brian H. Waters Guest: David Shoemaker Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cold Open Question of the Week: Of all the pro wrestlers who worked this weekend in AEW and WWE, who is the Jamaal Magloire (0:40)? David and Kaz dive into this Memorial Day weekend, which was full of pro wrestling, recapping the following from AEW Double or Nothing and WWE King and Queen: The Anarchy Rules match (10:250) Adam Copeland continues to win (17:31) Should MJF’s return have been saved for AEW Dynamite (27:13)? Fans' reception to Mercedes Moné as the TBS Champion (35:06) Drew McIntyre vs. Gunther at SummerSlam (41:53)? Is Sami Zayn a top five wrestler of the past decade (45:34)? Potential custody for Dominik match between Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley (53:11)? Looking back at how Triple H put Cody Rhodes in as quarterback of WWE (63:23) Be sure to check out our videos on the Ringer Wrestling TikTok account @RingerWrestling, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David and Kazeem are joined by WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda. He comes on to celebrate the legacy of his son, the late Windham Rotunda a.k.a. Bray Wyatt, who would have been 37 today. They discuss many things about said legend, including: Windham’s love of horror films (5:00) The first time Windham won the WWE title (17:47) Windham getting in trouble with Pat Patterson as a child (34:0r0) They close out the show with official predictions for AEW Double or Nothing (45:54) and WWE King and Queen of the Ring (1:29:1r0) Be sure to check out our videos on the Ringer Wrestling TikTok account @RingerWrestling, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Guest: Mike Rotunda Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Cruz, Khal Davenport, and Brian H. Waters are joined by Ringer Wrestling's tribal chief, David Shoemaker, on today’s episode. Their conversation begins with calling The Rock’s ridiculously large muscles into question. Then, in the debut of ‘Raw’ Is Headlines (the repackaged Highspot Headlines segment), the Ringer Wrestling crew debates who should hold the Intercontinental title next, Bron Breakker’s violent Monday night performance, Lyra Valkyria punching her ticket to the Queen of the Ring finals, and more. The guys later take a very unusual chicken wing sauce–based question in They Said What?! And, to close things out, the guys look ahead toward tonight’s ’NXT.’ For an opportunity to have your hot take featured on They Said What?!, leave a voicemail at (202) 417-8160 or send an email to RingerWrestling@gmail.com. CHAPTERS: Intro (00:00) The Rock’s appearance (01:30) Intercontinental title debate (06:36) Bron Breakker on ‘Raw’ (16:24) Lyra Valkyria advances (23:20) They Said What?! (36:14) ‘NXT’ preview (50:42) Hosts: Ben Cruz, Khal Davenport, and Brian H. Waters Guest: David Shoemaker Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David and Kazeem open the show with a few WWE-NBA comparisons for a few of the stars left in the playoffs. Then they get into the following: How the WWE King of the Ring brackets unfolded (12:11) Cody Rhodes's revelation of the original WrestleMania XL plans (26:49) Then they are joined by Dominik Mysterio, who discusses the following: His connection to the Guerrero family (36:30) Watching Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. ringside (40:08) Addressing Liv Morgan’s mind games (44:48) They close out the show by discussing the Queen of the Ring, Cody Rhodes and Logan Paul, AEW Double or Nothing (50:32), and more. Be sure to check out our videos on the Ringer Wrestling TikTok account @RingerWrestling, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Guest: Dominik Mysterio Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David and Kaz are joined by Brian Gewirtz, former WWE head writer and executive producer of ‘Young Rock,’ to discuss which WWE superstars he thinks are the equivalent to different New York Knicks players. Later, they discuss Gewirtz’s latest project, ‘Who Killed WCW?,’ premiering June 4 on Vice TV. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will Kofi Kingston ever get another shot at being world champion? Ben Cruz, Khal Davenport, Brian H. Waters, and the Ringer Wrestling’s tribal chief, David Shoemaker, begin the show by answering this question in High-Spot Headlines. Then, the guys discuss Karrion Kross’s place in WWE, the timeline for Lyra Valkyria becoming a champion, and whether it was the right call to have Jey Uso defeat Ilja Dragunov on ‘Raw’ last night. After that, the guys take calls in They Said What?! about a specific type of wrestling Mount Rushmore, Cody Rhodes’s heel situation, and whether Trick Williams or Lash Legend will have the better career. Plus, the show finally runs back Hot Tag With The Masked Man, then guys close it out with a preview of tonight’s NXT. For an opportunity to have your hot take featured on They Said What?!, leave a voicemail at (202) 417-8160 or send an email to RingerWrestling@gmail.com. CHAPTERS: Intro (00:00) Will Kofi Kingston get another title shot? (03:23) When will Lyra Valkyria become champ? (20:02) Jey Uso defeating Ilja Dragunov (26:56) They Said What?! (36:29) Hot Tag With The Masked Man (01:01:17) NXT preview (01:07:06) Hosts: Ben Cruz, Khal Davenport, and Brian H. Waters Guest: David Shoemaker Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David and Brian open up the mailbag