We're back! PWI's Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are here with an in-depth review of WrestleMania 38. Spoiler alert: They loved it! Our intrepid hosts discuss the return of Cody Rhodes, Steve Austin's return to the ring, their thoughts on celebrity involvement, Pat McAfee, title changes and more. Plus, Al shares his firsthand perspective of the event, which he attended in person, and our hosts weigh in on how WM 38 stacks up against recent 'Mania offerings (and ALL of the past events). Follow Al...
Apr 07, 2022•1 hr 54 min•Ep. 173
PWI Senior Writer Harry Burkett joins Al Castle and Brian Solomon for an in-depth preview of the two-night WrestleMania 38 card, with what we might expect to see at both shows (will "Stone Cold" wrestle? will Cody Rhodes? who will walk away with championship gold?). Plus, Harry tells some fun stories about his earliest days as a contributor to Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Follow Harry: https://twitter.com/harryburkett1 Follow Al: https://twitter.com/alcastlepwi Follow Brian: https://twitter.com/Br...
Apr 01, 2022•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 172
On this episode of PWI Presents ... Get The W, Kristen Ashly once again welcomes Warren Hayes (The Mr. Warren Hayes Show), this time to preview the upcoming Mission Pro Wrestling event, "Bangerz Only," happening over WrestleMania weekend. Follow Mission Pro: https://twitter.com/MissionProWres Follow Warren: https://twitter.com/MrWarrenHayes Follow Kristen: https://twitter.com/KristenAshly www.pwi-online.com...
Mar 31, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 171
Between The Collective, WrestleCon, and other endeavors, there will be a lot of independent wrestling goodness in this weekend's WrestleMania host city of Dallas. In this episode of Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated, Kevin McElvaney and Kaia McKenna welcome two guests who will be part of the festivities. First, recent Indie Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee LuFisto looks ahead to her upcoming matches at Mission Pro, New Texas Pro, and elsewhere, while talking about the greater evolution of the pro wrestl...
Mar 28, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 170
Today on PWI's Just Joshi, JPQ is joined by a very special guest, Ice Ribbon's Yappy! Yappy discusses what it's like at the promotion's famous dojo, her Weekly Ribbon Unravel show, how fans can easily access the Ice Ribbon product, and much more. Follow Yapi: https://twitter.com/Yapi Follow Ice Ribbon: https://twitter.com/IceRibbon_eng Subscribe to Ice Ribbon's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/iceribbon Follow JPQ: https://twitter.com/Bigpawsonapup Subscribe to Pro Wrestling Illustr...
Mar 22, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 169
This week, Righteous Reg joins Al Castle & Brian Solomon to discuss the legacy of Scott Hall. Plus: Reg's experiences at AEW Revolution (including as a musical performer), thoughts about Jeff Hardy in AEW, WrestleMania (Steve Austin, Cody Rhodes), and more. Finally, Al shares his recent conversation with Powerhouse Hobbs. Follow Reg: https://twitter.com/RighteousReg Follow Grapsody: https://twitter.com/GrapsodyPod Follow Will Hobbs: https://twitter.com/TrueWillieHobbs Follow Al: https://twit...
Mar 18, 2022•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 168
In this episode of Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated, Kevin McElvaney and Kaia McKenna use the miracle of technology—and maybe a little witchy magic—to fly across the pond for a special look at independent wrestling in the U.K. This week's guests, fan favorite indie wrestler Clementine and Wrestle Carnival promoter Gary Ward, talk about their respective journeys through the industry and weigh in on the current state of BritWres. First, announcer/producer/promoter J-Rose stops by to talk about this comi...
Mar 14, 2022•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 167
There's once again a lot happening in the wrestling world, so get ready to dive in with PWI writers Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon. Topics include Tony Khan's purchase of Ring of Honor, a preview of AEW Revolution, and celebrity match-ups at WrestleMania (Pat McAfee, Logan Paul, Johnny Knoxville). Then, stick around for Al Castle's full "Hotseat" interview with "The Champ Champ" Deonna Purrazzo. Follow Al: https://twitter.com/alcastlepwi Follow Brian: https://twitter.com/BrianRSolomon Subscrib...
Mar 04, 2022•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 166
What year is this? With rumors of Cody Rhodes heading back to WWE and a possible "Stone Cold" Steve Austin match at WrestleMania, there's lots to discuss today on The PWI Podcast. Strap in with PWI writers Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon. Then, stick around for Kevin McElvaney's full interview with wrestler/MMA star Josh Barnett. Follow Al: https://twitter.com/alcastlepwi Follow Brian: https://twitter.com/BrianRSolomon Follow Josh: https://twitter.com/JoshLBarnett Subscribe to Pro Wrestling Ill...
Feb 16, 2022•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 165
In this episode of Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated, Kevin McElvaney and Kaia McKenna are once again venturing behind the scenes of independent wrestling by speaking to a few key figures in indie wrestling production. First, announcer/producer/promoter J-Rose stops by to talk about this coming weekend's premiere outing from Naptown All-Pro Wrestling , before discussing his influences, Paradigm Pro Wrestling's No Hook series, and tips and tricks that aspiring indie stars should know. Then, Mike & A...
Feb 04, 2022•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 164
In this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon return with a lengthy, substantive discussion in which they break down the winners, runners-up, and possible snubs in the 2021 PWI Achievement Awards. Find out Al and Brian's thoughts about the winners and who, in certain categories, they felt should've won instead. Our hosts also deliberate why AEW talent fared so well, which segues into some talk of the long history of PWI appearing at wrestling events. (No, contrary to some tw...
Jan 31, 2022•1 hr 49 min•Ep. 163
Following up on the previous editions of "The Baseline," JPQ welcomes JD of Red Leaf Retrocast to discuss another transitional period for Ice Ribbon. Then, Alex Richards drops by for a look at the top independent promotions in the world of joshi. Follow JD: https://twitter.com/BowlingJD Follow Alex: https://twitter.com/LWOSPWAlexR Follow JPQ: https://twitter.com/Bigpawsonapup www.pwi-online.com...
Jan 20, 2022•2 hr 37 min•Ep. 162
It's the premiere episode of the latest addition to the Pro Wrestling Illustrated Presents ... network of podcasts. In Just Joshi, host JPQ will be joined by a range of analysts and wrestlers to discuss relevant topics in the world of Japanese women's wrestling. In part one, "The Baseline," JPQ welcomes PWI Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney to run through the 2021 performances of the Stardom roster, unit by unit. Then, Scott E. of Five Star Joshi Podcast for a deep dive into the roster of Tokyo Jo...
Jan 18, 2022•2 hr 4 min•Ep. 161
Ahead of the January 23 Wrld on GCW show at the Hammerstein Ballroom, Kevin & Kaia are joined by wrestlers Allie Katch and Tony Deppen, as well as Game Changer Wrestling founder and promoter Brett Lauderdale, for a discussion of the big show, GCW's evolution through the years, and much more. Follow Kaia: https://twitter.com/KaiaMcK Follow Allie: https://twitter.com/AllieKATCH Follow Tony: https://twitter.com/Tony_Deppen Follow GCW: https://twitter.com/GCWrestling_ www.pwi-online.com...
Jan 12, 2022•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 160
On this episode of PWI Presents ... Get The W, Kristen Ashly is joined by wrestling analysts Xenia (XeniaDidThat) and Warren Hayes (The Mr. Warren Hayes Show) to review the AEW TBS Championship Tournament and the crowning of a new star in All Elite Wrestling's Women's division in Jade Cargill. Plus, a thought-provoking discussion of the role mid-card singles titles play, and how this new championship can potentially mean exciting things for the AEW women's roster. Follow Xenia: https://twitter.c...
Jan 10, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 159
Finally, we share the full, uncut audio of PWI Contributing Writer Righteous Reg's "Hotseat" interview with Big E. But first, PWI's Al Castle & Brian Solomon are back to talk about some of the biggest recent news in the wrestling world, including Brock Lesnar and Kazuchika Okada's respective world title victories. Plus, Al and Brian discuss the top 10 in our #TagTeam50 ranking (on newsstands now). www.pwi-online.com
Jan 06, 2022•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 158
To round out 2021, PWI's Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by wrestler-turned-analyst Brandon Thurston for a look at the financial states and trajectory of World Wrestling Entertainment and All Elite Wrestling. Who are the biggest stars in pro wrestling? What do recent ratings, demographic performances, live gates, and major business moves mean for the future of WWE and its closest competitor, AEW? Don't miss this substantive discussion of the state of both companies as we head into 2022...
Dec 30, 2021•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 157
In anticipation of this coming weekend's Wrestival event, PWI's Kevin McElvaney and wrestler/"Conduit Of Karma" Kaia McKenna speak to a few of the key figures involved in the event: IWTV #1 contender AC Mack, Limitless Wrestling stars Alec Price & Becca, and Beyond Wrestling promoter Drew Cordeiro. Follow Kaia: https://twitter.com/KaiaMcK Follow AC: https://twitter.com/AC_Mack Follow Alec: https://twitter.com/ThePrizeCityOG Follow Becca: https://twitter.com/b3cca4ever Follow Beyond: https://...
Dec 28, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 156
On episode 3 of Get The W, host Kristen Ashly is joined by joshi expert JPQ for a deep dive into the state of World Wonder Ring Stardom, looking into the state of the world's premier women's wrestling promotion. Topics include: The impact of Stardom's sale to Bushiroad Stardom's prospects for international influence/success How the company is expanding in its native Japan Stardom's presence at NJPW's Wrestle Kingdom Plus, a full review of last weekend's Osaka Super Wars and an exciting announcem...
