Pro Wrestling Mat Men is a weekly pro wrestling news and speculation podcast hosted by Andrew Zarian, Rich Stambolian. They are passionate about pro wrestling and about presenting their love for the product in a mature and well worded way with a big dose of laughter and goofing off. Wrestling fans unite and let cooler heads prevail while these boys regale you with their take on the squared circle.
They begin by reacting to Triple H's comments this week about fans taking the product too seriously, leading to a discussion on the current state of wrestling and its target audience. They also review all the upcoming PLEs and PPVs happening this weekend, including Night of Champions, Forbidden Door, NXT Great American Bash, and TNA Slammiversary. Additionally, they provide predictions for some of the featured matches and discuss potential future storylines for AEW. All this, viewer questions, and more!
The guys open the show by discussing the New York Knicks winning the NBA title and the atmosphere in the city over the past week. They also explore the role Danhausen played for the team and how WWE is capitalizing on his newfound crossover fame. With TNA undergoing a major restructuring and several big names departing, the guys discuss whether this signals a potential sale or merger—and if the company holds much value without a domestic TV deal. Ahead of the Forbidden Door pay-per-view next weekend, the guys run through the card and reflect on how the "forbidden door" concept has evolved since its introduction. They also speculate on the major matchups for All In at Wembley Stadium, particularly as ticket sales are currently behind schedule. Plus, an update on CM Punk's status, quick thoughts on the Paramount/WBD merger, your questions, and more!
AEW is running Double or Nothing in the guys' backyard at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, and they will be in attendance. They break down the card, speculate about what might happen in the main event, and discuss Andrew's anxiety over the possibility of MJF losing his hair. They also discuss the latest news, including the arrest of Ludwig Kaiser and Danhausen becoming a pop culture phenomenon after cursing the Cleveland Cavaliers on ESPN, which led to the Knicks' win. Plus, they dive into Mick Foley’s role in AEW, Enzo and Cass's possible WWE return, your questions, and more!
The guys react to the news that WWE has added summer house shows back to the schedule. They discuss how this will benefit the talent by helping them improve and stay fresh, rather than wrestling only once a week. They also react to John Cena’s comments about the "John Cena Classic" being a "work in progress." Should WWE have announced this tournament before having a more solidified concept in place? Additionally, they break down AEW Dynamite as the company builds toward Double or Nothing, including MJF officially putting his hair on the line and the official reveal of the Anarchy in the Arena participants. Plus, they cover notes from Raw, rumors of The New Day possibly going to AEW, listener questions, and more!
The guys begin by reflecting on the passing of Ted Turner and his massive contributions to television, sports media, and professional wrestling—specifically how he pushed Vince McMahon to evolve his product to stay competitive. They also break down this week’s Backlash and question the long-term interest in these "secondary" PLEs. The duo explores the possibility of Jacob Fatu defeating Roman Reigns and speculates on John Cena’s upcoming big announcement. Regarding AEW Dynamite, the hosts discuss Darby Allin’s challenge to MJF, where Darby offered to put his hair on the line for a championship match at Double or Nothing. Andrew makes a personal plea to Max not to accept, citing several specific reasons. Plus, they cover the new season of Dark Side of the Ring, TKO earnings notes, Oro Mensah’s (formerly Evil) new direction in NXT, and take your listener questions!
The show starts with a cameo from a special guest from France, before the guys dive into the news of the week. Stephanie Vaquer is reportedly sidelined for at least six weeks with a second-degree AC sprain, while AJ Lee’s WWE future remains uncertain following her recent run. Meanwhile, WWE SmackDown is scheduled to revert to its two-hour format this July. In developmental news, EVIL made a surprise NXT debut to confront Tony D’Angelo. What will his name be? Darby Allin successfully defended his World Championship against Brody King, and Kevin Knight retained the TNT Title against MJF. Additionally, Montreal is the rumored host for AEW’s new "Redemption" pay-per-view in July, and the high-stakes "I Quit" match between FTR and Cope & Cage is set for Double or Nothing. Plus, movie impressions, the streaming problem, your questions, and more!
The guys start by reacting to Darby Allin winning the AEW Championship on Wednesday night’s Dynamite. Although this was in the plans for a while, did they make the change knowing it was WrestleMania week, or was it just a coincidence? It's WrestleMania week; the guys talk about the WrestleMania lineup, give predictions for both nights, and discuss which matches they are looking forward to the most. Plus, the WWE HOF, Danhausen’s presence, the best of the indie shows, your questions, and more!
The boys start by discussing the build to WrestleMania and the possibility of Nikki Bella being injured, which might change the women's card. Also, The Miz will be marrying people as part of an event during WrestleMania week; the guys ponder who would want to do this? CM Punk gave a very passionate promo on Raw Monday, which was being referred to as "pipebomb 2.0". We discuss it and wonder if it was on the same level as the first pipe bomb or more contrived. With AEW Dynasty this weekend, the guys break down this week's Dynamite and the build-up to the pay-per-view Sunday night, including MJF defending against Kenny Omega. Plus, Pat McAfee's involvement in the Orton/Cody Feud, AEW’s long-term plan heading into the summer, Chris Jericho’s return, your questions, and more!
The guys start off discussing some of the news of the week, including Ronda Rousey not being planned for any more AEW appearances anytime soon; her Revolution appearance apparently had to do with sticking it to TKO. They also talk about all the things that happened on WWE TV this week, including CM Punk and Roman Reigns' confrontation on Raw, and more Danhausen. AEW Dynamite saw Kenny Omega and MJF being made official for AEW Dynasty this week. The guys speculate on what that means going into Double or Nothing and All In this summer. Does it eventually lead to Will Ospreay getting the title? Plus, WWE HOF Update, Unreal gets Emmy nominations, Tama Tonga’s fine, your questions, and more!
