The Ringer Wrestling Show

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If you could call any match from AEW Revolution this weekend, which would it be? (00:42) David and Kaz start the pod with a preview of AEW Revolution, including: Cope vs. Jon Moxley (05:47) Toni Storm vs. Mariah May (34:36) MJF vs. Hangman Page (41:10) Ricochet vs Swerve Strickland (45:46) Kenny Omega vs. Konosuke Takeshita (48:42) Mercedes Mone vs Momo Watanabe (52:26) Kazuchika Okada vs. Brody King (54:15) Kyle Fletcher vs. Will Ospreay (57:56) The Hurt Syndicate vs. The Outrunners (60:22) After, they discuss the potential of a CM Punk–Roman Reigns–Seth Rollins Triple Threat match at WrestleMania 41 and Iyo Sky’s upset win over Rhea Ripley for the Women’s World Championship (65:34) and Rey Fenix’s reported release from AEW (72:56). Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Eduardo Ocampo Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben, Khal, and Brian kick off the show by discussing whether or not John Cena’s heel turn was bigger than Hulk Hogan’s in 1996 (1:05). Then, David joins in, and they all discuss the following: Iyo Sky is the women’s world champion (13:47) Jade Cargill attacked Naomi and the role Bianca Belair had in everything (28:22) CM Punk went after his enemies and brawled with Seth Rollins (40:25) In Nostalgia Freakz, they look back at Goldberg’s 23-second win over Kevin Owens in 2017 to become WWE Universal champion (49:55). Then, they go to the Worldwide Hotline and react to calls regarding the best segments of all time and wild-card picks for the United States championship at WrestleMania 41 (64:03). Read David’s new piece on The Ringer, where he details John Cena’s long-awaited heel turn. For an opportunity to have your hot take featured on They Said What?!, leave a voicemail at (202) 417-8160, or drop your Am I the Heel? situations at ringerwrestlingshowworldwide@gmail.com. Be sure to check out our videos on the Ringer TikTok account @RingerWrestling, Instagram Threads, and X. And don’t forget to check out the ’Worldwide' page on The Ringer! 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

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What is your emotional state after John Cena’s heel turn (0:36)? David and Kaz have made you wait long enough, so they fire up the mics to react to Cena turning heel at WWE Elimination Chamber (4:37). Plus they discuss the Rock’s Final Boss character benefitting him beyond the box office (24:51). Later, they discuss Jade’s return and beatdown on Naomi, Bianca Belair winning the Elimination Chamber (56:27), whether Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens are the rivalry of the decade (1:03:30), and whether Cena’s heel turn is more impactful than Hulk Hogan’s (1:07:41). Read David’s piece on The Ringer dot com, in which he details John Cena’s long-awaited heel turn. 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: Would you rather take a conchairto from Cope or be in a death match with Swerve (0:37)? David and Kaz preview this Saturday’s Elimination Chamber match, first discussing who the Rock’s champion could be if Cody Rhodes declines (6:10). Then they predict the winners for the following matches: The men’s Elimination Chamber match (53:56) The women’s Elimination Chamber match (56:49) Tiffany Stratton and Trish Stratus vs. Nia Jax and Candice LeRae (1:08:50) Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn (1:10:46) Later, they welcome Damaris Lewis, who stars in 'Queen of the Ring.' She discusses portraying Babs Wingo, her friendship with Naomi, and more (1:18:32). 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

Ben, Khal, and Brian kick off the show by discussing the viral YEET wedding introduction (3:16). Then, they are joined by David to discuss the following from 'Raw': Seth Rollins confronts Cody Rhodes about the Rock’s offer (8:22) Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez win the women’s tag team titles (22:16) Lyra Valkyria defeats Dakota Kai to retain her women’s intercontinental title (32:02) Then, in a rapid-fire session, Ben challenges the guys to book random names from 'Raw' for WrestleMania (41:03). In Nostalgia Freakz, they revisit Shane McMahon’s return in 2016 and the epic pop he received for it (48:15). Finally, in They Said What?!, they react to a question from you, the people, regarding the heat Xavier Woods can get by bringing back the curly boots and who has the bigger ceiling as heels: the New Day or the Street Profits (63:45). For an opportunity to have your hot take featured on They Said What?!, leave a voicemail at (202) 417-8160, or drop your Am I the Heel? situations at ringerwrestlingshowworldwide@gmail.com. Be sure to check out our videos on the Ringer TikTok account @RingerWrestling, Instagram Threads, and X. Don’t forget to check out the 'Worldwide' page on the Ringer Dot Com! 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

