The Ringer Wrestling Show

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Who had a better weekend—Ricky Saints, Je’Von Evans, or Oba Femi (0:18)? David and Kaz kick off the week with a round of applause for a friend of the program and Thursday’s guest, Ricky Saints, who won the NXT World Title at ‘No Mercy’ (8:27). Then, they discuss the following: Sami Zayn and Je’Von Evans steal the show on 'Smackdown' (15:37) Who will be world champion first—Oba Femi or Sami Zayn (23:44)? The next generation of Black main-eventers (24:35) Bad Bunny to perform at the Super Bowl (41:20) Jacy Jayne’s rising stock (45:20) Vince McMahon gifts a bust to birthday-party attendees (1:05:20) The “botched” three-count on 'Smackdown' (1:18:32) Hardy Boyz meet Kai Cenat (1:34:31) Who will Cena’s last match be against (1:38:35)? Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: The Pro Wrestling Illustrated 500 came out this week, but who is no. 1 in the Kaz 500 (0:19)?David and Kaz kick off the show with their reactions to the PWI 500's top 10 (4:55). Then they discuss the John Cena vs. AJ Styles match (44:17).Later, they welcome the no. 1 contender for the NXT Championship, Ricky Saints, ahead of his title match with Oba Femi at No Mercy (1:15:20).He discusses the following: Getting really personal with his vignette in his hometown (1:16:23) The promo that put him on the mainstream map (1:21;44) Getting called out for being Cody Rhodes’s friend (1:27:30) Challenging for the NXT Championship (1:30:54) The WWE/NXT and AEW counterprogramming (1:41:31) Being backstage at the 2023 Royal Rumble while at AEW (1:44:03) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X.Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, and Brian H. WatersGuest: Ricky SaintsProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Of everybody, which loss hit you the hardest (0:25)? David and Kaz kick off the show discussing the reactions to ESPN writer Andreas Hale’s WrestlePalooza review (4:20). Then they get into the following from the weekend: Thoughts on Brock Lesnar dominating John Cena (0:00) Hangman Adam Page retains AEW World Title (18:42) PAC returns during the coffin match (25:27) Eddie Kingston returns with a win (38:53) Hook and C.J. Stroud comparisons (41:00) The Demand defeats the Hurt Syndicate (50:04) Cope’s tribute to John Cena; Beth Phoenix arrives in AEW (55:06) Stephanie Vaquer wins the Women’s World Title (70:40) Cody Rhodes retains the WWE Championship (74:00) Is Brock Lesnar going to join the Vision now? (78:20) AJ Lee returns and looks great (93:05) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, and Brian H. Waters Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What’s the weirdest response you've ever gotten from someone when they find out you cover pro wrestling (0:40)? David and Kaz kick off the show with a real conversation about the state of pro wrestling at the moment and its predictability, despite all the publicity and mainstream coverage (5:49). Then they pick up their predictions game with picks for AEW All Out (42:59) and WWE Wrestlepalooza (1:05:00) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, and Brian H. Waters Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Would you rather be like MJF and get thrown into tables and thumbtacks, or like Shawn Michaels and get both knees replaced (1:04)? David and Kaz discuss the news about Andrade being released from his WWE contract over the weekend (6:15). Then they discuss Dominik Mysterio's AAA Mega Championship win and ask whether he will become a bigger star than his dad, Rey Mysterio Jr. (30:33). Later, they look over WWE Wrestlepalooza and AEW and discuss what they are looking forward to the most (53:44). They close the show with potential matches for WrestleMania 43 (1:32:09) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, 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 kick off the show by discussing the criteria for the GOOTs (greatest wrestlers of our time) and an official Masked Man list of wrestlers, and they determine whether they will qualify for the tournament (3:03). Then they discuss the following headlines: WrestleMania will be in Saudi Arabia in 2027 (6:06) Carmelo and Trick Williams reunite on NXT (27:30) The AJ Styles promo on WWE ‘Raw’ (31:50) Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch are doing their best work together (38:00) Is LA Knight up next (42:27)? AJ Lee’s first promo since WWE return (48:24). Daniel Garcia’s heel turn (59:22) Then they go over a list of 134 people and decide whether they fall above or below the Steiner line (1:03:01). Last, AEW TNT champion Kyle Fletcher joins the show and discusses the following: His approach to having the best match on the card every week (1:30:47) His character changes after the comparisons to other legends (1:37:43) His wardrobe and collection of pink suits (1:38:47) Becoming TNT champion (1:41:08) Response to a critique from Stevie Richards (1:44:22) Challenging Adam Page for the AEW world title (1:52:23) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Guest: Kyle Fletcher Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: On any given day in Chicago, who gets the biggest pop—Michael Jordan, Mike Singletary, CM Punk, or AJ Lee (0:30)?David and Kaz kick off the show with a huge announcement for next week’s episode of 'The Masked Man Show' (4:11). Then, we get another hot take from Kaz, and he says there is ONE thing AEW could do to get back in the fight with WWE (8:34). Later, they discuss the following: John Cena’s last match (16:11) Looking back on John Cena’s heel turn (25:39) AJ Lee's return to WWE (29:54) What match are you most excited for at WrestlePoolza (51:31)? Most exciting matches for AEW Out (55:27) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Kaz’s hot take from Tuesday, he and David fire up the mics to continue the conversation about whether John Cena is the greatest of all time (3:38). Then Brian joins in for a rapid-fire debate on the greatest WWE superstars ever (26:45). After that, they recap the highlights from NXT and AEW Dynamite (45:13). Last, they are joined by Phil Schneider, who talks about his latest piece on The Ringer, where he lists the 10 greatest matches in the history of the ECW Arena (64:31). Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Guest: Phil Schneider Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David and Kaz fire up the mics and discuss WWE Clash in Paris, where Becky Lynch shocked the world and helped her husband, Seth Rollins, defeat CM Punk (5:46). They discuss the following: The possibility of CM Punk’s wife, A.J. Lee, returning (0:00) Who else would join the vision (12:50) Sami Zayn becomes the WWE United States Champion (26:30) The Mixed Match Challenge (34:32) Who is the front-runner for the 2025 wrestler of the year (43:31)? The case for John Cena being the greatest of all time (50:32) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Who between Oba Femi and Claudio Castagnoli would throw their opponent the farthest? David and Kaz kick off the show by recapping AEW Dynamite, which was live at the 2300 Arena (3:40). Then Brian and Ben make predictions for WWE Clash in Paris (41:45). Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: How much money would it take for you to eat your favorite cereal with the fork used on Darby Allin (0:17)? David and Kaz fire up the mics after a big weekend in pro wrestling and start the show by discussing some of the most brutal moments from the weekend (5:14). Then they recap the following: The lights out cage match (13:25) Adam "Hangman" Page’s win over MJF (20:11) Brodido becoming the new AEW Tag Team Champions (28:10) Kazuchika Okada’s win over Swerve Strickland (42:24) The best non-lifting finish moves in wrestling (44:00) Oba Femi’s win over Je’Von Evans (56:39) Blake Monroe’s win over Jordynne Grace (65:43) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, 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 fire the mics and have a lot to discuss after a heavy news week in pro wrestling. They discuss the following: Naomi announcing her pregnancy and vacating the Women’s world title (0:23) Adam “Hangman” Page vs. MJF stipulations changing (3:49) WWE announcing WrestlePalooza and moving PLEs to ESPN in September (17:16) AEW Forbidden Door preview (33:40) Whether WWE is trying to get rid of its competition (56:01) Athena vs. Toni Storm for the AEW Women’s Championship (1:24:20) Oba Femi vs. Je’Von Evans (1:32:48) Dave and Kaz respond to the best alien wrestling fan questions (1:46:34) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: With reports that Chris Jericho’s contract is up in December, how would you book him in WWE in 2026 (0:36)?David and Kaz discuss the rumors that WWE is putting together a show against AEW All Out (10:16). They also discuss the following: Naomi to address the crowd on WWE 'Raw' (35:54) Konosuke Takeshita wins the G1 Climax (41:06) Omos goes viral, and El Hijo del Vikingo gets booed at Triplemanía (47:59) Will WWE bring back Alberto Del Rio after the reactions at Triplemanía (58:00)? If aliens tuned in to wrestling for the first time, what’s the first question they’d ask (1:12:17)? WWE ‘Raw’ preview (1:14:40) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X.Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem FamuyideProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Who from the SmackDown tag team division would you book for the main event of WrestleMania (0:36)?David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing the latest on Karrion Kross after his interview about his WWE contract status (9:00). Then they discuss the following: Dominik Mysterio, Dragon Lee, and El Grande Americano vs. El Hijo del Vikingo at Triplemanía (14:57) Dominik Mysterio’s trajectory for the WrestleMania 42 main event (26:00) Is WWE attempting to put AEW out of business (32:14)? John Cena’s last match vs. AEW (47:30) Vince McMahon appears in a Hulk Hogan documentary (51:21) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X.Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem FamuyideProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What pro wrestling T-shirt would your family surprise you with (0:15)?David, Kaz, and Brian discuss Karrion Kross’s documentary, in which he revealed that his time with WWE is up. They discuss whether or not it’s part of a big story line or whether it’s real. They also discuss the possibility of this leading to fan outrage and his return to WWE (4:55).Later, they recap AEW Collision (59:00) and play a game deciding who would be better off as El Grande Americano (61:10).Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X.Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, and Brian H. WatersProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David, Kaz, and Adnan Virk fire up the mics early Thursday morning to discuss the WWE-ESPN deal and what it’s like working as a broadcaster at WWE! They talk about the following: Who’s most likely to win a title: LA Knight, CM Punk, or Roman Reigns (0:22) Virk joins to talk about his new book 'Cinephile' (22:01) How WWE can benefit from working with ESPN (30:10) Virk’s as a WWE broadcaster (33:22) Karrion Kross and Scarlett contract extensions (1:05:00) MJF and the Hurt Syndicate (1:10:15) Be sure to check out our videos on⁠ BlueSky⁠,⁠ TikTok⁠,⁠ Instagram Threads⁠, and⁠ X⁠. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David and Kaz welcome Bret “The Hitman” Hart to the show live at Gramercy Theater in New York City. Bret discusses his career, which wrestlers currently remind him of himself, who he is not currently a fan of, and more. Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Guest: Bret Hart Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brock Lesnar Back in WWE! WWE SummerSlam Recap. | The Masked Man ShowDavid, Kaz, Ben, and Brian fire up the mics early Monday morning to discuss WWE SummerSlam! They talk about the following: Brock Lesnar returns at the end of the show (2:25) Cody Rhodes defeats John Cena to win the WWE title (22:01) Seth Rollins pulls off the "work of the century” to become World Heavyweight Champion (34:34) Dominik Mysterio retains the WWE Intercontinental Title on the 20-year anniversary of the match between Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero (43:19) The Wyatt Sicks retain the WWE Tag Titles in the TLC match (53:00) Naomi continues her reign as Women’s World Champion (55:47) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X.Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, Ben Cruz, and Brian H. WatersProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s SummerSlam weekend and David, Kaz, Ben, and Brian are all together in New Jersey with a few WWE superstars!Alexa Bliss discusses her return, how she began working with Charlotte, the possibilities of working with the Wyatt Sicks, the stories of each variation of her character, and more (2:28)Then to close the show, David, Kaz, Ben, and Brian each make picks for SummerSlam—with a twist (31:44)!Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X.Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, Ben Cruz and Brian H. WatersGuests: Alexa BlissProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s SummerSlam weekend, and David, Kaz, Ben, and Brian are all together in New Jersey to sit down with a few WWE Superstars! Here is the second half of their interviews.Drew McIntyre explains why he was held up from returning back to the United States, why Jelly Roll doesn’t belong in a wrestling ring, his goal to get back to pursuing the WWE title, having a run in front of fans, and more (0:53).Aleister Black talks returning to WWE from AEW, what’s different in his current run, and a little bit of mythology about the depth of who he is (22:16).Zelina Vega joins and discusses growing up in New York, training as a wrestler in different regions, becoming the United States champion, becoming the first Queen of the Ring, and her match with Giulia on Smackdown (48:03)Last, Karrion Kross joins and discusses his viral moment after WrestleMania 41, his desire to reward wrestling fans who watch weekly, Bloodspot, and the craziest moment of the past six months (1:13:45).Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X.Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, Ben Cruz, and Brian H. WatersGuests: Drew McIntyre, Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, and Karrion KrossProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices