World traveler Dylan Bostic returns to the show in advance of International Wrestling Cartel’s Winner Take All event. We discuss his traveling ways with Championship Wrestling from Hollywood in Los Angeles, North Shore Pro Wrestling in Montreal, his travel woes doing BOTH in a weekend with WestJet, the medical condition that has kept him from competing in WWE, his appearance on WWE Smackdown against Ryback, and what he’s done since.
Share your feelings on indy wrestling and tell us who we should talk to on the show via e-mail at [email protected]
Go to wrestlingmayhemshow.com for more entertainment!
Indy Mayhem Show 173: RC Dupree
We’ve got Part Deux of our apparent Team Storm series with this week’s guest. RC Dupree joins us to talk about a host of things including growing up watching kings from all over the world coming to fight Hulk Hogan, being told by an indy promoter that he’d be a good referee – and using it as fuel for his drive to become a wrestler. He also talks about his time at the Storm Wrestling Academy, and how it helped launch a storybook career where he’s found himself in the ring with the likes of wrestling legends Mick Foley and Ryback, and more!
Share your feelings on indy wrestling and tell us who we should talk to on the show via e-mail at [email protected]
Go to wrestlingmayhemshow.com for more entertainment!
Mayhem Mania 2017: Round 1
This. is. Mayhem Mania!
Not quite a game. Not really a contest. More like a competitive thought experiment. The object is to create the best WrestleMania card possible – NOT necessarily to predict what WWE will do.
This is not fantasy booking (even though it kind of is). Any match created must be possible in real life. That means all wrestlers come in their current physical, emotional and contractual state. Anyone selected for a match must have a reasonable chance of being hired by WWE to appear on the real-life WrestleMania card. Simply put, you’re Vince McMahon with infinite cash and no self-control.
Wrestling Mayhem Show 555: House of Cards Subject to Change
We’ve got IWC photographer – turned wrestler (?) Dan Hooven on for Wrestling Mayhem Show 555. He is joined by Bobby, Rizz, Matt, Sorg, and Mad Mike, as we talk what’s happening in the world of wrestling this week!
That’s right. We have Dan Hooven LIVE IN STUDIO for this week’s show with Rizz, Bobby, and Sorg.
IWC Wrestling photographer Dan Hooven was in the wrestling ring as a result of the IWC Reset Button this weekend.
Why do wrestlers destroy expensive equipment?
There’s this thing called the Royal Rumble happening this weekend? We’re sharing some thoughts.
Daniel Hooven taking pointers from Britt Baker for switching from behind the scenes to in ring.
Talking about John Cena talking “that guy from Atlanta” instead of dropping a name.
We’re talking the Svelte Show (f/k/a The Big Show).
Do we want to see a continuation of the Best Friends? Or do we want an epic feud between Owens and Jericho?
There’s going to be a statue of Ric Flair???
Sorg has been checking out the work Lagana has been doing with Billy and he’s digging it.
What are you looking forward to with NXT Take Over this weekend?
We’re digging Nikki Cross and Insanity.
How do we feel this NXT Take Over compares to the other Take Over events?
Dan Hooven is sharing how dreams come true with Ryback coming to IWC Wrestling’s Meadville show!
Hooven is making a play for Ryback in the Royal Rumble.
Wrestling + Senate Confirmation Hearing. Rizz gives a 2.5 star rating.
Wrestling promo or Trump campaign stop? (We may have a new segment coming soon.)
Linda McMahon has never made an employee do anything she wouldn’t do herself. (Watch WWE from the 90s.)
Daniel Hooven – Accidental Wrestler.
Thanks to Slice on Broadway for providing the perfect pepperoni pizza AND a surrogate big board for Mayhem Mania!
It’s time for the Big Question! Who is your all-time favorite, “Big Hoss” wrestler?
Guys! We have Mayhem Mail from @cramoukji!!!!
We’re hoping Plummer is listening. We’re pushing Hooven into this whole being a wrestler thing!
Hooven will wrestle by color – it’s like painting by color, right?
It’s Mayhem Mania time! (Take it away Matt.) *arm flail*
Shout out to Garza (@TheWRevolution) for the awesome Mayhem Mania graphics.