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If you could go back and let any pro wrestler hold your newborn baby, who would it be (0:40)? This week, David welcomes the 'Worldwide' crew, Ben, Khal, and Brian, to talk about a couple of head-scratching moments in wrestling. The Rock wants Cody Rhodes to be his corporate champion (3:40) Thunder Rosa’s weird usage of the chair on AEW Dynamite (45:30) A Cope and Moxley world title match is loading for AEW Revolution (1:00:57) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Host: David Shoemaker Guests: Ben Cruz, Khal Davenport, and Brian H. Waters Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben, Khal, and Brian kick off the show by discussing WrestleMania 41, which is exactly 60 days away, and their current excitement levels (2:56). Then, they are joined by David to get into Highspot Headlines: Ricky Starks becomes Ricky Saints and signs a NXT contract (10:40) Michael Cole says that WWE is “not professional wrestling anymore” (35:34) Then, in Nostalgia Freakz, they hop in the time machine to No Way Out 2002 for the nWo’s WWE debut (48:06). Finally, in They Said What?!, they react to a question from you, the people, regarding whether or not John Cena will finish his career with a 17th WWE title win (67:07). For an opportunity to have your hot take featured on They Said What?!, leave a voicemail at (202) 417-8160 or drop your ‘Am I the Heel?’ situations at ringerwrestlingshowworldwide@gmail.com. Be sure to check out our videos on the Ringer TikTok account @RingerWrestling, Instagram Threads, and X. Don’t forget to check out the Worldwide page on the Ringer Dot Com! 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

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: With the minimum WWE salary being around $300,000, what would you do in pro wrestling for that salary (0:37)? David and Kaz kick off the show discussing the WWE equivalent of Mac McClung three-peating in the Slam Dunk Contest (5:19). Then, they discuss the winners and losers of the weekend including: Mercedes Moné (12:30) Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay, Konosuke Takeshita, and Kyle Fletcher (21:00) Toni Storm (31:49) Roxanne Perez (37:40) Bianca Belair and Naomi (41:29) Adam Copeland and Jon Moxley (45:30) Finn Bálor (54:26) The build to WrestleMania 41 (63:30) 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: Which wrestler did you not like as a kid, but you would wear their merch today (0:35)? David and Kaz close the week with a stacked show, discussing the following: Ricky Starks shows up on NXT (10:53) Who has the biggest upside in WWE between Starks, Miro, and Aleister Black (20:11) AEW Grand Slam preview (33:50) NXT Vengeance Day preview (59:38) They close the show with love to Chris Bey, who posted an inspirational video to celebrate his 29th birthday (1:08:45). 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

Ben, Khal, and Brian kick off the show by talking through what the pro wrestling feud equivalent of the Kendrick Lamar–Drake beef is (4:33). Then they are joined by David to recap the following from 'Raw': CM Punk doesn't know Logan Paul’s music (12:46) Jey Uso picks Gunther as his WrestleMania opponent (14:56) Who will be the final participants in the Women’s Elimination Chamber match? (24:26) Bron Breakker wears a cowboy hat while confronting AJ Styles (35:00) Then, in Nostalgia Freakz, they revisit the night Shawn Michaels “lost his smile” (39:38) before reacting to a They Said What?! question from you, the people, on which wrestlers should perform their entrance music as they enter the ring (51:12). They close the show by discussing why Ricky Starks, Malakai Black, and Miro are parting ways with AEW and what their paths to WWE could look like (59:08).For an opportunity to have your hot take featured on They Said What?!, leave a voicemail at (202) 417-8160, or drop your Am I the Heel? situations at ringerwrestlingshowworldwide@gmail.com.Check out Khal’s piece on ringer dot com where he discusses Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show http://performance.Be sure to check out our videos on the Ringer TikTok account @RingerWrestling, Instagram Threads, and X.And don’t forget to check out the 'Worldwide' page on the Ringer Dot Com!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

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: WWE trademarked a bunch of names. Which one of these is most likely to headline a WrestleMania (0:45)? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing the Super Bowl and the squash-match equivalent to the beatdown the Eagles put on the Chiefs (03:30). Then they discuss the WWE Superstars who were released over the weekend and where they will fit (16:55). Later they talk about how this WrestleMania does not have a concrete ending the way last year’s did (27:29). Then they close the show with some more ‘Wrestle-Maybias’ (53:27). 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

David and Kaz kick off the show by recapping AEW Dynamite, starting with how to improve Kenny Omega’s threads (5:05). Then they discuss Dustin Rhodes going face-to-face with MJF (21:48). Later, they get into WrestleMania "maybes," where they discuss matches they believe will happen at the Showcase of the Immortals in Las Vegas (33:30). Then Khal tags in to answer a few mailbag questions from X (1:04:53). Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Guest: Khal Davenport Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben, Khal, and Brian kick off the show by discussing Brian’s incredible weekend; he went two for two in our Royal Rumble draft, and his Lakers made a WWE-to-AEW-like trade, acquiring Luka Doncic (0:30). Then, they discuss an action-packed 'Raw': Kevin Owens closed the show by beating down his best friend, Sami Zayn (9:50) Early Elimination Chamber predictions (16:40) Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania loading (23:25)? Jey Uso’s heartfelt promo after winning the Rumble (35:22) Rhea Ripley confronted Charlotte Flair (51:57) The New Day’s new theme song (57:45) Where the hell is Chad Gable going (1:00:46)? Then, in Nostalgia Freakz, they revisit the empty arena match between the Rock and Mankind at Halftime Heat in 1999 during Super Bowl XXXIII (1:02:31). Last, in They Said What?!, they react to a HOT take from you, the people, responding to Shoemaker’s hot take on Jey Uso being a “1B main-eventer” (1:15:20). For an opportunity to have your hot take featured on ‘They Said What?!,’ leave a voicemail at (202) 417-8160 or drop your ‘Am I the Heel?’ situations at ringerwrestlingshowworldwide@gmail.com. Be sure to check out our videos on the Ringer TikTok account @RingerWrestling, Instagram Threads, and X.Don’t forget to check out the Worldwide page on the Ringer Dot Com! Hosts: Ben Cruz, Khal Davenport, 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 is the pro wrestling equivalent of Luka Doncic getting traded for Anthony Davis (0:36)? Kaz is back from Indy to take a victory lap as he and David discuss Jey Uso’s Royal Rumble win (8:15). They also discuss the stories within the Rumble match, including Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins's fight outside after getting eliminated (23:50). They go on to discuss why Kevin Owens can be in the running for Mr. Royal Rumble after a wild match with Cody Rhodes (41:00). Later, they discuss Charlotte Flair’s win in the Women’s Royal Rumble match and the surprises inside the match (55:27). They close the show by debating whether or not Jey Uso can carry the company to WrestleMania (73:18). 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 many Hall of Fame rings can Triple H accumulate (0:30)? David and Kaz are ready for this Saturday’s ‘Royal Rumble’. First they react to the Ringer Wrestling Worldwide ‘Rumble’ draft picks (9:19). Then they predict who will win this year’s men's and women’s rumble (20:35).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