This week, the guys break down this weekend's AEW Revolution pay-per-view, offering thoughts on what direction it might take, especially in the main event between MJF and Hangman Page. They also break down this week's Dynamite episode and MG Geek’s disappointment with the main event press conference. Also, as Peacock continues to remove more WWE content, NXT is moving its PLEs to YouTube, starting with Stand and Deliver. The guys discuss whether this is a good or bad thing and what has happened to the NXT product in recent months. Plus, notes on a WrestleMania main event, SmackDown and Rey de Reyes previews, your questions, and more!
The guys react to Road Dogg's departure from WWE as a producer/writer and discuss why that job is difficult to keep. They also discuss the fallout from Elimination Chamber, including the debut of Danhausen and what's happening with Drew McIntyre, Randy Orton, and Cody Rhodes going into WrestleMania. Then, on Raw this week, another great promo exchange between Roman Reigns and CM Punk. Also, a recap of this week's AEW Dynamite and the build to Revolution next weekend. Plus, an update on WrestleMania plans, David Finley's decision, your questions, and more!
The guys break down the latest on the merger with Paramount and WBD. What does this mean for AEW and media distribution in general? They also preview the Elimination Chamber, which takes place on Saturday and will help define how WrestleMania is shaping up.Plus, AEW Dynamite and the lead-up to Revolution, AJ Styles' new role in WWE, Bronson Reed's injury, and more!
Andrew makes his return to the show as the guys kick things off by talking about ESPN airing the Royal Rumble this weekend. Could this potentially lead to PLEs being broadcast live on ABC/ESPN in the future? They also cover AEW, bringing Double or Nothing to Queens' Louis Armstrong Stadium and share what fans should know if they're attending the show that weekend. Plus: a full breakdown of this week's AEW Dynamite, a preview of Revolution, and... what's in the box?
It's Royal Rumble week, so we’re talking all about the event, giving our predictions for the winners, and, of course, discussing all the potential surprises! We also cover this week's AEW Dynamite and the surprising debut of Tommaso Ciampa, including how his character might be portrayed in AEW. Additionally, it looks like Andrade will finally get the main event run we’ve all been hoping for. Plus, we dive into AJ Styles’ independent trademarks, the WWE 2K26 cover, your questions, and more!"
This week, we discuss WWE Unreal, talking about some of our favorite moments, including Seth’s fake injury, R-Truth’s release, and the company’s use of Gunther. We also discuss how much behind-the-scenes content is too much. We also discussed upcoming shows, including this week's Saturday Night's Main Event in an early preview of The Royal Rumble, and expectations for surprises, given that they are overseas. Also, a review of this week's AEW Dynamite, including who we think will be the one to dethrone MJF this time. Plus: Evil to the WWE, AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch at WrestleMania, your questions, and more!
We start out talking about Will Hobbs finishing up with AEW and most likely signing with WWE. What will they do with him—NXT or main roster—and who would be a good fit to pair with him? TNA made its debut on AMC on Thursday night. Although we don't often talk about TNA, this was a milestone moment for that company. We just addressed some of the production issues and what they need to improve. Will WWE loan more people, as they did with AJ Styles? We also talk about Drew McIntyre as the new WWE Champion and what his likely match would be at WrestleMania. Also, we look at Royal Rumble odds and who might win this year's Royal Rumble. Plus, Dynamite review, thoughts on MJF’s booking, Mercedes Moné taking time off, your questions, and more!
This week, the guys discuss the WWE PLE Library moving to Netflix and how it feels like a custody battle when it comes to different shows going to different platforms. They also discuss OBA Femi and others joining the main roster. Additionally, this week's Monday Night Raw featured a crossover with Stranger Things to celebrate the first anniversary of the show's release on Netflix. The guys talk about the episode and wonder what it would have looked like if Vince had booked it. Andrew explains his excitement for New Japan, combining the lineage of the world titles and going back to the old belt. Plus, thoughts on Wrestle Kingdom and Tanahashi’s retirement, this week's Dynamite episode, your questions, and more!
With Saturday being John Cena's last match, the guys talk about some of his best matches and moments throughout the years and give a preview of Saturday Night's Main Event. Also, Mark Shapiro comments on the WWE archives and the NXT PLE package, leaving Peacock, and when they might find a permanent home. They also discuss the reveal of the Street Fighter trailer, with Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and Hirooki Goto all featured as characters. Plus, the impending return of MJF, a review of this week's AEW Dynamite, and some nonsense baseball talk mixed in. All this, your questions, and more!
The guys discuss this Wednesday's Blood and Guts matches, praising the production and how much they enjoyed it, in contrast to recent Dynamite and Collision shows. Sky Blue was a standout for the women, and they wonder where they go now that the Death Riders lost Blood and Guts. Chris Jericho is rumored to be coming back to WWE based on some of the comments he made on his podcast. The guys discuss if it's going to happen and what some of the matches we might see if so. They also discuss the 20th anniversary of Eddie Guerrero's death and talk about some of his best moments and how he changed wrestling. Plus, Joe Hendry is WWE-bound, PWI 250, and John Cena’s final opponent, and more!
The guys start by talking about the WrestleMania promo commercial, which gets people worked up for the wrong reasons. hey also discuss the future of Chris Jericho after abandoning the trademark for 'The Jericho Vortex'. Also, a preview of Saturday night's main event and this week's Friday Night SmackDown. Does CM Punk get the Title? They also discuss this week’s AEW Dynamite, including the bait-and-switch angle with Hangman Page and Samoa Joe. Plus, NXT at MSG, overseas excursions for NXT women, your questions, and some Halloween fun!