Sorg, we know you want GOLDUST IN A SUIT!
Hooven is calling in Ryback for Mayhem Mania!
What did YOU learn in wrestling this week?
Listener Challenge – Call us with your immediate response to the Royal Rumble (412) 206-WMS0!
Wrestling Mayhem Show 526: Hooven 3:16 Says “Have you seen her?”
This week on Wrestling Mayhem Show 526, we talk all the latest headlines and more in pro wrestling, including:
Just because we have Hooven on the state of Ryback
How is WWE NXT holding up after the End…of the Beginning? We talk Finn Balor, Shinsuke Nakamura, Bayley and more!
Big Question: Who do you want to win the WWE Cruiserweight Classic?
Mayhem Draft: Round 4
We learned things in wrestling this week!
Help out the show with a donation! Go to patreon.com/wrestlingmayhemshow
Follow our stable on Twitter: Dan Hooven (photographer for @iwcwrestling) , Eamon Paton (@eamon2please, Inspire Pro Wrestling), Rizz (Rizz Plays Games, @theerizz), Bobbyfjtown (@bobbyfjtown) and Michael Sorg (@sorgatron, @sorgatronmedia)
If you are in Pittsburgh, you got to go to Slice on Broadway and get their food! (sliceonbroadway.com/Twitter: @pgh_slice)
Thanks to our Awesome Patreons Bodiggity (@ajfrompgh), Antonio Garza (@TheWRevolution), Alex Kahrs (@power2thesmarks) , Ed Burke (@EdBurke37), and The Matthew and Jennifer Carlins Foundation for Podcast Betterment (@MainstreamMat and @JenCarlins)! You can support the show too at Patreon.com/wrestlingmayhemshow !
Go to wrestlingmayhemshow.com for more entertainment!
This week on Wrestling Mayhem Show 518, we talk all the latest headlines and more in pro wrestling, including:
WWE’s New Era is in full swing after WWE Payback. But is this much different than WWF of 1995 with Mabel?
The TNA Arrival in WWE NXT is happening! Eric Young makes the latest impact. What could it mean for the future of both promotions?
Ryback has a problem with equal pay in WWE. But will his protest yield results?
Could Camp WWE usher in a new era of adult content on WWE Network?
We learned things in wrestling this week!
Help out the show with a donation! Go to patreon.com/wrestlingmayhemshow
Follow our stable on Twitter: BC Steele ( @1SFpodcast), Alex Kahrs (@power2thesmarks), Eamon Paton (@eamon2please, @inspireprowres),Bobbyfjtown (@bobbyfjtown, InsertCointoBegin.com), and Michael Sorg (@sorgatron, @sorgatronmedia)
If you are in Pittsburgh, you got to go to Slice on Broadway and get their food! (sliceonbroadway.com/Twitter: @pgh_slice)
Thanks to our Awesome Patreons Bodiggity (@ajfrompgh), Antonio Garza (@TheWRevolution), Alex Kahrs (@power2thesmarks) ,Ed Burke (@EdBurke37), and The Matthew and Jennifer Carlins Foundation for Podcast Betterment (@MainstreamMat and @JenCarlins)! You can support the show too at Patreon.com/wrestlingmayhemshow !
Go to wrestlingmayhemshow.com for more entertainment!
As we head into yet another special event on the WWE Network, I’ll try to answer one simple question: What are these guys and girls fighting over? As always, we welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below or send an email to [email protected].
Triple H vs. Roman Reigns What’s At Stake – WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Roman Reigns’ position as the next face of WWE.
I know I’ve asked this before, but it’s worth repeating. Are we doing this, or not? Is Roman Reigns really the man to lead WWE into the future, or is he an unworthy pretender to the throne? A year ago, Reigns was the face of the company in waiting. His crowning moment at WrestleMania 31 seemed to be a foregone conclusion, but then Brock Lesnar signed a new contract with WWE and Seth Rollins swooped in with the mother of all Money In The Bank cash-ins and Reigns’ big night was suddenly on hold.