Ben, Khal, Brian, and David kick off the show by discussing Roman Reigns’s 'WWE 2K25' cover reveal and each share their favorite pro wrestling video games (1:00). Then they get into some of the highlights from 'Raw,' including: CM Punk and Cody Rhodes’s epic promo to close the show (10:51) The best use of WWE’s big-name stars at WrestleMania (20:25) Debating who wins a world title first: Logan Paul or Jey Uso (35:24) Then, in Nostalgia Freakz, they revisit the 2013 Royal Rumble, when the Rock ended CM Punk’s 434-day WWE title reign (43:15). Later, in ‘They Said What?!’ they react to a question on whether or not Jey Uso’s “YEET Movement” compares to Daniel Bryan’s “YES Movement”(56:07). Then, to close the show: It’s draft time! They each draft a man, a woman, and a wild-card pick for this Saturday’s Royal Rumble winner, using snake draft rules (66:34). For an opportunity to have your hot take featured on ‘They Said What?!,’ leave a voicemail at (202) 417-8160 or drop your ‘Am I the Heel?’ situations at ringerwrestlingshowworldwide@gmail.com. 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

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Who's better, Jacob Fatu or Peak Jeff Hardy (0:37)? David and Kaz kick off the week by discussing Toni Storm revealing that she has been "Timeless" all along (4:11). Then they recap Saturday Night’s Main Event: Gunther’s win and whether or not there is a disconnect with the fans (14:48). Can Jey Uso be “the guy” in WWE (22:20)? Jacob Fatu making his mark on broadcast television (31:17). Sheamus bringing the best out of Bron Breakker (37:24). Shawn Michaels giving Kevin Owens some Sweet Chin Music (48:11). 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: If you were Ricky Starks and had a year of not being used, what would you do with your time (0:36)? David and Kaz fire up the mics after a red-hot episode of 'AEW Dynamite'! In what David calls his favorite episode, they discuss the following; Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay unite against the Don Callis family (8:20) The Hurt Syndicate wins the AEW tag team titles (19:07) Jeff Jarrett’s promo Whether or not AEW has the oldest world title competitors (26:55) Then they preview this weekend’s Saturday Night’s Main Event (51:00): Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Nia Jax for the Women’s World Championship (53:17) Braun Strowman vs. Jacob Fatu (57:50) Gunther (c) vs. Jey Uso for the World Heavyweight Championship (1:02:34) Bron Breakker (c) vs. Sheamus for the WWE Intercontinental Championship (1:00:57) 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

Ben, Khal, and Brian celebrate two years of 'WORLDWIDE'! They kick off the episode with some of their favorite memories since starting the show (1:11). Then, for the anniversary edition, they go back to an oldie but a goodie, Highspot Headlines, where they react to some of the hottest topics of the week: Miro, Malakai Black, Ricky Starks, and Rey Fenix are reportedly WWE bound after their AEW contracts are up (10:06) Ilja Dragunov is ahead of rehab schedule (22:51) WWE is reportedly planning a draft after WrestleMania (29:43) Jade Cargill is nearing her return; who attacked her? (38:23) Then, for Nostalgia Freakz, they revisit the 1994 Royal Rumble, when Bret Hart and Lex Luger were named cowinners, and discuss whether or not this ending could happen today (39:55). Last, in They Said What?!, they react to a hot take from you, the people, on what’s next for Jacob Fatu and the theme music that got us going as young wrestling fans (58:50). For an opportunity to have your hot take featured on They Said What?!, leave a voicemail at (202) 417-8160 or drop your Am I the Heel? situations at ringerwrestlingshowworldwide@gmail.com. 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 Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hey Humanoids, we have the full squad here for you today. First, David, Khal, and Brian discuss a news-filled weekend, including TNA crowning a new champion while saying goodbye to Jordynne Grace (2:19). Then they discuss what Charlotte Flair’s return could look like (19:15), Penta’s match with Pete Dunne, and how Rey Fenix could be used in AEW (28:19), Jacob Fatu standing out on Smackdown in Solo’s silence (53:12), Kevin Owens lobbying Sami Zayn for help (58:40), and more. Then, Kaz and Ben speak with Sheamus ahead of his match with Bron Breakker at Saturday Night’s Main Event (1:08:51). They discuss coming up in the wrestling business with Drew McIntyre (1:12:40), defeating John Cena for his first WWE Championship (1:28: 26), making the right picks on 'College GameDay' (1:38:12), and how he is looking to become the first WWE Ultimate Grand Slam Champion (1:44:23) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, Ben Cruz, Khal Davenport & Brian H. Waters Guest: Sheamus Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices