Published by The Ringer
‘The Ringer Wrestling Show’ brings you instant reactions to the biggest matches, breakdowns of the hottest feuds, and analysis of all the latest gossip in the wild world of professional wrestling. Join "The Masked Man" David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, and Ben Cruz for a podcast feed that redefines what it means to be a wrestling fan.
Listen on Apple PodcastsCOLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Can you name any champion in WWE history that went longer without defending their title than Liv Morgan? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing David’s newly released book, ‘Why Hulk Hogan Matters’ (03:35), and whether it's a spiritual successor to David’s last book, ‘The Squared Circle’ (06:43). Following that, the guys give a brief review of 'AEW Dynamite' (12:46), focusing on Willow Nightingale’s championship celebration (13:09) and the show-closing promo between Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay (16:23). Next, David and Kaz dive into their SummerSlam picks and predictions (27:57), starting with the Undisputed WWE Championship match between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes (31:10). After that, the guys move on to the Hell in a Cell match between Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar (40:24), the Women’s World Championship match between Iyo Sky and Liv Morgan (43:16), the United States Championship match between Trick Williams and Baron Corbin (47:58), and the Intercontinental Championship match between Penta and Chad Gable (49:52). The show wraps up with David and Kaz giving their predictions for Gunther’s grudge match against 'Smackdown' GM Nick Aldis (53:46), The World Heavyweight Championship match between Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins (58:17), the no. 1 contender match between Finn Balor and Sami Zayn (1:01:14), the Human Monies on a Pole match between Dominik Mysterio and Danhausen (1:02:45), the trios match with LA Knight, Solo Sikoa, and Royce Keys vs. the Bloodline (1:05:42), and the Interim WWE Women’s Championship ladder match between Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill, Charlotte Flair, Chelsea Green, and a mystery opponent (1:08:18). Order David’s book ‘Why Hulk Hogan Matters’ here! Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! Host: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producers: Bruce Baldwin and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Today on a special bonus mini-episode of the Masked Man Show, David reads an excerpt from his newly released book, ‘Why Hulk Hogan Matters.’ If you enjoyed this and want to read on, order the book here! Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! Host: David Shoemaker Producers: Bruce Baldwin and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If you could pick any state for your last name, which one would you pick? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing the Busted Open–WWE Radio–SiriusXM deal announced late last week (08:51), before moving on to discuss the watch parties WWE has announced across the U.S. for next year’s WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia (19:16). Next, the guys dive into Sunday’s AEW Redemption pay-per-view (21:16), reviewing matches such as the International title no. 1 contender ladder match (21:41), The Young Bucks vs. Moxley and Ospreay (27:00), and Jericho vs. Tommaso Ciampa’s no-holds-barred bout (30:01). After that, David and Kaz set their sights on the Redemption main event between Kenny Omega and Kevin Knight (41:09), before moving on to the statement performance Maya World had against Hikaru Shida for the TBS title (52:15). The show wraps up with a quick run-through of the rest of the matches from Redemption (58:00). Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producers: Bruce Baldwin and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Which of the free agents released by WWE would you sign to AEW if you were Tony Khan? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing the landing spots for some of the recently released wrestlers from WWE (02:55), before giving their thoughts on how far TNA has fallen off since their first episode on AMC (08:40). After that, the guys move on to Mike Santana’s debut on NXT after signing with WWE (12:51), followed by a discussion about what Bayley’s next steps could be (18:23) and whether she has the leverage to get a one-year deal with AEW (22:45). Next, David and Kaz give their takes on Sammy Guevara taking AEW references out of his social media accounts (35:29), before previewing this Sunday's AEW Redemption (38:45). The show wraps up with a conversation about whether Mick Foley is too much for AEW (45:09), and whether Will Ospreay will leave the Death Riders before All In (47:47). Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producers: Bruce Baldwin, Ben Cruz, Lucy Brick, and Remy Hernandez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What NBA player would you choose to be a wrestling fan who takes part in WWE events? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing whether last night’s ‘Raw’ was a bigger deal than ‘Saturday Night’s Main Event’ (05:28), before Kaz tells the tale of his time backstage at the show (11:02). Next, the guys discuss how the buildup to SummerSlam’s main events has been grounded in humanity instead of heel and face dynamics (22:12). After that, David and Kaz dive into Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton’s involvement in ‘Saturday Night’s Main Event’ (30:03) before moving on to Baron Corbin and Big Cass’s return to WWE (37:37). Following that, the guys ask whether the loss to Lyra on Saturday was Bayley’s last match in WWE (43:43). The show wraps up with a discussion about Danhausen’s showing at ‘Saturday Night’s Main Event’ (53:18), Chad Gable after his Grande Americano run (57:02), and whether an AEW faction would ever come to WWE (1:03:01). Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producers: Bruce Baldwin and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What would you replace the backing of a title belt with? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing the fallout of last night’s ‘Monday Night Raw’ (5:50), including the promo battle and contract signing between Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins heading into their SummerSlam main event (10:18). The guys discuss who they think will win between Roman and Seth (21:04), who they think will win between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes in SummerSlam’s other main event (24:20), and whether there is any combination of main event winners they think WWE should avoid at SummerSlam (26:07). The guys continue by talking about Oba Femi’s standoff with Brock Lesnar on ‘Raw,’ including a quick conversation about the “police officers” used in that segment (29:32). Next, David gives his take on which WWE legend Gunther is taking the place of (36:01) before giving his opinion on whether Brock Lesnar or Oba Femi will win Hell in a Cell at SummerSlam (40:47). After that, David sends some praise Adam Pearce’s way (43:49) and asks if Gunther vs. Nick Aldis will happen at SummerSlam (46:32). The show wraps up with some talk about All Elite Wrestling, including the return of "Hangman" Adam Page (51:03) and whether Will Ospreay's win at All In is as big as it gets (54:51). Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producers: Bruce Baldwin and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Whose title win is more exciting: Kenny Omega or CM Punk? David and Kaz kick off the show by ranking the likelihood of heel turns from Kenny Omega, CM Punk, Will Ospreay, and Cody Rhodes (03:55), before talking about Omega winning the AEW World title from MJF at Beach Break (12:08). Next, the guys give their takes on who should be in the main events of AEW All In and WWE SummerSlam (20:14). After that, David and Kaz talk about the incredible match that saw Kyle Fletcher defeat Konosuke Takeshita for the AEW International title (24:15), followed by a discussion about what Willow Nightingale's return means for the AEW Women’s Championship heading into All In (36:20). David and Kaz continue by discussing the talk surrounding Jeff Jarrett following the release of the ‘Dark Side of the Ring’ episodes covering TNA Wrestling (46:45), which turns into a conversation about Jarrett and his legacy (51:46). The show wraps up with a quick discussion on whether Cody Rhodes should turn heel instead of CM Punk (1:03:02). Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producers: Bruce Baldwin and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Who is the greatest WWE transitional champion of all time? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing Sami Zayn’s title reign ending after nine days and zero defenses (05:25). Next, David asks Kaz how he would feel about Cody Rhodes facing CM Punk at SummerSlam (12:37) before discussing what the last big thing to happen was in WWE (18:41). After that, David brings up Kevin Nash’s comments on Sami Zayn possibly taking a pay cut (24:42). Following that, David and Kaz give their thoughts on Sheamus reportedly leaving WWE at the end of his contract after they tried to get him to take a pay cut (31:42). This dovetails into a general discussion about contracts in pro wrestling (38:31) before a quick detour to some ’80s sitcom talk (50:19). The show wraps up with a conversation about whether Sheamus could’ve had a better run in WWE (1:00:18) and who the Messi of pro wrestling would be (1:07:49). Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producers: Bruce Baldwin and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Was Sami Zayn’s title win bigger than a potential Will Ospreay title win at All In? David and Kaz kick off today’s show by discussing Sami Zayn winning the Undisputed WWE Championship (06:23), and if he is going to lose the title on 'Raw' tonight (19:36). Next, the guys give their thoughts on Oba Femi being crowned King of the Ring (21:23), as well as Iyo Sky being crowned Queen of the Ring (27:11). After that, David and Kaz move on to Forbidden Door, where they discuss Will Ospreay defeating Swerve Strickland to win the men’s Owen Hart Cup tournament (30:48). Following that, the guys move onto Seth Rollins’s win over Bron Breakker at Night of Champions (40:47), before giving some brief thoughts on NXT’s Great American Bash (47:29). David and Kaz bring the conversation back to Forbidden Door by discussing the Young Bucks’s win over El Skyteam and Unbound Company (52:04), Team Briscoe beating Team MJF (54:58), and Switchblade Jay White’s return (57:25). David and Kaz finish up their thoughts on WWE’s Night of Champions by asking who will end Sami Zayn’s title reign (1:06:30), before giving their thoughts on Mercedes Moné’s Owen Hart Cup tournament win over Maya World (1:15:28). The show rounds out with the guys giving their thoughts on the rest of Forbidden Door (1:20:47), followed by David giving a Masked Man Show version of the Notebook Dump (1:29:34). Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producers: Bruce Baldwin and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Which pay-per-view this weekend has the coolest name? David and Kaz kick off the show discussing WWE's need to bring back fan vote focused pay-per-views (10:15), and the unfortunate passing of Joe Doering (15:43). David continues by asking Kaz a question: If all the wrestling shows this weekend were in Las Vegas, would this weekend be better than the 2026 WrestleMania weekend (18:11)? They then pivot to what the best match of the weekend will be (19:53). Next, the guys give their Night of Champions predictions (27:11), starting with Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther vs. Sami Zayn (28:13). David and Kaz later dive into their predictions for Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker (36:31), the King and Queen of the Ring finals (44:09), Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill (55:17), and Trick Williams vs. Ricky Saints (57:14). Following that, they move on to AEW’s Forbidden Door (1:00:23), giving their predictions on Kenny Omega vs. Zack Sabre Jr., Jon Moxley vs. Bandido (1:02:11), Team Briscoe vs. Team MJF (1:03:15), the Owen Hart Cup tournament finals (1:05:57), Thekla vs. Starlight Kid (1:10:36), The Dogs vs. Copeland and Christian (1:11:40), and El Skyteam vs. The Young Bucks vs. Unbound Co. (1:13:13). After that, the guys quickly run through NXT's Great American Bash (1:15:23) and TNA’s Slammiversary (1:21:51). Finally, the show wraps up with a brief SmackDown preview (1:28:32) and a quick conversation about the Fanatics steel chair incident (1:31:08). Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producers: Bruce Baldwin and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Who from AEW and WWE could cut a promo like Austin 3:16? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing whether Jey Uso will beat Oba Femi to win the King of the Ring tournament (08:09) and what that would mean for the rest of the SummerSlam card. After that, the guys start answering questions from the mailbag, starting with whether LA Knight will make the WWE Hall of Fame if he doesn't win a world title in the next few years (14:54). After that, David and Kaz discuss the similarities and differences between the wrestlers that fans think “deserve” a world title run despite not having all the tools (18:38) before explaining how they would define the “WWE style” of professional wrestling to someone who doesn’t know (24:23). Following that, the guys answer whether Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods would make a bigger splash in AEW than Enzo Amore and Big Cass would by returning to WWE (31:54). The show rounds out with David and Kaz answering what past faction they would reform in today’s day and age (50:27). Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producers: Bruce Baldwin and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Is it appropriate for celebrity fans to be celebrating in the locker room? David and Kaz kick off today’s show by discussing Kaz’s favorite moments since the New York Knicks won the NBA title this past weekend (05:36). Following that, David speaks about the Rhea Ripley fan text situation (07:52) before diving deep into what happened on ‘Monday Night Raw’ last night (10:13). David and Kaz continue by listing off wrestlers they wouldn’t call by just their first names (22:30), followed by Kaz recounting his experience moderating a Q&A at the Tribeca Film Festival last week (27:25). Kaz brings the conversation back to wrestling by bringing up Roxanne Perez’s match against Charlotte Flair last night (33:40), and David gives his thoughts on Chad Gable following his face turn (41:03). After that, the guys question whether or not Jalen Brunson or Jacob Fatu are lying about their height (49:11), before wrapping the show up with some talk about UFC Freedom 250 (53:58), Drew McIntyre’s absence from the ring (1:01:55), and where Danhausen goes from here (1:05:35). Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producers: Bruce Baldwin and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What Knicks celebrity-row comedian would you have Danhausen do a sitcom with? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing the build to AEW’s Forbidden Door pay-per-view (03:05) before diving into the idea of what the World Cup of professional wrestling would look like and who would be included (04:31). During that conversation, the guys take a detour to talk about what living in Tampa would do for a wrestling reporter’s credibility (11:33), and later bring up the use of A1 steak sauce as an adult (13:56). After that, the guys get back on track with the World Cup of pro wrestling, choosing entrants for each country in our bracket (22:18). The show rounds out with David and Kaz picking winners for the first round (33:27), followed by the second and third rounds (42:16). Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producers: Bruce Baldwin and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
David and Kaz start the show by wondering how often WWE should be chasing “five-star matches” after the Mask vs. Mask epic between the El Grande Americanos received 5.75 stars from Dave Meltzer.Then, they focus in on Chad Gable and try to figure out his ceiling, including whether a world championship run may be in his future.The guys close the show by laying out the options ahead for The Bloodline, including whether a third iteration of the faction may surface with the Zilla Fatu-to-WWE rumors swirling even more. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What manager from wrestling history would you choose to guide your heel turn? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing Kevin Knight joining the Don Callis Family on Wednesday's AEW 'Dynamite' (08:03). Next, the guys ask the age-old question: “Why can't wrestlers dress well?” (15:57) before talking about Mercedes Moné’s return to the ring (24:24). After that, David and Kaz discuss WWE putting the El Grande Americano vs. El Grande Americano match from Noche de los Grandes on Netflix after RAW this week (27:02). Following that, Kaz introduces David to the 82-0 Game, which spawns their own ideas about a wrestling version of the game (31:01). The show rounds out with some talk about the Queen of the Ring quarterfinals (42:22) and a quick vibe check on Tony D’Angelo and NXT (50:44). Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producers: Bruce Baldwin and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Which show from last weekend would you have liked to have been at the most? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing AAA’s Noche de los Grandes from this past weekend, including the incredible blowoff match between both El Grande Americanos that resulted in Chad Gable being unmasked (11:12). After that, the guys dive into their Clash in Italy review (23:37), starting with their thoughts on Cody Rhodes defeating Gunther (25:10). Next, they give their takes on Rhea Ripley’s win over Jade Cargill (33:54), and preview the Queen of the Ring bracket (35:18). David and Kaz continue by discussing Brock Lesnar beating Oba Femi (41:56), before talking about Sol Ruca’s big win over Becky Lynch to win the Women’s Intercontinental Championship (50:42). Lastly, the show ends with the guys giving their thoughts on Roman Reign’s win over Jacob Fatu in Tribal Combat (53:55). Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producers: Bruce Baldwin and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: How Would You Turn Curtis Axel’s Arrest Into a Story Line? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing Kaz’s upcoming commencement speech at his high school alma mater, and whether or not he should drop some wrestling references in his speech (04:33). After that, the guys discuss the mural of El Grande Americano in Mexico before asking why wrestling mural culture in America isn't a thing (06:38). Following that, David and Kaz run through their predictions for Clash in Italy this weekend: (16:03) - World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu in Tribal Combat (20:47) - Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther (26:33) - WWE Women's Champion Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill (30:52) - Women's Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch vs. Sol Ruca (38:56) - Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar 2 The show ends with some quick discussions about AAA’s Noche de los Grandes this weekend (51:41), an AEW Dynamite recap (56:15), and a preview of tonight’s 'SmackDown' (1:01:56). Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producers: Bruce Baldwin and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing Je’Von Evans becoming more serious (07:34), before diving into their review of AEW Double or Nothing from this past Sunday (09:59). The guys talk about whether Kevin Knight’s heel turn will be a success (17:16), Takeshita’s big win over Okada (25:43), and Cope and Cage winning the AEW Tag Team Championships from FTR (28:50). David and Kaz’s Double or Nothing review ends with their take on the rest of the card before looking forward to tonight’s 'AEW Dynamite' (31:33) The rest of the show sees David and Kaz giving their takes on WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event (43:20), before David ends the show by asking if Takeshita or Kevin Knight’s turn on Sunday will be a bigger deal (59:57). Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producers: Bruce Baldwin and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Will Sol Ruca in 11 years be a bigger deal than Charlotte Flair is now? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing Ludwig Kaiser’s arrest in Florida yesterday, before diving into their predictions for AEW ‘Double or Nothing’ (14:53) and WWE’s ‘Saturday Night’s Main Event’ (30:09) coming up this weekend. Next, the guys are joined by one of WWE’s fasting rising stars, Sol Ruca, ahead of her highly anticipated match against Becky Lynch at ‘Saturday Night’s Main Event’ (37:40). Sol explains how she came up with her epic “Sol Snatcher” finisher, dealing with the newest set of wrestling fan trolls since getting called up to the main roster, advice she received from John Cena right before his last match, and much more! After that, David and Kaz link up with the Queen herself, Charlotte Flair, for an extensive chat on her career, her feud with Becky Lynch, and more (54:45). They start off by discussing the biggest lessons learned from Charlotte’s epic feud with The Man, including the infamous title exchange that went sideways. Charlotte also dives into her journey of understanding wrestling psychology, her current run with Alexa Bliss, and why she thinks she’s doing the best character work of her career right now. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producers: Bruce Baldwin and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What would the Victor Wembanyama of pro wrestling look like? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing the successes of the WWE Performance Center (07:57), before their takes on the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano MMA card (15:47). They also discuss: Darby Allin’s AEW World Title reign (31:08) Highlights from ‘Smackdown’ (36:59) Royce Keys’s WWE Run so far (41:42) Iyo Sky and Naraku (fka EVIL) getting married (46:51) The show ends with Chris Jericho joining ahead of AEW’s massive “Double or Nothing” pay-per-view this Sunday, May 24, 2026 (56:55). Jericho talks about the most underrated moments of his career, the rumors of returning to WWE, his recent AEW return, Stadium Stampede, his time filming ’Margo’s Got Money Troubles, and why he is a legitimate licensed magician in the state of Nevada. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producers: Bruce Baldwin and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Observed July 30, 2026.
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