this week, responding to a few questions from the humanoids, including: Falling in love with pro wrestling (5:55) Pro wrestling guilty pleasures (25:19) The Jalen Brunson of wrestling (32:35) Money in the Bank favorites (42:370) Fantasy booking All In and SummerSlam 2025 (62:40) Be sure to check out our videos on the Ringer Wrestling TikTok account @RingerWrestling., Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Brian H. Waters Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If you had to pick one WWE wrestler to be in the rotation for the Knicks, who would it be? David and Kaz are joined by the SmackDown first-round draft pick Carmelo Hayes who discusses the following: Elevating the NXT brand (6:48) Responding to Bobby Lashley on social media (10:55) Challenging Cody Rhodes on his first night on the SmackDown roster (13:24) His thoughts on the Drake-Kendrick beef (21:04) What it means for him seeing Trick Williams win the NXT title (25:00) Shawn Michaels’s influence (31:30) Then David and Kaz close out the show with the following: King and Queen of the Ring tournament with a few predictions (46:26) NXT highlights (63:53) Mogul Embassy betraying Swerve Strickland on AEW ‘Dynamite’ (70:38) WWE ‘Raw’ staying on USA through the end of 2024 (76:40) Kofi Kingston says he wants to wrestle Barack Obama (84:42) Be sure to check out our videos on the Ringer Wrestling TikTok account @RingerWrestling., Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Guest: Carmelo Hayes Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Cruz and Khal Davenport are joined by Ringer Wrestling Tribal Chief, David Shoemaker, to tackle this very important question: Which pro wrestler should be selected to mediate the beef between rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar? Then, in Highspot Headlines, the guys discuss King of the Ring, Dragunov’s title aspirations, and how the women’s 'Raw' division will fare while Rhea Ripley rehabs an injury. Then, in They Said What?!, the guys take calls about Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes's championship run. CHAPTERS: Intro (00:00) Which wrestler can settle the Drake-Kendrick beef? (02:18) How much do you care about King of the Ring? (08:15) Dragunov’s title hopes (24:03) The plan for the women’s division (32:04) Whether Becky Lynch has had a boring title run (37:18) They Said What?! (42:35) NXT preview (01:07:00) For an opportunity to have your hot take featured on They Said What?!, leave a voicemail at (202) 417-8160. Hosts: Ben Cruz and Khal Davenport Guest: David Shoemaker Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dave Shoemaker and Kaz are back, and they’ve got a LOT to say about what went down at WWE Backlash in Lyon, France, on Saturday. After tackling the Cold Open Question of the Week, the guys discuss the CRAZY French crowd, how past all-American wrestlers compare to Cody Rhodes, what story line WWE should craft for Rhodes moving forward, and early predictions for what the SummerSlam main event will be. Plus, they get into the full slate of Backlash results. And later, they wonder how much weight Roman Reigns will put on during his time away from the ring. CHAPTERS: Cold Open Question of the Week (00:00) The display board economy (04:17) WWE Backlash crowd (06:12) Cody Rhodes comparisons (20:32) What to do with Rhodes? (27:17) Predictions for the SummerSlam main event (32:50) More WWE Backlash results (50:41) How much weight will Roman Reigns gain? (01:03:42) Jerry Lawler is out of WWE (01:25:53) ‘Raw’ preview (01:26:54) WrestleMania 41 goes to Las Vegas (01:31:50) Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David and Kaz kicks things off with their reactions to Kenny Omega’s return promo last night, along with some other AEW highlights (05:00). Later the guys dive into their Backlash France predictions (52:00). Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kareem Famuyide Producer: Jonathan Kermah Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Brian kicks things off revealing his feelings about the NFL’s Tribal Chief, Patrick Mahomes, showing up on ‘Monday Night Raw.’ Then, the guys are joined by the Ringer Wrestling Show’s Tribal Chief, David Shoemaker, and answer the following big questions from ‘Raw’: Who is the most impactful switch of the WWE draft? (4:13) Can CM Punk and Drew McIntyre keep their feud going while both are injured? (18:31) Should Jey Uso defeat Damian Priest for the world heavyweight title at Backlash? (25:21) Then after the break, they go to the Ringer Wrestling Worldwide Hotline for “They Said What?!” and react to a couple of hot takes from you, the people, regarding a potential Bloodline–Wyatt Family storyline and the psychology of the WWE draft (35:23 ). Then they introduce a new weekly segment called “The Hot Tag with the Masked Man,” in which David answers a big question of the week. Today, he reacts to Khal saying Cody is only over because of his theme music and his dance partners (48:58). The guys close the show previewing night two of NXT ‘Spring Breakin’” (61:13) For an opportunity to have your hot take featured on They Said What?!, leave a voicemail at (202) 417-8160. Be sure to check out our videos on the Ringer TikTok account @RingerWrestling., Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: Ben Cruz, Khal Davenport, and Brian H. Waters Guest: David Shoemaker Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices