This episode of Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated becomes The Nina Samuels Show, as the former NXT U.K. superstar joins PWINDIE hosts Kaia McKenna and Kevin McElvaney to chat about her growing championship belt collection, U.K. and European independent promotions (including @ProWrestlingEVE , @RiotCabaret , and @luchabritannia ), and her upcoming challenge of Rhio at @progresswrestling 's #sss16 weekend....
Apr 29, 2024•28 min•Ep. 233
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Kaia McKenna & Kevin McElvaney are joined by WrestleMania Week correspondent Val Pancakes for a review of the various indie shows in and around Philadelphia, including offerings from the GCW Collective (Big Gay Brunch, Clusterf**k) and IWTV (ACTION Wrestling DEAN~!!, ETU), among others.
Apr 23, 2024•34 min•Ep. 232
On Episode 235 of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by PWI Editor Kevin McElvaney for a discussion of the controversial April 10 edition of AEW Dynamite, as well as a look at WrestleMania 40 and the events surrounding it.
Apr 11, 2024•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 231
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon welcome back PWI Senior Writer Harry Burkett to preview the WrestleMania 40 card and make predictions. Plus, a fun sidebar on classic wrestling magazines, from the Pro Wrestling Illustrated and WWE families.
Apr 03, 2024•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 230
On this edition of the Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated podcast, Kaia McKenna & Kevin McElvaney are joined by ACTION Wrestling CEO, promoter, and booker Matt Griffin. to discuss some upcoming events, particularly the DEAN~!!! (DVDVR tribute) event over WrestleMania 40 weekend. Griffin also praises Adam Priest, whom he will be managing against Darius Carter at the upcoming ThrashElvania event. It's a fun episode you'll not want to miss!
Mar 20, 2024•35 min•Ep. 229
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, hosts Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by PWI Contributing Writer Jason McVeigh to share their individual reactions to Okada and Mone's AEW debuts, Sting's retirement at Revolution, the increasingly unusual build to Cody Rhodes' big match at WrestleMania 40, and much more.
Mar 19, 2024•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 228
Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated's Kaia McKenna and Kevin McElvaney welcome veteran ring announcer Rich Palladino, who discusses some of the highlights of his 30-year career, from his early days at the likes of Chaotic Wrestling and ECW to his current gigs at Wrestling Open and Major League Wrestling.
Mar 14, 2024•31 min•Ep. 227
PWI writers and Podcast cohosts Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are once again joined by Editor Kevin McElvaney, this time to discuss the whirlwind of news coming out of WWE, including the most recent resignation of Vince McMahon, the evolving main-event picture at WrestleMania 40, and The Rock's role within the company.
Feb 09, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 226
On this episode of the PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are once again joined by PWI Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney. This week, the focus is on the latest PWI Awards, with an in-depth look at the winners and runners-up. Plus: Some post-show thoughts on TNA's Hard to Kill pay-per-view.
Feb 01, 2024•1 hr 45 min•Ep. 225
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, hosts Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by PWI Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney to discuss their shared and individual experiences at AEW Worlds End on Long Island (including the press scrum), thoughts on The Iron Claw, the future of Mercedes Mone, and what The Rock's return means for Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania.
Jan 09, 2024•1 hr 46 min•Ep. 224
On the latest episode of Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated, Kaia McKenna & Kevin McElvaney set up shop backstage at National Sokols in Bethlehem, PA, for a live field recording. On this exciting, lively edition, they're joined by guests including Brandon Kirk, Jeff Cannonball, Erica Leigh, Avery Good, Dan Champion, Sidney Bakabella, members of Catchpoint, and The Lost Boys. Warning: Some language, particularly from one Mr. Bakabella, may be considered offensive to some ears. Listener discretion is ...
Jan 08, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 223
On this episode of the PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon reflect on the year 2023 in pro wrestling, examining some of the biggest players in the industry (CM Punk, Rhea Ripley, Cody Rhodes, Kazuchika Okada) and biggest promotions (WWE, AEW, IMPACT) to see what might lie ahead for them in 2024. Plus, Al shares part two of his interview with former PWI Writer and Editor Bob Smith.
Dec 22, 2023•1 hr 57 min•Ep. 222
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon discuss the unlikely returns of CM Punk and Randy Orton to WWE programming on the same night at Survivor Series, the prospects of AJ Lee returning to the ring, and some behind-the-scenes details from Brian's recent cover story/Hotseat interview with Toni Storm. Then, Al shares part one of his fascinating conversation with former PWI writer and Managing Editor Bob Smith, in which they discuss the origins of the PWI 500, the drea...
Dec 02, 2023•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 221
In the first-ever live broadcast of Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated, Kaia McKenna and Kevin McElvaney are joined by the 1 Called Manders, who discusses his recent success in the Scenic City Invitational, becoming MLW World tag team champ as a part of the Second Gear Crew, and life on the road in his RV. Warning: Contains some strong language that some listeners may find objectionable.
Nov 28, 2023•39 min•Ep. 220
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by Patricia Rogers (Those Wrestling Girls), who discusses her experiences on the PWI "Women's 250" committee, big matchups left for Rhea Ripley, Ronda Rousey in ROH, and a host of other topics.
Nov 26, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 219
On this episode of Pro Wrestling Illustrated, hosts Kaia McKenna and Kevin McElvaney welcome Mike Skyros the Grand champion of Pro Wrestling GRIND to discuss the IWTV premiere of the GRIND Celebration Day 2 anniversary show. Skyros discusses his match with Matt Makowski, potential other challengers to his title, and the importance of consistency in independent wrestling. Watch Pro Wrestling GRIND: https://independentwrestling.tv/promo......
