The Ringer Wrestling Show

Hey Humanoids, David and Kaz welcome back Phil Schneider for a bonus episode. They preview the card for AEW Dynasty: Swerve Strickland vs. "Hangman" Adam Page (1:45) Megan Bayne vs. Toni Storm (13:14) Kenny Omega vs. Ricochet vs. "Speedball" Mike Bailey (17:03) The Death Riders vs. FTR (21:59) Daniel Garcia vs. Adam Cole (29:30) Mercedes Mone’s chances of winning the Owen Hart Cup (33:23) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Guests: Naomi and Phil Schneider Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Which pro wrestler will have the most influence on the next generation (0:41)? David and Kaz welcome Phil Schneider to the show to discuss his brand-new book, ‘Way of the Blade AEW Edition’ (7:00). Then they discuss the following Gunther makes Jimmy Uso bleed in front of Jey (15:39) Which matches from WrestleMania will likely have color (29:20) Later, Naomi comes through and discusses being proud of her attack on Jade, getting back on track with Bianca Belair, and why everyone needs to proceed with caution after she’s been too nice for so long (58:55). .Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X.Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Guests: Naomi and Phil Schneider Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben kicks off the show by requesting parenting advice from Khal and Brian when it comes to the dos and don’ts of your children and wrestling (1:04). Then, they get into the following: Jey Uso and Gunther’s road to WrestleMania turns the corner (12:44) How to reheat The Judgment Day (26:42) Grading Bianca Belair’s job performance as special guest referee (32:53) John Cena finally gives Cody Rhodes his reasons for selling his soul (37:17) Then, in this week’s Nostalgia Freakz, they revisit TLC II between The Hardy Boyz, Edge and Christian, and The Dudley Boyz at WrestleMania X-Seven (50:56). Later, 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 the Royal Rumble winners not main eventing WrestleMania (1:02:63). Before they close they show, they react to an “Am I the Heel?” email regarding Paul Heyman’s role in the Roman Reigns–CM Punk–Seth Rollins Triple Threat match (1:09:32). 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! 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: Who from WrestleMania would you pick today to face Cody Rhodes (0:41)? David and Kaz fire up the mics early this week ahead of another afternoon WWE Raw. They discuss the following: Drew McIntyre’s comments on his feud with Damian Priest (12:52) Superstars who had a great year but not a clear path to WrestleMania (16:24) CM Punk reaches WrestleMania main event, but that’s not the favor Paul Heyman promised (33:16) Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin receives Inaugural WWE Immortal Moment Award (51:55) ‘WWE Raw’ preview (1:1713) 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 with a can’t-miss Samoa Joe story (0:30). Then they discuss whether they would give Saraya, Mariah May, and Britt Baker a veteran’s minimum contract, regular contract, or max contract (7:15). They also discuss the following: Stephanie Vaquer’s run as a double champion in NXT (38:42) Whether or not Trick Williams is leading Darkstate (41:06) MJF possibly joining the Hurt Syndicate (45:00) Fans’ attitudes toward Jey Uso (53:33) Bianca Belair getting booed overseas (1:04:43) El Grande Americano (1:08:09) 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

Ben, Khal, Brian, and David kick off the show talking their less-than-30-days-until-WrestleMania mindset (3:05). Then, they recap the following from ‘Raw’: John Cena’s mission to “ruin wrestling” and possibly bringing back the spinner belt (13:00). Jey Uso’s continued 10 Weeks of Hell (34:20) The WWE Intercontinental Title picture for WrestleMania (48 Then, in this week’s Nostalgia Freakz, they revisit the night Shane McMahon bought WCW from under Vince the week before WrestleMania X-Seven (53:13). Before they close, 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 appreciating John Cena’s heel turn as well as how Bianca, Naomi, and Jade's story compares to Batman (69:36). 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. Visit the Ringer.com and check out the profile on the Natural Disasters who will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. 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! 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

David and Kaz fire up the mics ahead of an afternoon ‘WWE Raw’ to recap this weekend’s pro wrestling. They kick off the show with love to Chris Bey after his inspirational weekend at his benefit show (6:06). Then, they discuss Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair’s promo from ‘SmackDown’ and what this means for ‘Tiffy Time(13:03).’ Later, they discuss Seth Rollins vs. CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns and what could be at stake at WrestleMania (28:32). Last, Brian joins David in a cross-promotional booking exercise of WWE and AEW (55:10). 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: Who are your top four seeds in American pro wrestling? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing the street fight between Jon Moxley and Rated R Superstar Cope, which had a spot we do not need to see anymore (4:49). Then they do a deep dive on Adam Page’s hair (20:01) and talk about how Karrion Kross models his hair on the person whose head he's trying to get into (27:12). Later, they discuss John Cena’s promo and whether or not he should ever become a babyface again (48:09). Last, they recap NXT’s road to Stand and Deliver (1:04:27:00). 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 fire up the mics and discuss the beauty of lunchtime wrestling after Raw’s early start time in the U.S. (2:14). Then, they go line by line to break down John Cena’s epic promo and figure out how much truth Cena was spitting with each section (8:37). Then, in this week’s Nostalgia Freakz, they revisit the Rock vs. Hollywood Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania X8 (56:20). Before they close, they go to the ‘Ringer Wrestling Worldwide’ hotline for They Said What?! and react to a couple of hot takes from you, the people, about getting United States crowds to be as loud as overseas crowds and fantasy booking the finish between Cody Rhodes and John Cena (69:37). 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! 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: How many tag titles have the Street Profits won (0:45)?David and Kaz fire up the mics before an early 'WWE Raw'. They discuss the following: What wrestling artifacts that would be included in the Smithsonian Museum (5:32) Rey Fenix teasers for 'SmackDown' (13:52) In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, a special Irish wrestler’s draft (25:46) A deep-dive on Drew McIntyre’s promo on 'SmackDown' (30:50) John Cena and Cody Rhodes will be in the same building for 'Raw' (43:43) 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

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Who is the irrational favorite of this podcast? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing Speedball Mike Bailey becoming All Elite (0:44) and MJF’s conversation with MVP (09:00). Then, they recap NXT Roadblock (12:22). Last, they look at the current WrestleMania card and discuss how hype they are for each match (24:03). 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 with an in-person recap from Khal who was at Madison Square Garden for ‘Monday Night Raw’ (1:06). Then, they discuss the following: Seth Rollins defeats CM Punk in a cage match; Roman Reigns returns (5:25) What could be the favor Paul Heyman owes CM Punk (10:32)? Where does Jey Uso-Gunther fall on the card for Mania (19:45)? How long can Cody Rhodes continue the match build without John Cena around (25:24)? Then, they go to the Worldwide hotline and react to a call regarding the Rock’s role as the Final Boss and how it has a few Star Wars elements to it (41:47). The guys welcome Ethan Page ahead of his New York City Street Fight at NXT Roadblock (51:12). He discusses the following: Why this will be the quickest Street Fight (52:04) What he does and doesn’t like about Je’Von Evans (54:50) His most difficult video game hobby (71:45) 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! Hosts: Ben Cruz, Khal Davenport, and Brian H. Waters Guest: Ethan Page and David Shoemaker Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Which wrestler’s blood would you most want to lick off a steel cage? David and Kaz kick off the show by recapping the entire card from AEW Revolution, beginning with the lackluster main event between Jon Moxley and Adam Copeland (03:35). They then dive into the rest of the card from the show: Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher (18:21) Kenny Omega vs. Konosuke Takeshita (30:56) Toni Storm vs. Mariah May (34:10) The Hurt Syndicate vs. The Outrunners (47:33) Kazuchika Okada vs. Brody King (52:21) Swerve Strickland vs. Ricochet (58:07) Mercedes Mone vs. Momo Watanabe (01:05:34) Hangman Adam Page def. MJF (01:08:32) After going through the card, they briefly discuss Naomi and Bianca Belair’s segment from 'SmackDown' and preview tonight's episode of 'Raw' (01:20:20). Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Jessie Lopez Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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