Fast-forward to this weekend, and Roman Reigns is a two-time WWE World Heavyweight Championship. He’s back in the WrestleMania main event with a chance to win the title for a third time against a slightly less formidable opponent than Brock Lesnar, but not much else has changed.
No matter what Roman Reigns does Sunday, it probably won’t be enough for a lot of fans in attendance at AT&T Stadium. The booing of Reigns is strange, because most fans will admit privately they don’t have much a problem with the man himself. It’s what he represents, and the sense that his place on the card is undeserved.
For his part, Reigns hasn’t done much to curry favor for himself. In at least one recent interview, he sounded to some fans like a guy who’s oblivious to the reasons many haven’t taken to him.
“I think there’s a few different reasons why. You could name a bunch of them. I don’t think we could actually put a finger on one and say this is the reason why. Typically if you hear the boos, it generally is grown men my age and I’m not really in this business for the grown men. (laughs) I’m in this business for the families. That’s what we are; we’re a PG product. We’re a family-based product. We’re here to entertain families and give them enjoyment. If you’re a 30-year-old man and you want to flip me off at a kids show, then, hey, like I said, you paid your money but just be careful because you could get kicked out.”
If Reigns doesn’t understand why he’s being booed, how is WWE ever going to be able to turn public opinion in his favor? There’s still a lot of uncertainty surrounding Roman Reigns, which makes you wonder if he’s the right choice to be the face of the company. Maybe that heel turn isn’t such a bad idea after all?
Shane McMahon vs. The Undertaker – Hell In A Cell What’s At Stake -Undertaker’s career at WrestleMania. Shane McMahon’s future in WWE. Control of Monday Night Raw. Shane’s lock box of McMahon family secrets. Vince McMahon’s on-air presence on WWE television. The future of The Authority.
Have the stakes ever been greater or more numerous for a WrestleMania match? Shane McMahon roared back onto WWE television like a knight in shining armor, and soon after that, found himself set to face The Undertaker inside Hell In A Cell at WrestleMania.
Seemingly everything is on the line. Vince McMahon stated that if The Undertaker loses it will be his last match at WrestleMania. If Shane McMahon loses, who knows how long it could be before we see him again? If Shane wins, everything changes. He takes control of Monday Night Raw, and has publicly promised to fire The Authority and send Vince McMahon into exile. And what about that lock box? Shane mentioned it during his first night back on Raw, but it hasn’t been mentioned since. I’d assumed WWE had decided to forget about it too, but it’s still mentioned in a poll on the WWE website. Is there another layer to this story that has yet to be revealed?
As for the match itself, I expect a huge spectacle. It’s the son of the owner of the company vs. its most treasured and revered superstar. You can bet everything is on the table to make this match unforgettable.
Dean Ambrose vs. Brock Lesnar – No Holds Barred Street Fight What’s At Stake – Dean Ambrose’s best shot at superstardom.
Dean Ambrose is on the roll of his career in WWE. He put on a great match against Kevin Owens at Royal Rumble. Then, followed that with a strong showing in the Rumble match itself, where he was the last man eliminated by Triple H. His promos ahead of the main event title match against Triple H at Roadblock were so good, there were a lot of people who believed he could pull off the upset and throw the top of the WrestleMania card into chaos.
At some point over the past few months, the people in charge at WWE took notice. Rumors of a WrestleMania encounter between Brock Lesnar and Bray Wyatt evaporated. Instead, we’re getting this No Holds Barred Street Fight between Lesnar and Ambrose. I think it’s best for everyone.
Lesnar has brutalized Ambrose at every turn leading up to this match, but Dean remains undeterred. These two will have almost every “toy” and tool at their disposal Sunday night, and I can’t help but wonder how far Ambrose is willing to go to get his revenge for all those beatings he’s taken from The Beast.
Somebody better put Lucha Underground’s Nunchuck Club on notice.
Brock Lesnar has lost exactly one singles match in WWE over the past two years. Lesnar’s last loss in a singles match at WrestleMania was against Triple H at WrestleMania 29. Coincidentally, that was also a No Holds Barred Match. WWE has gone to great lengths over the past couple years to protect the aura of Brock Lesnar. If Ambrose wins Sunday, it will be a huge accomplishment and it would elevate his stardom to new heights.
Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch What’s At Stake – WWE Divas Championship. A chance to ignite the true Divas Revolution.
A year ago, Vince McMahon attended his first NXT live event in San Jose during WrestleMania weekend. One of the matches that night was Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks. By most accounts, they stole the show that night. The event was a huge success for NXT – a seminal moment in the brand’s history.
I imagine Vince McMahon decided on the spot that Banks and Charlotte would face off again a year later. Only this time, it would be on the biggest stage of their careers at WrestleMania. Somewhere along the way, Becky Lynch earned herself a place in what could be the moment longtime fans of NXT’s women’s division have been waiting for. These three have delivered in big matches before, but the stage (and the stakes) have never been this high. Can they deliver? If they do, the Divas Revolution we were promised may finally become reality.
A.J. Styles vs. Chris Jericho What’s At Stake – A.J. Styles’ path to the top of WWE.
Leaving TNA was the best A.J. Styles ever made. Not long after he left Dixieland, Styles was headlining events for Ring Of Honor, New Japan and countless independent promotions. Today, he is arguably the best pro wrestler on the planet. That’s certainly why WWE was interested in him.
Styles’ debut was perhaps the biggest moment during last January’s Royal Rumble match. The moment he stepped through the curtain in Orlando, Florida, he was one of the biggest stars in WWE, but instead of contending for the world title, he finds himself in a prolonged storyline with Chris Jericho. The end result should be a really good match at WrestleMania, but Styles (and frankly, Jericho too) is capable of so much more. Hopefully, this is a first step toward even bigger things.
Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. The Miz vs. Zack Ryder vs. Stardust vs. Sin Cara – Ladder Match What’s At Stake – WWE Intercontinental Championship.
The unique destinies of so many men are tied to this match. Kevin Owens is out to steal the show he’s dubbed #KOMania, but Sami Zayn has already stolen one show this weekend.
Zayn is coming off one of the great matches in NXT history Friday night. He and Shinsuke Nakamura blew the roof off of NXT TakeOver: Dallas in what could be the signature match of WrestleMania weekend. It was bittersweet knowing it may be the last time we see Sami Zayn in an NXT ring, especially because he’s yet to be fully embraced by the WWE Universe.
The rest of the men in Sunday’s ladder match are a mixed bag. Dolph Ziggler has waited too long for his first singles match at WrestleMania, and it’s a shame he won’t get it this year. The Miz will remind you at every turn that he was once in the main event of WrestleMania. Stardust, Sin Cara and Zack Ryder all bring something to this match. This could exceed a lot of people’s expectations.
The New Day vs. The League Of Nations What’s At Stake – The cheers and adulation of the WWE Universe.
One of the hottest acts in WWE is stuck in a match where their W…W…E World Tag Team Championships aren’t even on the line, but there is something to be gained here. The current kings of moving merchandise in WWE are looking for cheers, and this match will likely solidify them as a team fans can get behind.
Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal (List of participants on WWE.com: Heath Slater, Curtis Axel, Adam Rose, Bo Dallas, Big Show, Kane, Tyler Breeze, Mark Henry, Jack Swagger, Fandango, Damien Sandow, Darren Young, Konnor, Viktor, Goldust, R-Truth) What’s At Stake – A big trophy. The tradition returns for the third straight WrestleMania, but look at that list of participants. Do you see an obvious winner? Makes you wonder if we could a surprise entrant and winner.
The Usos vs. The Dudley Boyz What’s At Stake – Fresh momentum toward a tag team title shot.
I was really enjoying the interaction between these two teams, but it has cooled a bit in recent weeks. Still, I’d expect them to put on a solid match, and it will be cool to see the Dudley Boyz back on the big stage at WrestleMania.
The Total Divas vs. B.A.D. & Blonde What’s At Stake – A chance to shut up the doubters.
10 Divas are thrown together into this hastily built tag team match. It’ll be Lana’s first appearance as an in-ring performer. It will be Eva Marie’s return to main roster action after some time in NXT. It will also be a big return for Emma, who reinvented herself in NXT. A lot of fans are hating on this match, but there’s a lot of talent involved.
Kalisto vs. Ryback What’s At Stake – WWE United States Championship
A year ago, the U.S. Title was on the line in one of the biggest matches of WrestleMania 31. Kalisto and Ryback have a challenge on their hands, but the story of the fighting, undersized champion against the big, musclebound bully should be effective. It just hope the fans are let inside the stadium before this match happens.
Being a WWE fan isn’t always easy. It’s hard to resist the urge to complain about things we don’t like. Just remember, Sunday is our day. Revel in your fandom and your passion for professional wrestling. Embrace those around you who love it too. Enjoy WrestleMania, and everything that’s surrounding it this weekend. There’s no better time to be a fan.
WWE RAW Wrap Up 3/7/16: Mean Street Posse – Where are They Now?
Mad Mike and Sorgatron discuss WWE RAW including Shane McMahon getting punchy with some security guards, wanting to know: Mean Street Posse – Where are they now? Y2AJ Implodes! What will get get from another AJ Styles vs Chris Jericho? Implications for WWE Roadblock and WrestleMania, and we implement a new rating system!
Tell us: How many hours of RAW were watchable for you this week?
Join us LIVE Monday shortly after WWE RAW! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+ for the link!
WWE RAW Wrap Up: Here Comes the Money
Talking WWE RAW with Mad Mike (@madmike4883), Rizz (@rizzplaysgames) Bobby (@bobbyfjtown), and Sorg (@sorgatron).
Shane McMahon is BACK! We had to clean up messes. Taking on Undertaker is so great it could have been Kayfabenews.com story. The Social Outcasts take on the super hero team up of AJ Styles and Chris Jericho, Vince McMahon jams FLOrida and Limp Bizkit on his Harley Motorcycle, The Wyatts are dead to Mad Mike as Ryback walks away, just like the fans during that match, Roman Reigns gets slammed by the crowd and Triple H as we unveil the Damian Sandow factor.
Join us LIVE Monday shortly after WWE RAW! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+ for the link!
What’s At Stake: Fastlane 2016
As we head into yet another special event on the WWE Network, I’ll try to answer one simple question: What are these guys and girls fighting over? As always, we welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below or send an email to [email protected].
Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns vs. Dean Ambrose What’s At Stake – WWE World Heavyweight Championship match against Triple H at WrestleMania
Are we doing this, or not? Is WWE going all the way with Roman Reigns, or is the company about to get cold feet again? It’s now been nearly a year since Reigns’ coronation as WWE’s next top star was put in an indefinite holding pattern. Now, here are again. It should be a foregone conclusion that Reigns will overcome the odds, defeat the nearly unstoppable juggernaut he nearly conquered last year at WrestleMania along with his longtime friend and Shield co-founder and go on to defeat Triple H for the WWE World Heavyweight Title in front of the largest live crowd in company history. Everyone say it along with me – “The Roman Reigns era has begun!”
This should be all about Reigns, but it’s not. The past few weeks have been more about Lesnar and Ambrose, who appear to be building toward a match against one another at WrestleMania or their own opportunity to dethrone Triple H. All which feel like more appealing options at this moment in time.
Reigns feels like the third wheel, even after WWE spent the past week trying to convince us that his friendship with Ambrose could implode at any moment. Perhaps that’s by design. If we’re not paying attention to him, we can’t boo him, right? The only problem is the longer WWE leaves the door open for someone else, the more likely it is that someone will walk through it.
A.J. Styles vs. Chris Jericho What’s At Stake – A.J. Styles’ future in WWE.
A.J. Styles is, in the opinion of many, the best professional wrestler on the planet. He was my choice for Wrestler Of The Year in 2014. He was named the Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Wrestler Of The Year for 2015. When he made his WWE debut in the Royal Rumble match, he was instantly the most popular guy in the building.