Nov 10, 2023•20 min•Ep. 218
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by PWI Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney to discuss some of the hot topics of the moment: - Could this be LA Knight's big moment? - Where Will Ospreay would be best utilized in 2024 - "Big Announcements" from AEW; what it's doing well - IMPACT's rebranding as TNA Wrestling (and whether it's a good thing) Plus, a brief conversation about the Women's 250 (more in-depth analysis to come on a later episode from another membe...
Nov 03, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 217
On this episode of Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated, hosts Kaia McKenna & Kevin McElvaney are joined by Delmi Exo, independent wrestler of note and former MLW featherweight/wXw Women's champion. The conversation focuses on the upcoming two-year anniversary show of Pro Wrestling GRIND, of which she is a co-owner. Follow Delmi: https://twitter.com/DelmiExo GRIND: @prowrestlinggrind Kyushu Pro: https://www.youtube.com/@user-tw7sn2wz8n...
Oct 17, 2023•17 min•Ep. 216
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by PWI Contributing Writer Frank Mandolini to discuss feedback around the latest "PWI 500" issue, pro wrestling in Italy, and some of the week's biggest news stories: - WWE and AEW comings and goings - What we might expect from released talent - Edge in All Elite Wrestling - John Cena's recent WWE run And much more.
Oct 09, 2023•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 215
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined once again by Contributing Writer (and FaceTurn host) Candace Cordelia to talk about the latest "PWI 500" ranking, including common questions, concerns, and misconceptions about the criteria and ranking process. One notable snub is addressed. And the three PWI contributors discuss the prospect of a unified WWE and UFC under the new Endeavor ownership.
Sep 19, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 214
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon welcome back Contributing Writer (and jack of all trades) Brady Hicks, for a discussion of the latest news items in pro wrestling. These include AEW's back-to-back PPV events, All In and All Out, CM Punk's departure from the company, and Gunther breaking the Honky Tonk Man's record for longest reign as Intercontinental champion. Plus: Reflections on Bray Wyatt's massive impact and words of praise for WWE ring announcer Samantha I...
Sep 07, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 213
On this episode of Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated, hosts Kaia McKenna & Kevin McElvaney are joined by independent wrestler (and student of the game) Robert Martyr to discuss the young grappler's road less traveled. What does success look like for an indie wrestler who doesn't get by on flashy moves, and who has been cast in the role of the scrappy, yet undeniably talented underdog? These topics and more are covered in an ep that, thanks to some technical difficulties and in-ring betrayals, becam...
Sep 04, 2023•38 min•Ep. 212
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon welcome PWI U.K. Correspondent Jason McVeigh for a discussion of the build to AEW's historic All In event at Wembley Stadium, while offering perspective on the career of the legendary Terry Funk. Then, Al Castle shares his recent audio interview with Adam Cole ahead of the big Wembley show.
Aug 26, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 211
Today on the PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are back in the saddle to discuss the recent booking approaches of AEW and WWE, weighing the merits and drawbacks to each style in terms of being both enjoyable and profitable. Plus: Just in time for the season two premiere of Heels (Starz Network), Al Castle chats briefly with stars Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig.
Jul 28, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 210
On this episode of Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated, Kevin McElvaney and Kaia McKenna are joined by wXw Women's champion Ava Everett for a fun, yet enlightening conversation. Topics include: Competing and training in Germany Defending the wXw title on U.S. soil Her MLW title-vs.-title bout against Delmi Exo A challenge from wXw/ACTION Wrestling's Devlyn Macabre Plus, Kaia and Ava's pugs meet virtually for the first time! pwi-online.com...
Jul 05, 2023•20 min•Ep. 209
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, hosts Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by fellow PWI writer Mike Bessler to discuss: - IMPACT's World champion Alex Shelley - Feelings on CM Punk's AEW return - The Bloodline storyline (and where it might go next) - Money in the Bank 2023/Logan Paul - The legacy of the Iron Sheik And much more.
Jun 28, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 208
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, hosts Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by fellow PWI writer Kristen Ashly to discuss the recent big stories in pro wrestling, including: - The passing (and legacy) of "Superstar" Billy Graham - WWE Night of Champions - AEW Double or Nothing - Women's wrestling news - Upcoming major events And much more.
Jun 02, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 207
It's the return of Get The W, Pro Wrestling Illustrated's podcast devoted to all things women's wrestling. Host Kristen Ashly is joined by Mr. Warren Hayes, as well as Kiley & Haley of Fightful Overbooked for a discussion of the AEW Women's division and the potential for its roster on AEW Collision amidst a potential brand split. Topics include underutilized members who we might see on the new show, as well as other major upcoming events (All In at Wembley, All Out 2023, and so on). Please n...
May 31, 2023•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 206
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, hosts Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon catch up with wrestling analyst extraordinaire Mike Sempervive to discuss his work on The Wrestling News and The Mid-Atlantic Championship Podcast, as well as a string of relevant, recent news items. https://thewrestlingnews.com/ https://midatlanticpod.com/
May 09, 2023•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 205
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, hosts Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon welcome back fellow PWI writer and #Grapsody cohost Righteous Reg. Together, they dive into the implications of the latest WWE Draft and brand split, CM Punk's status in AEW, and Trinity Fatu's arrival at IMPACT Wrestling (along with other topics). pwi-online.com
May 03, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 204