Dec 21, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 155
Hosts Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are back in the saddle this week to discuss an array of timely topics, including: Brian's new podcast venture The recent passing of Blackjack Lanza Jeff Hardy's potential future in wrestling What's next for Ring of Honor's top stars Plus, Al shares his recent conversation with The Dark Order's Alex Reynolds and John Silver. www.pwi-online.com
Dec 16, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 154
This episode of Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated focuses on an integral part of the industry—including PWI itself. Kevin McElvaney and Kaia McKenna are joined by Antoine & Christina (JayLee Photography), as well as Hiban Huerta, to talk about what it takes to properly document the sport through a photographer's lens. Follow Kaia: https://twitter.com/KaiaMcK Follow JayLee Photography: https://twitter.com/jayleeac Follow Hiban: https://twitter.com/hee_bawn www.pwi-online.com...
Dec 03, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 153
On the heels of the release of the Tag Team 50, Warren Hayes (filling in for Kristen Ashly) is joined by Krista B and Queen PR of Those Wrestling Girls, as well as joshi expert JPQ, to reflect on the inclusions (and possible snubs) of women's tag teams in this year's PWI Tag Team 50. Then, the group discusses the state of women's tag team wrestling, more broadly, in both America and Japan. Follow Warren: https://twitter.com/MrWarrenHayes Follow TWG: https://twitter.com/TWrestlingGirls Follow Kri...
Dec 02, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 152
Filling in for usual cohost Brian R. Solomon, Righteous Reg joins PWI Senior Writer Al Castle for a discussion of WWE Survivor Series and AEW Full Gear, along with some other recent news items. Plus, Candace Cordelia's in-depth interview with Ring of Honor star Shane Taylor. www.pwi-online.com
Dec 01, 2021•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 151
It's the inaugural episode of the latest edition to the PWI family of podcasts: Get The W. Hosted by PWI Contributing Writer and Bell to Belles founder Kristen Ashly, this podcast will focus on the wide world of women's wrestling, featuring experts and guests throughout the industry. In the premiere, Kristen is joined by Ella Jay, who sat on this year's "Women's 150," for a deep dive into the state of AEW's Women's division. Follow Ella Jay: https://twitter.com/itsellajay Follow Kristen: https:/...
Nov 17, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 150
Kevin McElvaney & Kaia McKenna are joined by two wonderful talents out of the Bay Area—wrestler/promoter DARK Sheik and Pro Wrestling Illustrated Contributor/Black Wrecellence founder Righteous Reg—to discuss their respective careers and how their regional backgrounds shaped the work they do today. Follow DARK Sheik: https://twitter.com/darksheikftf Follow Reg: https://twitter.com/RighteousReg Follow Kaia: https://twitter.com/KaiaMcK
Nov 12, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 149
Al Castle & Brian Solomon are joined by most of the "Women's 150" ranking committee—Kristen Ashly, Pat Laprade, Candace Cordelia, and Kevin McElvaney—for an in-the-weeds discussion of the top 10 from this year's PWI Women's ranking. Plus, early reflections on WWE's shocking latest round of releases. www.pwi-online.com
Nov 08, 2021•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 148
Does Ring of Honor's recent announcement about shutting down—albeit, temporarily—bode poorly for the future of the company? PWI's Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon discuss the implications of reports that ROH has released all its talent from their contracts, the history and impact of the company, and what might lie ahead for some of its top wrestlers. Plus, the full, Kristen Ashly's extended "Hotseat" interview with Renee Paquette, as found in our Women's 150 issue. www.pwi-online.com www.womens150...
Nov 01, 2021•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 147
Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated is back and better than ever! PWI Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney is joined by new co-host—up-and-coming independent wrestler Kaia McKenna! After a brief introduction, Kaia and Kevin talk to wrestler and GCW "foreman" Big Vin, who offers an inside look at his work setting up rings and more for Game Changer Wrestling. Then, we get in the weeds about deathmatch wrestling by talking to two of the most respected builders/artists of the last decade, Gene and Tommy. Follow B...
Oct 19, 2021•55 min•Ep. 146
PWI Senior Writer Al Castle is joined by "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander, who has a lot to say ahead of his challenger for the IMPACT World title at Bound For Glory. But, before that, Al is joined by fellow PWI Contributor Brian R. Solomon to discuss the implications of the WWE Draft, and whether we might see WWE walk through the so-called forbidden door. www.pwi-online.com
Oct 12, 2021•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 145
Al Castle and Brian Solomon discuss the recent big weekly events from AEW featuring, most recently, the return of "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson. We also hear discussion of NXT 2.0 and why stars like Bron Breakker should prove valuable to WWE in the years ahead. Finally, discussion of the fallout from the recent "Plane Ride from Hell" episode of Dark Side of the Ring. Plus: Candace Cordelia's interview with Ken Dixon of Ring of Honor and MCW. www.pwi-online.com
Sep 24, 2021•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 144