A.J. Styles didn’t spent a second in NXT. He is the ultimate rarity in the current WWE landscape, a guy whose skills and reputation make him worthy of a spot on the main roster the moment he signs his contract. In that way, Styles has been treated as a star by WWE. In other ways, he hasn’t. If he beats Chris Jericho decisively at Fastlane, my personal fears will probably subside. Anything less than that, and Styles could find himself on that slippery slope that others have struggled to ascend.
Charlotte vs. Brie Bella What’s At Stake – WWE Divas Championship. That dream match between Charlotte and Sasha Banks at WrestleMania.
A funny thing happened on the way to that Divas Championship match at WrestleMania between Charlotte and Sasha Banks. Perhaps this was planned all along, but it seems somewhat suspicious that suddenly sympathetic fan favorite Brie Bella is riding the wave of emotion following Daniel Bryan’s retirement into a title match that no one saw coming a few weeks ago.
Brie has openly talked about her imminent retirement. Is this a throwaway title match with fortuitous timing, or are the wheels in motion for Brie’s last hurrah as the defending Divas champion on the big stage at WrestleMania. It was supposed to be the night fans’ NXT-fueled dreams of that long-rumored Divas Revolution became reality. Instead, it could turn into a Total Divas crossover.
Kevin Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler What’s At Stake – WWE Intercontinental Championship. Perhaps, a long overdue first singles match at WrestleMania for Ziggler.
It pains me to say this about someone who’s just won the Intercontinental Title, but poor Kevin Owens. It wasn’t that long ago when rumors were swirling about him as a possible opponent for Undertaker at WrestleMania.
So much for that. It feels like Owens is stuck, even though he’s one of the most entertaining guys in WWE.
Dolph Ziggler has been beating Owens at just about every turn over the past few weeks. There’s a lot on the line for him at Fastlane. If Ziggler loses, he could tumble all the way backward into the Andre The Giant Battle Royal or some other cluttered multi-man match at WrestleMania. If he wins, he has a much better shot at a career first – a singles match at WWE’s biggest show of the year.
Becky Lynch & Sasha Banks vs. Naomi & Tamina What’s At Stake – More than likely, the next shot at the WWE Divas Championship.
Sasha Banks hadn’t been seen on television in weeks before she returned at the Royal Rumble, and appeared to literally and figuratively boot Becky Lynch out of the Divas Championship picture. It didn’t quite work the way Banks intended. Despite losing in her title match against Charlotte at the Royal Rumble, Lynch didn’t simply go away. Now, both Lynch and Banks are reluctant partners against Team B.A.D., who didn’t appreciate Banks distancing herself from them following her return. The Boss wants a Divas Championship match, but her hasty bridge burning is leaving her with too many fires to put out.
Big Show & Ryback & Kane vs. The Wyatt Family What’s At Stake – Big man supremacy in WWE.
Here’s the beef! The Wyatt Family’s latest mission is to take down the “titans” of WWE. For the purpose of this match, that includes Big Show, Ryback and Kane. Are they merely a stepping stone for the Wyatt Family before they resume their tormenting of Brock Lesnar after Fastlane, or is this a new direction entirely?
The Cutting Edge Peep Show – Guests: The New Day What’s At Stake – A direction for the WWE Tag Team Champions heading into WrestleMania.
What do you do when you’ve run out of worthy challengers to the W…W…E…World…Tag…Team…Champions? It’s an ugly problem this time of year. The New Day absolutely deserves to be in a big match at WrestleMania, but there aren’t many worthy contenders. The Usos have had more than enough chances, and the Lucha Dragons can’t move forward as long as Kalisto is the United States Champion. Some are hoping his segment will introduce a new tag team, perhaps a call-up from NXT, who can challenge The New Day at WrestleMania, but it seems more likely this will be more about promoting Edge and Christian’s new show on the WWE Network.
Kalisto vs. Alberto Del Rio What’s At Stake – WWE United States Championship. Kalisto’s bid to make it as a singles star.
These two have been at it forever. So, it makes perfect since that they settle their differences in a 2-out-of-3 falls match. If WWE thinks the Lucha Dragons can be the answer to their depleted tag team division, Alberto Del Rio is probably going to win this match and become U.S. Champion…again. Time truly is a flat circle.
