The Ringer Wrestling Show

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

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What would Kaz’s version of a "John Cena Classic" look like?David and Kaz kick off the show comparing Kaz’s New York Knicks to Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns before recapping everything that happened at Backlash this past weekend. They get into: Whether Backlash was partly the WrestleMania show WWE’s writing team actually wanted to put together Is the Seth Rollins-Bron Breakker feud over? Why this Trick Williams-Sami Zayn match was better than their WrestleMania match (and take a slight detour into Zayn and other WWE superstars’ reported pay cuts) Asuka’s potential retirement Danhausen’s mainstream appeal How strong Jacob Fatu came out of the main event Whose stock rose most after the PLE? They close out the show talking Darby Allin’s successful AEW World Championship defense over PAC at Fairway to Hell, as well as Jack Perry’s pending free agency and if he could potentially be WWE-bound. Subscribe to the⁠⁠ Ringer Wrestling YouTube channel!⁠ Be sure to follow us on⁠ BlueSky⁠,⁠ TikTok⁠,⁠ Instagram, Threads⁠, and⁠ X⁠. 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: Which sports team would you like to see Danhausen un-curse next (0:06)? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, who have mutually parted ways with WWE (4:52). Then, they discuss the following: Getting Kofi Kingston ready for the main event (12:39) What’s next for the New Day (17:33)? Did WWE drop the ball with the New Day (23:17)? The meaning of restructuring a contract (30:41) Is WWE worried about the competition (37:43)? Roman Reigns won’t work TV shows in June (45:45) Jacy Jayne defeats Charlotte Flair (56:18) Is the Bloodline running WWE again (60:17)? Who will have the biggest post-WWE career (68:51)? Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Subscribe to the Ringer Wrestling YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David and Kaz kick off the show discussing Darby Allin’s current run as fighting AEW World Champion, and what that looks like for the next few months (5:32). Then, they discuss the following: Kazuchika Okada passing the torch to Konosuke Takeshita (21:56) Lizzy Rain’s debut and devastating finishing move (32:14) Will Kroos debuts on NXT (36:56) Which NXT call-ups have the biggest upside? (45:31) Thoughts on Roman Reigns’s full-time schedule (1:02:57) Three matches set for WWE Backlash (1:16:59) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Subscribe to the Ringer Wrestling YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David and Kaz kick off the show discussing the recent releases of 20-plus WWE superstars (4:40). Then, they discuss the Hulk Hogan documentary (29:43). Afterward they recap the following from WWE ‘Raw’:Jacob Fatu challenging Roman Reigns (48:12)Bron Breakker steps to Seth Rollins (50:58)Oba Femi created the “Oba Femi Open Challenge" (52:49) The Street Profits are not friends with Seth Rollins (56:42)Rey Mysterio Jr. defeats El Grande Americano (57:58)Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X.Subscribe to the Ringer Wrestling YouTube channel!Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem FamuyideProducer: Brian H. WatersAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If you could have anyone come on HOT97 and start a fake fight, who would it be?David and Kaz kick off the show discussing wrestling fan behavior throughout WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas(5:49). Then they discuss the following:Je’Von Evans jumping into Kaz’s arms (18:03)Whether or not Brock Lesnar is really retired (23:21Sol Ruca and Ethan Page debut on WWE ’Raw’ ( 27:29)The Street Profits Return (30:11)CM Punk to challenge Cody Rhodes (34:51)Tommaso Ciampa vs Darby Allin (37:42)Later they sit down with the director of the four-part Hulk Hogan documentary, Bryan Storkel, and got some insight on the process (44:36)! They discussed the following:The most difficult thing to convey about Hogan (45:01)How many times did they interview Hogan? (46:23)What was Hogan like at the end? (47:06)The most revealing interview (50:20)The differences between Hulk Hogan and Terry Bollea (53:12)The challenges of telling Hogan's story (10:56)Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem FamuyideGuest: Bryan StorkelProducer: Brian H. WatersAdditional Production Supervision: Ben CruzCheck out David’s special PSA to wrestling fans on our YouTube channel.Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X.Subscribe to the Ringer Wrestling YouTube channel!Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, Ben Cruz, and Brian H. WatersProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David, Kaz, and Brian fire up the mics on Monday morning in Las Vegas to recap WrestleMania 42!Finn Bálor is OK (1:20)Cody Rhodes defeats Randy Orton (4:29)Roman Reigns wins the World Heavyweight Championship (11:48)Oba Femi defeats Brock Lesnar (13:45)Pénta retains his intercontinental title (23:47)Winners of the weekend (37:13)Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X.Subscribe to the Ringer Wrestling YouTube channel!Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, and Brian H. WatersProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer Wrestling crew is live in Las Vegas for WrestleMania 42!To close out ’Mania weekend, the guys kick it with their last group of WWE Superstars:Ricky Saints (00:41)Royce Keys (20:05)Cruz Del Toro (31:43)Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide and Ben CruzGuests: Ricky Saints, Royce Keys and Cruz Del ToroProducers: Brian H. Waters and Stefano Sanchez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer Wrestling crew is live in Las Vegas for WrestleMania 42!With The Show of Shows finally here, the guys lock up with four more WWE Superstars:Ilja Dragunov (00:36)Zelina and Aleister Black (22:01)B-Fab (41:46)Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide and Brian H. WatersGuests: Ilja Dragunov, Zelina, Aleister Black and B-FabProducers: Brian H. Waters and Stefano SanchezAdditional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer Wrestling crew is live in Las Vegas for WrestleMania 42!Today, they tap in with two of WWE’s young stars:Dominik Mysterio (00:45)Austin Theory (15:54)Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, Brian H. Waters and Ben CruzGuests: Dominik Mysterio and Austin TheoryProducers: Brian H. Waters and Stefano Sanchez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer Wrestling crew is live in Las Vegas for WrestleMania 42! They get an early start to the weekend’s festivities by sitting down to talk with four of WWE’s biggest stars: Kit Wilson (1:17) Nia Jax and Lash Legend (13:01) Je’Von Evans (29:41) Then, David chats with writer Brad Balukjian about his new Ringer dot com piece, “The History of WrestleMania 2” (34:01). Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Guests: Kit Wilson, Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Je’Von Evans, and Brad Balukjian Producer: Brian H. Waters Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices